The Actual News

Key Facts

• An elite military unit in Madagascar has declared it has taken control from President Andry Rajoelina.
• Protests began due to water and power cuts and later included issues like unemployment and corruption.
• Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced the military would create a new government and hold elections within two years.
• The military suspended key democratic institutions, such as the electoral commission.
• The Malagasy constitutional court named Col Randrianirina as the new leader, though the president's office denied this transition of power.
• President Rajoelina, unknown location, claims he is in a "safe place" after an alleged attack on him.
• The unrest resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, according to UN reports.
• The African Union and French President Macron expressed concerns over the military's involvement in politics.

Key Facts

• President Trump made a significant visit to Israel and Egypt, which was seen as influential in the ceasefire agreement.
• Trump pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire and hostage exchange with Hamas.
• The ceasefire involved negotiations led by Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt alongside the United States.
• The agreement includes a ceasefire and exchange of hostages for prisoners, not a comprehensive peace deal.
• A 20-point plan requires further agreements to demilitarize the Gaza Strip and establish a governing committee.
• There is currently no strong political momentum toward a full peace resolution in the Middle East.
• Trump prioritized American interests, highlighted by his reaction to Netanyahu’s missile strike on Qatar.
• The ceasefire is fragile, and there is concern it could be violated without firm agreements.

Key Facts

• Around 80,000 people protested in Brussels against austerity measures.
• Protesters are against potential cuts to pensions and healthcare.
• Flights at Brussels International Airport were canceled due to airport security staff strikes.
• Public transport in Brussels was heavily disrupted by the strike.
• The protests were led by large trade unions opposing the government's budget plans.
• Some protests turned violent, with police using tear gas and arresting several protesters.
• The planned measures are part of efforts to save about $12 billion to tackle a budget deficit.
• The protests increased pressure on the government, which has not finalized next year's budget.

Key Facts

• Migrants applying for specific UK visas will need to demonstrate A-level standard English from January 8, 2026.
• The B2 English level required is higher than the current B1, equivalent to UK GCSE level.
• This change is part of a wider plan to cut immigration numbers as outlined in a recent white paper.
• Skilled workers must work for approved employers and earn a minimum salary threshold.
• The scale-up visa targets those joining fast-growing businesses, while the high potential individual visa requires recent qualifications from top global universities.
• Net migration to the UK decreased to 431,000 in 2024, down from a record high of 906,000 in 2023.
• Additional changes include a reduction in the post-study work period for international students to 18 months.
• Employers sponsoring foreign workers face increased immigration skills charges, depending on the organization's size.

Key Facts

• Dallin H. Oaks is the newly appointed president of the Mormon church.
• Oaks was previously a Utah Supreme Court justice.
• The church has more than 17 million members worldwide.
• Oaks takes over following the death of the previous president, Russell M. Nelson.
• The church follows a tradition where the longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes president.
• As president, Oaks is considered a prophet and will set church policy.
• Oaks announced plans to slow the number of new temple constructions.
• His leadership comes amid challenges, including a recent congregation attack in Michigan.

Key Facts

• The summit took place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
• President Donald Trump attended the summit.
• The summit was originally meant to discuss a ceasefire plan for Gaza.
• Much attention was given to President Trump instead of the ceasefire.
• Marwan Bishara, an Al Jazeera analyst, highlighted this shift in focus.

Key Facts

Key Facts

• D’Angelo was a Grammy-award winning singer.
• His real name was Michael Eugene Archer.
• He died at age 51 after having cancer.
• D’Angelo helped create the neo-soul style of music, mixing R&B, hip-hop, and jazz.
• He released three albums and won four Grammy awards.
• His song "Untitled (How Does it Feel)" became well-known thanks to its music video.

Key Facts

• John T. Edge has written books and articles about the American South's food and culture.
• He published a new memoir called "House of Smoke: A Southerner Goes Searching for Home".
• The book explores Edge's childhood experiences and his family's complex history.
• Edge's mother struggled with alcoholism, which is detailed in the book.
• His father's job involved traveling as a federal probation and parole officer.
• Edge grew up in a historic home linked to significant Civil War figures.
• The memoir discusses Edge's journey away from the glorified myths of the Old South.
• He left the Southern Foodways Alliance in 2020 under controversial circumstances.

Key Facts

• Dr. Hagai Levine leads a medical team focused on helping former hostages.
• The team is part of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
• The process involves helping hostages recover from physical and emotional trauma.
• The rehabilitation plan covers both medical and psychological care.
• Dr. Levine was interviewed by NPR about these efforts.
• The program aims to support hostages' healing after their captivity.
• The discussion was part of NPR's "All Things Considered" program.

Key Facts

• The new earthquakes occurred in the Philippines on Monday and Tuesday.
• Last week's earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4 and triggered a tsunami warning.
• The latest quakes ranged between magnitude 4.8 and 5.5.
• There were no reports of injuries or damage from the recent quakes.
• The region experiences frequent seismic activity because it is near the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• The Philippines is located at the intersection of three major tectonic plates, leading to complex fault lines.

Key Facts

• The IMF predicts global economic growth of 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026.
• These growth rates are slightly better than those projected in July but lower than last year's estimates.
• U.S. economic growth is expected to be 2% in 2025, which is slower than the previous year's growth rate.
• AI investments and lower tariffs in the U.S. have slightly improved economic growth.
• The IMF warns about the risks of an AI investment bubble, which could harm the economy if it bursts.
• Reducing tariffs to pre-Trump levels could boost global growth by about 0.3 percentage points.
• Renewed U.S.-China trade tensions, with potential new tariffs, pose a risk to global trade.

Key Facts

• The pension reform law in France would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
• Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu plans to propose suspending this reform until 2028.
• France has experienced widespread protests against the reform and other government measures.
• President Emmanuel Macron initially signed the pension reform into law as part of his economic policy.
• Lecornu faces two upcoming no-confidence votes from opposition parties.
• France's debt level is high, and the government is working to pass an austerity budget.
• Suspending the pension reform could cost France up to 1.8 billion euros by 2027.
• Political instability in France continues, with ongoing protests and tense parliamentary debates.

Key Facts

• Flooding in Mexico has caused at least 64 deaths across five states.
• 65 people are reported missing due to the flooding.
• Approximately 100,000 homes have been damaged by the floods.
• The floods affected areas like Poza Rica, an oil town near the Gulf of Mexico.
• Oil residues have added to the cleanup challenge in these areas.
• Mexico has deployed about 10,000 troops and numerous civilian rescue teams.
• Helicopters are providing food and water to isolated communities.
• The floods were attributed to two tropical weather systems, Hurricane Pricilla and Tropical Storm Raymond.

Key Facts

• Aid trucks are delivering supplies to Khan Younis, a city in Gaza.
• A ceasefire deal allowed Palestinian detainees to reunite with their families.
• A resident wants stability and a better economy to raise their children.
• The UNDP is inspecting Gaza's damage, with over 80% of buildings damaged or destroyed.
• The Israeli Defense Forces identified bodies of four hostages returned by Hamas.
• Families are upset that the bodies of up to 24 other hostages have not been returned.

Key Facts

• Israel appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to compete in the gymnastics world championships in Indonesia.
• CAS turned down Israel’s request to make the International Gymnastics Federation guarantee their participation.
• Indonesia will not issue visas to Israeli gymnasts, affecting their ability to compete.
• The FIG noted Indonesia's decision but did not relocate the event as their rules allow.
• Indonesia's refusal is linked to its support for Palestinians and opposition to Israel's participation.
• Israel is one of 86 countries registered for the championships, with notable athletes like Olympic champion Artem Dolgopyat.
• Earlier, Israeli officials stated they were assured by Indonesia that they could participate, contrary to Indonesia's usual policy.

Key Facts

• Baroness D'Souza faces an eight-week suspension from the House of Lords.
• She wrote to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner about speeding fines totaling £400.
• Her letter used official House of Lords stationery, which is against the rules.
• The Lords Standards Commissioner concluded this was an effort to influence the police.
• Baroness D'Souza said her letter was "unwise" and regretted sending it.
• Her appeal against the suspension was rejected.
• She was previously criticized for high expenses on chauffeur-driven cars.
• The suspension, if approved by the House, will take effect immediately.

Key Facts

• Bipin Joshi was a 23-year-old Nepalese student working on a kibbutz in Israel.
• During a Hamas attack, Bipin threw back a grenade, saving the life of his friend Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary.
• Bipin was captured and later identified among four deceased hostages returned by Hamas.
• The attack happened on October 7, 2023, and Bipin was one of 250 people taken captive.
• Dhan Bahadur and other students were in Israel under an "Earn and Learn Programme."
• Ten Nepalese students died in the attack, and Bipin was the only one captured alive.
• Bipin was believed to have been killed in captivity, but details remain unclear.

Key Facts

• Ashley Joachim Tellis is a senior adviser at the State Department and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
• He is charged with the unlawful retention of national defense information.
• Investigators found more than 1,000 classified documents in Tellis' home in Vienna, Virginia.
• Tellis has allegedly met with Chinese officials multiple times since 2022.
• Court documents claim that Tellis used a secret-level computer system at the State Department to access sensitive information.
• During a search, classified documents were reportedly found in trash bags in his home.
• Tellis and his family had planned to travel to Rome before his arrest.
• He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty.

Key Facts

• A high surf advisory is in effect for the north and west shores of several Hawaiian islands.
• The advisory warns of waves reaching 15 to 20 feet on north-facing shores and 12 to 16 feet on west-facing shores.
• The waves are caused by a moderate-sized northwest swell.
• Strong waves and currents pose risks for swimmers, surfers, and people near the water.
• People are urged to follow ocean safety officials' advice and avoid entering the water.
• Hawaii has experienced near drownings and water rescues during previous high surf conditions.
• The advisory may extend if wave conditions persist.
• A small craft advisory is also in place, advising inexperienced mariners to avoid navigation.