Thousands of people at Hawaii beaches were warned about 20-foot waves caused by a northwest swell. The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for several islands, including Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. People are advised to stay out of the water due to strong currents and dangerous waves until the advisory ends at 6 p.m. HST on Tuesday.
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.
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Gavin Williamson, the former UK Education Secretary, told a Covid inquiry that ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson prioritized the National Health Service (NHS) over children by deciding to close schools in January 2021. Williamson mentioned disagreements with Johnson, particularly criticizing the decision to shut schools, which he felt did not fully consider the impact on children. The inquiry is examining how the pandemic affected children and young people.
Key Facts
Gavin Williamson criticized Boris Johnson for prioritizing the NHS over children during the pandemic.
The decision to close schools in January 2021 was described as "unnecessary" by Williamson.
Williamson accused Johnson of giving false hope to parents regarding school reopening plans in May 2020.
The Covid inquiry is investigating the pandemic's impact on children and young people.
Schools closed on January 5, 2021, just one day after reopening.
Williamson admitted to mistakes made in planning for school closures and expressed regret.
He explained that decisions during Covid-19 were centrally directed and he lacked the freedom to plan independently.
Headteachers began planning for school closures before official announcements were made.
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PFAS are chemicals that spread widely across the planet and do not break down easily. These chemicals, found in many everyday products, have been linked to health issues like cancer. Efforts are underway to hold those responsible for their spread accountable.
Key Facts
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
These chemicals are commonly called "Forever Chemicals" because they do not break down.
PFAS contamination is a global issue, affecting regions from the polar zones to the Amazon rainforest.
They are found in products such as cookware, cosmetics, raincoats, firefighting foam, and motor oil.
PFAS exposure is linked to several health problems, including cancer.
Efforts are ongoing to seek justice and accountability for PFAS pollution impact.
PFAS have been used for decades due to their heatproof, waterproof, and greaseproof properties.
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A DNA test confirmed that Julia Wandelt is not missing child Madeleine McCann, according to a court hearing. Wandelt, along with Karen Spragg, faces charges of stalking the McCann family by making claims and confronting them. Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007, and the case remains unsolved.
Key Facts
Julia Wandelt claimed to be Madeleine McCann and was involved in legal proceedings for allegedly stalking the McCann family.
A DNA test was conducted on Wandelt in February 2025, confirming she is not Madeleine McCann.
Wandelt and Karen Spragg, her co-defendant, deny stalking charges, which reportedly caused distress to Madeleine's parents.
Madeleine McCann went missing in Portugal in 2007, and her disappearance is still unsolved.
Operation Grange is the ongoing investigation by UK police into Madeleine's disappearance.
Wandelt allegedly pursued the McCanns with messages, calls, and even visited their home demanding a DNA test.
Press coverage of Wandelt's claims increased after she contacted the McCanns and the police.
The court heard that Spragg supported Wandelt's claims and allegedly confronted the McCanns directly.
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President Donald Trump, speaking on Air Force One, mentioned plans to rebuild Gaza following a ceasefire. The ceasefire deal he negotiated includes stopping military actions, releasing Israeli hostages, and sending immediate aid to Gaza. Details about securing and governing Gaza after rebuilding were not fully addressed.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump talked about plans to rebuild Gaza after a ceasefire.
The ceasefire includes stopping military actions in the region.
Israeli hostages held by Hamas are to be released as part of the deal.
The agreement also involves sending immediate help to Gaza.
President Trump did not provide detailed plans on how Gaza would be secured or governed after rebuilding.
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Russian forces attacked a hospital in Kharkiv and a United Nations convoy in Kherson, Ukraine. These incidents occurred just before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss military support, including potential Tomahawk missiles. The attacks injured many and raised concerns about international law violations.
Key Facts
Russian forces struck a hospital in Kharkiv, injuring 57 people and leading to the evacuation of 50 patients.
A UN convoy delivering aid in Kherson was attacked by Russian forces; no injuries were reported.
The attacks have been condemned as violations of international law by both Ukraine and the UN.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet U.S. President Trump to discuss the supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
Tomahawk missiles are long-range missiles that could allow Ukraine to target areas deep inside Russia.
Washington had previously hesitated to supply these missiles due to concerns about escalating the conflict.
Russia's attacks have focused on Ukraine's energy facilities, leading to power outages across the country.
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A TikTok video of a dog named Sandra staged a silent protest after her owner took her home from a playdate, gaining over 526,000 views. Sandra, a rescue dog adopted by Hannah Veglas, has become popular for her 'sassy' behavior, which is explored in a video series on TikTok.
Key Facts
The dog named Sandra protested after her owner picked her up from a playdate.
The video of this protest has been viewed over 526,000 times on TikTok.
Sandra was adopted by Hannah Veglas from the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Veglas created a TikTok account for Sandra, gaining 24,700 followers.
Sandra attends playdates at Veglas's parents' house, visiting two or three times a month.
The behavior of 'sassiness' in dogs like Sandra is considered a part of their personality.
Dog experts suggest positive reinforcement and training to manage such behavior.
The video was well-received, with viewers finding Sandra's behavior amusing.
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In response to a major earthquake in Afghanistan, the Taliban showed inconsistent actions regarding female aid workers. They invited more female health workers for women survivors but also restricted women from some affected areas briefly. These actions highlight the Taliban's ongoing internal struggles in governing the country.
Key Facts
A 6-magnitude earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan in late August.
More than 800 people died, and over 2,700 were injured from the quake and aftershocks.
The Taliban asked for more female health workers to help female survivors of the earthquake.
Female U.N. staffers faced temporary restrictions from reaching affected areas.
Some Taliban officials suspended most internet and cell service, complicating aid efforts.
Many women and girls were affected because men often migrate for work, and females tend to stay home.
The Taliban released videos of rescues, showing mostly men due to cultural norms.
Women were rescued but not filmed according to Taliban rules, as reported by local aid workers.
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Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy shared details about a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in his new memoir. In the meeting, Putin discussed Russia's stance on capital punishment and made a notable comment about sitting close to murderers. This account highlights the ongoing complex relations between the United States and Russia.
Key Facts
Anthony Kennedy is a former Supreme Court Justice appointed by President Ronald Reagan.
Kennedy's memoir, "Life, Law & Liberty: A Memoir," includes an account of his meeting with Putin.
The meeting with Putin took place during an international law conference in Russia.
Kennedy described the meeting as "chilling," noting Putin's comment about sitting across from murderers.
The memoir excerpt was published by SCOTUSblog.
Kennedy served as a Supreme Court Justice from 1988 to 2018.
Tensions between the U.S. and Russia continue, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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President Donald Trump made a brief visit to the Middle East, primarily to discuss a new ceasefire deal in Gaza. The deal led to a halt in major fighting, the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The trip highlighted concerns about whether this fragile peace can last.
Key Facts
President Trump took a day-long trip to the Middle East focused on the ceasefire deal in Gaza.
The trip included a visit to Tel Aviv and a brief fly-by of the beach with a thank you message.
Gaza's ceasefire deal, facilitated in Doha, ended major fighting and led to prisoner exchanges.
Trump expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold, despite existing challenges.
The ceasefire deal included the release of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
There is a proposal for an International Stabilization Force, but it has not been agreed upon yet.
The reception in Tel Aviv included a ceremony featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump's visit coincided with celebrations in Israel over the release of hostages.
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The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, stated that recognizing Palestinian statehood helped achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. He mentioned that the ceasefire deal primarily belongs to US President Donald Trump, while acknowledging the UK's role in facilitating peace efforts. The UK is committed to supporting Gaza's reconstruction and providing humanitarian aid.
Key Facts
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, announced that UK recognition of Palestinian statehood contributed to a Gaza ceasefire.
A summit in Egypt highlighted the agreement, which is identified as a deal by US President Donald Trump.
The UK plans to give £20 million in aid to Gaza for necessities like water and sanitation.
The UK will not send troops but will help monitor the ceasefire and offer diplomatic support.
The ceasefire plan includes talks about Hamas disarming and rebuilding Gaza, led by Trump and a "peace board."
The UK's decision to recognize Palestinian statehood was taken with allies such as France, Canada, and Australia.
There are concerns about how lasting the peace agreement will be.
Critics within the UK argue that recognizing Palestine without hostage conditions affects UK influence negatively.
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This week, a wide variety of new books were released, including memoirs, comics journalism, speculative fiction, horror, and humor. Some notable books include a memoir by Susan Orlean, a novel by Megha Majumdar, and a comics journalism book by Joe Sacco.
Key Facts
A diverse range of new books is available this week, spanning different genres and themes.
Susan Orlean released a memoir titled "Joyride," which explores her personal writing journey.
Megha Majumdar's novel "A Guardian and a Thief" is set in a future affected by climate change and is shortlisted for a National Book Award.
Joe Sacco's "The Once and Future Riot" is a comics journalism book that examines the causes and effects of riots.
The new books cover settings as varied as Polynesia and Antarctica.
These releases showcase strong competition within the publishing industry for attention.
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President Donald Trump stated that the United States' financial aid to Argentina depends on Javier Milei remaining in power as its leader. He mentioned that the U.S. might stop aid if Milei's government falls, right after the U.S. approved a $20 billion bailout for Argentina.
Key Facts
President Trump connected U.S. aid to Argentina with the continued leadership of Javier Milei.
Milei is described as a libertarian leader advocating for pro-capitalist policies.
The U.S. recently approved a $20 billion bailout for Argentina.
President Trump suggested that U.S. generosity might decrease if Milei loses power.
The announcement was made on Tuesday.
The story is currently developing, with more updates expected.
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Israeli settlers, often with the support of soldiers, have increased attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. These incidents have included destroying property, injuring people, and taking over land. The violence has grown since the start of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers have frequently attacked Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly since October 2023.
On a recent night, settlers uprooted 150 olive trees in Bardala, impacting several families.
The United Nations reports nearly 3,000 settler attacks over the last two years in the West Bank.
Data shows settler violence rising, with 1,449 attacks in 2024 and over 1,000 by August 2025.
More than 1,000 Palestinians have died and nearly 10,000 injured in the West Bank since October 7, 2023.
Settler attacks tend to increase during the olive harvest, a critical economic period for Palestinians.
Approximately 600,000 to 750,000 settlers reside in over 250 settlements and outposts in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Since the Gaza conflict started, over 3,400 Palestinians have been displaced due to settler violence and movement restrictions.
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The U.S. military, under President Donald Trump's administration, struck a boat near Venezuela that was accused of carrying drugs, resulting in six deaths. This action is part of a series of strikes against alleged drug traffickers, which has caused debate in the U.S. government. Some U.S. lawmakers are questioning the legal reasoning behind these military actions.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. struck a small boat suspected of drug trafficking near Venezuela, killing six people.
This incident is the fifth strike in the Caribbean under Trump's administration against alleged drug traffickers.
There is controversy in Congress about the legal justification for these strikes, with opposition from both Republicans and Democrats.
President Trump claims the strikes are against "narcoterrorist networks" and occur in international waters.
A recent Senate vote failed to pass a resolution to limit the Trump administration's power to conduct such strikes without Congressional approval.
The Trump administration asserts these actions are part of a conflict with terrorist organizations and follow the law of armed conflict.
Some Venezuelan officials accuse the U.S. of using drug-trafficking allegations as a pretext for regime change in Venezuela.
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The son of an Israeli hostage, Rotem Cooper, expressed frustration that his father's body and others were not returned from Gaza despite a recent agreement. While 20 living hostages were released as part of a ceasefire and exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, many families are still waiting for the bodies of deceased loved ones. President Trump, Qatar, and Egypt have been urged to pressure Hamas to ensure all remains are returned.
Key Facts
Rotem Cooper's father, Amiram, was among the hostages killed during captivity in Gaza.
A ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas involved exchanging nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners for hostages.
The agreement promised that hostages' bodies would be returned by a specific deadline, but not all were located.
Families expected the return of at least 15 to 20 bodies, but only four were returned.
Rotem Cooper criticized the lack of return and called for international intervention.
Amiram Cooper was kidnapped during the 7 October 2023 attacks led by Hamas, and his wife was released later.
Hamas claims Amiram was killed by an Israeli military strike, but circumstances remain unconfirmed by IDF.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum demands action from the Israeli government before continuing the peace plan.
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An Israeli military action in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of at least five Palestinians, despite a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The conflict happened as Israeli soldiers reported that they fired on people approaching their positions, violating the established ceasefire boundary. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and challenges in maintaining the ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
At least five Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza City.
The incident occurred in the Shujayea neighborhood, a region in Gaza City.
The Israeli military claimed they fired to neutralize a threat from people who approached their forces.
The ceasefire agreement, reached last week, aims to cease hostilities and includes an exchange of prisoners.
The agreement involves moving Israeli troops back to a line known as the "yellow line."
President Trump shared a rough map showing that about 58% of Gaza remains under Israeli control.
There is uncertainty and lack of detailed plans in the initial ceasefire phase, including future reconstruction and statehood.
Israeli forces have not fully committed to pulling back and may stay in a buffer zone for security reasons.
Internal clashes in Gaza between Hamas and other groups add to the complex situation.
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In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a protest over cuts to government pensions led to violent clashes between demonstrators and police. During the protest, Jonathan Navarro was injured by rubber bullets and lost sight in one of his eyes. The protest aimed to address pension reductions and involved both pensioners and supporters.
Key Facts
The protest took place in front of Argentina’s Congress building in Buenos Aires.
Demonstrators were protesting against cuts to government benefits and pensions.
Jonathan Navarro, a protester, was injured by rubber bullets and lost his left eye’s sight.
The protest was larger than usual, with supporters including rival football fans.
Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear the crowds.
Navarro was protesting on behalf of his father, a retiree who struggles with medication costs.
The protest turned violent, resulting in hospitalizations and serious injuries.
The demonstration was part of a series of weekly protests by pensioners.
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A 90-year-old woman named Maryette McFarland graduated with a degree in English Literature from the Open University. She began her studies in the 1960s and completed them recently with the help of her family and tutors. Her achievement shows it is never too late to reach educational goals.
Key Facts
Maryette McFarland is 90 years old and has recently graduated from the Open University.
She started studying for her degree 70 years ago but left to get married.
She resumed her studies at the Open University after recovering from a car accident.
Her family, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, supported her, especially in using online tools.
McFarland had a supportive tutor who helped her throughout her studies.
Her graduation ceremony took place in Belfast, where her family gathered to celebrate.
McFarland shared a message that it is never too late to pursue learning and achieve educational goals.
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French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that he supports pausing President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms. The reforms, which increased the retirement age from 62 to 64, have faced opposition and led to confidence votes against Lecornu's government. Lecornu’s decision aims to gain support from Socialist MPs to avoid government collapse.
Key Facts
French PM Sébastien Lecornu supports pausing the 2023 pension reform.
The reform raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Confidence votes against Lecornu are scheduled for later this week.
The suspension could cost €400 million in 2026 and €1.8 billion in 2027.
Socialist MPs may support Lecornu’s government if the reform is suspended.
The reform was passed without a parliamentary vote using a special rule.
France has a public debt of €3.4 trillion, about 114% of its GDP, the third highest in the eurozone.
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