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Army general named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests

Army general named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests

Summary

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina appointed an army general as the new prime minister to address youth-led protests against his government. The protests began over issues like water and power outages but have grown to include broader concerns about corruption and unemployment. Despite this change in leadership, protestors continue to demand President Rajoelina's resignation.

Key Facts

  • President Andry Rajoelina named Gen Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, an army general, as the new prime minister.
  • The appointment followed President Rajoelina's dismissal of former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and his cabinet.
  • Youth-led protests began on September 25, driven by public dissatisfaction with water and power shortages, and later expanded to include issues like corruption and high unemployment.
  • The protest group named Gen Z Mada rejected the new prime minister and gave Rajoelina 48 hours to resign.
  • The United Nations reported at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries during the protests, which the government disputes.
  • Security forces have clashed with protesters in several cities, including the capital Antananarivo, as well as Toliara and Diego Suarez.
  • Madagascar has a history of political unrest, including a major protest in 2009 that led to a change in leadership.
  • Despite having natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries globally, with only a third of its population having access to electricity.
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Commuter Sees Bag Thrown Next To Train Tracks—Horror Over What’s Inside

Commuter Sees Bag Thrown Next To Train Tracks—Horror Over What’s Inside

Summary

A 12-week-old kitten, named Mavis, was found inside a bag thrown over a fence near a London train station. A passerby discovered and rescued the kitten, which is now being cared for by the RSPCA. Investigations are ongoing to find out who was responsible for abandoning the kitten.

Key Facts

  • A passerby found a young kitten in a bag thrown near Clapham Junction station in London.
  • The kitten, now named Mavis, was uninjured and is receiving care from the RSPCA.
  • The RSPCA is the leading animal welfare charity in the U.K.
  • The kitten had no identification chip.
  • Over 2.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters in the first half of 2025.
  • Many U.S. shelters face capacity issues, with more animals arriving than leaving.
  • Investigators are using CCTV to help find the person who abandoned the kitten.
  • The story gained attention online, sparking strong reactions from the public.
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Thieves snatch Bronze Age gold in four-minute museum heist

Thieves snatch Bronze Age gold in four-minute museum heist

Summary

Thieves stole gold artefacts from the St Fagans National Museum of History in Wales in a quick four-minute heist. The robbers targeted specific items in the museum's Bronze Age collection, leaving authorities unable to specify which artefacts were taken. The police responded quickly but were unable to catch the thieves.

Key Facts

  • The robbery took place at the St Fagans National Museum of History in Wales.
  • Thieves stole gold artefacts from the museum's Bronze Age collection.
  • The heist lasted approximately four minutes.
  • Police were called and arrived within five minutes, using a helicopter in the search.
  • The museum's chief executive said the thieves knew exactly what they were after.
  • It remains unclear what specific items were stolen or their value.
  • St Fagans is a popular heritage museum in Wales, founded in 1948.
  • The museum experienced a major redevelopment in 2018.
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Hearts Break Over Face of ‘Terrified’ Rescue Dog on First Night in New Home

Hearts Break Over Face of ‘Terrified’ Rescue Dog on First Night in New Home

Summary

A woman named Raegan shared her story on TikTok about Daisy, a golden retriever she adopted from previous owners who gave her away for being "too annoying." Daisy was very scared on her first night in the new home, refusing to leave her crate and shaking when anyone tried to pet her. Over time, Daisy has become comfortable and is now happy with her new family.

Key Facts

  • Raegan adopted Daisy, a golden retriever, from someone who gave her away for free.
  • Daisy was frightened on her first night in her new home and stayed inside her crate.
  • The video of Daisy's first night has been viewed around 90,000 times on TikTok.
  • TikTok users reacted, sharing their empathy for Daisy’s initial fear.
  • Commenters encouraged Raegan to give Daisy a happy life.
  • Raegan confirmed that Daisy is now settled and content with her new family.
  • Golden retrievers are known for being friendly and are popular family pets.
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What Piers Morgan Said About Harry, Meghan and Race in Book

What Piers Morgan Said About Harry, Meghan and Race in Book

Summary

Piers Morgan discussed his involvement in addressing allegations of racism made by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry about the royal family. In his new book, Morgan identifies King Charles III and Princess Kate as the royal members involved in these race-related conversations. He argues that the public's perception of the couple's claims has changed over time.

Key Facts

  • Piers Morgan wrote a book called "Woke Is Dead."
  • Meghan Markle alleged that a royal family member raised concerns about her unborn child's skin color.
  • Morgan named King Charles III and Princess Kate as the individuals involved, based on information he revealed on his TV show.
  • Morgan was criticized and lost his job after disputing Meghan's claims during a live broadcast.
  • He believes the public's view of Meghan and Harry's allegations has shifted since their interview in 2021.
  • Morgan claims his disclosure helped quell public speculation about the royal family.
  • Prince Harry accused Morgan of having a personal vendetta against him and Meghan.
  • Harry connected Morgan to allegations of illegal media practices while he was editor at a newspaper.
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Woman Cooks Single Prawn With No Seasoning—and the Reason Melts Hearts

Woman Cooks Single Prawn With No Seasoning—and the Reason Melts Hearts

Summary

A viral Instagram video shows a London-based cat owner cooking a single, unseasoned prawn for her kitten named Steve. The video gained over 1 million likes as people enjoyed seeing the effort taken to include the kitten at mealtime, since spices can be harmful to cats.

Key Facts

  • The video was shared by a user with the handle @tony.thetux and went viral on Instagram.
  • The cat owner cooked one prawn without seasoning for her kitten because spices can be harmful to cats.
  • The kitten's name is Steve, and he is a 5-month-old tuxedo cat.
  • The owner wanted to include Steve in their meal since he can't eat spicy or seasoned foods.
  • Many human foods, such as onions and garlic, can be toxic to cats.
  • The video received over 1 million likes on Instagram.
  • Viewers related to the video, sharing their own experiences of including pets in mealtimes with unseasoned food.
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Macron should call early presidential vote, his first PM says

Macron should call early presidential vote, his first PM says

Summary

Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe suggested that President Emmanuel Macron should appoint a prime minister to pass the budget and call early presidential elections due to France's ongoing political crisis. This follows the resignation of Sébastien Lecornu, France's third prime minister in a year, as political tensions grow and Macron's parliamentary majority has been lost.

Key Facts

  • Emmanuel Macron is facing a political crisis in France and has lost his parliamentary majority.
  • Édouard Philippe, a former prime minister, recommends appointing a new prime minister and calling for early presidential elections.
  • Sébastien Lecornu, the current prime minister, resigned after just 26 days, marking the third prime ministerial resignation in a year.
  • Gabriel Attal, a former prime minister, expressed his confusion with Macron's decisions on national TV.
  • France's budget deficit is expected to reach 5.4% of its GDP this year.
  • Macron has been the President of France since 2017 and has faced pressure from both radical left and hard-right political opponents.
  • Political ally François Bayrou resigned after losing a confidence vote last month.
  • Talks are ongoing among political leaders to address the crisis.
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Millions in Texas Told To Share Rides, Take Lunch to Work

Millions in Texas Told To Share Rides, Take Lunch to Work

Summary

Millions of people in Texas were advised to reduce pollution by sharing rides and taking other measures after air quality alerts were issued for some major cities. The alerts were due to expected high levels of ozone, which can cause health problems for sensitive groups like children and people with asthma. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality warned that certain areas might experience "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" air quality levels.

Key Facts

  • Air quality alerts were issued for the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas.
  • The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality named the day an "ozone action day."
  • Ozone pollution can harm people with asthma, children, older adults, and those active outdoors.
  • People were encouraged to share rides, walk, and take lunch to work to reduce pollution.
  • Light winds, warm temperatures, and clear skies contribute to higher ozone levels.
  • The Air Quality Index measures pollution levels; from 101-150 is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups."
  • September and early October are peak periods for ozone pollution due to lingering conditions.
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New Mom Shares Tip on Surviving Baby Cries—Then Comes Viral Backlash

New Mom Shares Tip on Surviving Baby Cries—Then Comes Viral Backlash

Summary

A mother from Canada defended using headphones while holding her crying baby in response to accusations of neglect after her video went viral. She explained that headphones help her stay calm without ignoring her baby's needs. The video led to mixed reactions, with some supporting her choice and others criticizing it.

Key Facts

  • Cassidy Frizzell from Atlantic Canada posted a TikTok video showing her using headphones while holding her crying baby.
  • She explained the headphones help her stay calm and still hear her baby when overwhelmed.
  • The video led to accusations of neglect, but Frizzell clarified she always meets her baby’s needs.
  • Frizzell learned about various coping methods in the hospital, including using headphones as a strategy.
  • The concept of the PURPLE crying period was mentioned as a developmental phase in newborns.
  • Opinions on her approach varied, but many users supported her decision, emphasizing the importance of parental mental health.
  • Frizzell received more positive feedback after explaining her approach in a follow-up video.
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Woman Brings Home McDonald’s—Dog’s Reaction to Burger Goes Viral

Woman Brings Home McDonald’s—Dog’s Reaction to Burger Goes Viral

Summary

A video of a dog named Tiki jumping to snatch a McDonald's burger from its owner went viral on TikTok. The amusing incident sparked discussions about "counter-surfing," a common problem where dogs steal food. The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers advice on how to manage this behavior.

Key Facts

  • A woman returning home with McDonald's was surprised when her dog, Tiki, jumped and took her burger.
  • The incident was recorded by a home security camera and shared on TikTok, quickly gaining attention.
  • Commenters on TikTok found the situation humorous and largely blamed the owner for holding the burger too low.
  • This behavior is known as "counter-surfing," where dogs try to grab food from counters or tables.
  • The American Kennel Club advises against leaving food out to prevent this habit.
  • Training and prevention are important to stop dogs from counter-surfing.
  • The AKC suggests giving dogs alternative activities, like toys or treats, to distract them during meal prep.
  • The story highlights the need for dog owners to be aware of their pets' habits to prevent accidents.
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Badenoch denies empty seats an issue at Tory conference

Badenoch denies empty seats an issue at Tory conference

Summary

At the Conservative Party conference, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, said low attendance at some events is not a problem. When questioned about empty seats by a BBC presenter, Badenoch stated that people were actually queuing to get in.

Key Facts

  • Kemi Badenoch is the leader of the Conservative Party.
  • She addressed concerns about empty seats at the party conference.
  • BBC presenter Sally Nugent asked if low attendance was an issue.
  • Badenoch responded that the issue of empty seats was "simply not true."
  • She mentioned people complained about having to line up to enter events.
  • This response was part of discussions during the Conservative Party conference.
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Thrifter in Complete Shock at What $25 Item Is Actually Worth: ‘Shaking’

Thrifter in Complete Shock at What $25 Item Is Actually Worth: ‘Shaking’

Summary

A person found a high-end office chair, the Aeron by Herman Miller, for $25 at a thrift store, though it usually costs between $1,350 and $2,415. This chair is known for its ergonomic design, which helps with posture and comfort.

Key Facts

  • A thrifter bought a Herman Miller Aeron chair for $25.
  • The chair is a popular design known for its comfort and support.
  • The Aeron chair usually retails for between $1,350 and $2,415.
  • Herman Miller chairs are made from high-performance materials and designed to support posture.
  • Users on Reddit shared that the chair is very comfortable for long hours of sitting.
  • Ergonomic chairs like the Aeron can increase productivity and comfort.
  • The find was shared on a subreddit dedicated to thrifting.
  • Newsweek reached out to the original finder for comments but could not verify details.
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How two years of war in Gaza have changed the Middle East forever

How two years of war in Gaza have changed the Middle East forever

Summary

The conflict in Gaza, which started with attacks by Hamas on October 7, has caused significant changes in the Middle East. Israel's military actions have altered its global standing and increased support for Palestinian statehood. The war has led to many deaths and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Key Facts

  • The conflict began with a significant attack by Hamas on October 7.
  • Around 2,000 Israelis and more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza have died.
  • Israel's military action has damaged its international reputation but increased recognition of Palestinian statehood.
  • The war affected several countries, with Israel attacking eight nations, including Iran and Lebanon.
  • In Syria, the Assad regime fell due to internal and external pressures.
  • A new U.S.-friendly president took power in Lebanon after Israeli actions weakened Hezbollah.
  • President Trump is working on a peace plan while supporting Israel.
  • In Gaza, most of the infrastructure is destroyed, and the population is displaced.
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New books this week: Thomas Pynchon's first novel in 12 years, and much more

New books this week: Thomas Pynchon's first novel in 12 years, and much more

Summary

This article reviews new books released this week, including Thomas Pynchon's first novel in 12 years, "Shadow Ticket", set during the Great Depression. Other notable releases include John Banville's novel "Venetian Vespers" and Beth Macy's memoir "Paper Girl".

Key Facts

  • Thomas Pynchon's new novel "Shadow Ticket" is his first in 12 years.
  • "Shadow Ticket" is set during the Great Depression and features a mystery involving a cheese heiress.
  • John Banville's new novel "Venetian Vespers" takes place in Venice and involves a mysterious threat.
  • Beth Macy's memoir "Paper Girl" explores her hometown's decline, focusing on the opioid crisis.
  • Joy Harjo's book "Girl Warrior" combines memoir and advice for young girls.
  • The article highlights these books and their themes, such as history, mystery, and personal memoirs.
  • Thomas Pynchon is known for creating complex stories with unusual themes.
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Gaza in a thousand faces: Two years of Israel’s genocide

Gaza in a thousand faces: Two years of Israel’s genocide

Summary

The article talks about a collection of over 30,000 photos from Gaza, focusing on the faces of its residents. These images capture moments from the past two years during a conflict described as a genocidal war in the region.

Key Facts

  • The photo archive contains over 30,000 images from Gaza.
  • More than 1,000 photos were chosen to highlight people's faces during the conflict.
  • The photos show emotions like fear, pain, and moments of happiness.
  • Gaza is home to over two million people.
  • The collection reveals stories of resilience, loss, and hope.
  • A time-lapse video features 200 faces from Gaza.
  • An interactive mosaic includes nearly 2,000 faces.
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Plane Loses Power During Takeoff—What Happens Next Stuns Passenger

Plane Loses Power During Takeoff—What Happens Next Stuns Passenger

Summary

A plane lost power during takeoff, leading to an unexpected friendship between two passengers. The passengers found humor in the situation, shared a viral TikTok video of their laughter, and continued their friendship beyond the flight.

Key Facts

  • A plane lost all power during takeoff.
  • Two passengers, a man, and a woman, laughed during the incident.
  • Their reaction video was posted on TikTok and got over 9.6 million views.
  • The video caption noted they became best friends forever (BFFs).
  • Many viewers related to the stress-induced laughter.
  • The woman confirmed they remained friends after the flight.
  • Newsweek reached out to the woman via TikTok for comments.
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US and China provoke sharp fall in global outlook for renewable power

US and China provoke sharp fall in global outlook for renewable power

Summary

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has lowered its 2030 forecast for renewable energy growth due to slower progress in the United States and China. The expected total renewable power capacity is now 4,600 gigawatts, down from 5,500 gigawatts predicted earlier. The changes are partly because of policy shifts in both countries, but other regions like India and the Middle East show more optimistic growth.

Key Facts

  • The IEA reduced its 2030 renewable power forecast from 5,500 GW to 4,600 GW.
  • Policy changes in the U.S. and China have contributed to the lower forecast.
  • U.S. federal tax incentives for renewables are being phased out early, impacting growth.
  • China is moving to competitive auctions for renewable energy, affecting profits.
  • India is expected to meet its 2030 goals, becoming the second-largest market for renewables.
  • Foreseen renewable capacity in the Middle East and North Africa increased by 25%.
  • Solar energy accounted for about 80% of global renewable growth in recent years.
  • Offshore wind power projections are lowered due to policy change, especially in the US.
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Jeremy Bowen: Two years on, will Israel and Hamas seize the chance to end the war?

Jeremy Bowen: Two years on, will Israel and Hamas seize the chance to end the war?

Summary

Israel and Hamas are in talks to end a two-year conflict that has caused significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. Both sides face pressures to reach a deal: Israel seeks the safe return of hostages, while Hamas aims to maintain its standing. The discussions coincide with the second anniversary of a deadly attack in Israel by Hamas.

Key Facts

  • The conflict between Israel and Hamas began two years ago with a deadly attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to hostages being taken.
  • Israel's military response has resulted in significant damage to Gaza and high casualties, with over 66,000 Palestinians reported dead.
  • There is growing public support in Israel for a deal to end the war and return hostages.
  • Israel faces internal and external pressures, including a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calls for increased aid.
  • Hamas is negotiating a way to sustain itself while potentially surrendering some of its military capabilities.
  • Talks are happening in Sharm el-Sheikh, led by senior leaders from both Israel and Hamas.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to claim "total victory" while managing internal political challenges.
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German Mayor Stabbed, in Critical Condition: Reports

German Mayor Stabbed, in Critical Condition: Reports

Summary

A newly-elected German mayor, Iris Stalzer of Herdecke, was stabbed outside her home by several attackers. Her son found her seriously injured, and she sustained injuries to her stomach and back.

Key Facts

  • Iris Stalzer is the mayor of Herdecke, Germany.
  • She was attacked and stabbed outside her home.
  • The attack involved several assailants.
  • She sustained serious injuries in her stomach and back.
  • Her son found her injured after the attack.
  • The incident is currently reported as breaking news.
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Indonesia ends search for victims of school collapse with at least 61 dead

Indonesia ends search for victims of school collapse with at least 61 dead

Summary

Indonesia has ended its search for victims at the collapsed al-Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java, where at least 61 people died. The search and rescue efforts continued for over a week after the building collapsed during afternoon prayers. Initial investigations suggest the collapse might be due to poor construction work on an unauthorized extension.

Key Facts

  • Indonesia stopped searching for more bodies at the collapsed school in East Java.
  • At least 61 bodies were found in the debris, with only 17 identified so far.
  • More than 100 people survived the building collapse.
  • The collapse happened during afternoon prayers on September 29.
  • The rescue operation lasted for over a week and involved digging and using tunnels to find survivors.
  • Families agreed to let heavy machinery clear rubble once the best chances of survival for victims had passed.
  • Investigations are looking at poor construction as a possible reason for the collapse.
  • The school did not have the necessary building permit for recent construction work.
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