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Avani Yaltho, a high school student in Houston, won NPR's Student Podcast Challenge with her podcast "The Things We Buried." Her podcast explores how life in Kerala, India, has changed over time due to urbanization and globalization. Using storytelling and family interviews, Avani reflects on her family's past and the cultural shifts in their homeland.
Key Facts
Avani Yaltho is the 2025 high school winner of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge.
Her podcast is called "The Things We Buried."
The podcast talks about life in Kerala, India, and changes over the years.
Avani uses interviews with her family to tell the story.
Her grandparents moved from Kerala to Texas for better opportunities.
The podcast was chosen from nearly 2,000 entries.
Avani's podcast highlights cultural shifts due to urbanization.
Sounds of Kerala's past, like bird calls, were hard to find during Avani's research.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no scientific evidence connecting the use of paracetamol during pregnancy to autism, countering claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump. Health experts and organizations were quick to dismiss Trump's remarks, emphasizing that current research does not support a link between the painkiller and autism.
Key Facts
WHO stated there is no scientific proof linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism.
Large-scale studies over the past decade found no consistent association.
President Trump claimed a link between autism, vaccines, and paracetamol, drawing criticism.
Health groups condemned Trump's statements, stating they are not supported by data.
The Coalition of Autism Scientists refuted the claims made by Trump.
The company that makes Tylenol, Kenvue, strongly disagreed with Trump's statements.
The UK's National Health Service also said there is no strong evidence to support Trump's claims.
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Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has admitted defeat to former President Peter Mutharika in the recent presidential election. Chakwera made the announcement before the official results were released by the country's Electoral Commission. Mutharika had a strong lead in the early results.
Key Facts
Lazarus Chakwera, the current president of Malawi, has conceded the presidential election to Peter Mutharika.
Chakwera made this decision before the official results were publicly announced.
The election took place in Malawi, a southern African nation facing economic challenges.
Official preliminary results showed Mutharika in the lead over Chakwera.
The presidential election was expected to be closely contested between Chakwera and Mutharika.
Malawi has faced economic difficulties, including over 20% inflation, during Chakwera's presidency since 2020.
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A hotel guest found strange, beadlike shapes on her hotel room ceiling and shared a video on TikTok, causing a big reaction online. Viewers speculated the shapes might be Tokay gecko eggs or a mud wasp nest, but the exact cause remains unconfirmed.
Key Facts
A TikTok user shared a video showing beadlike shapes on a hotel room ceiling.
The video has been viewed over 14 million times and liked by more than 379,000 people.
Internet users speculated the shapes might be Tokay gecko eggs or a mud wasp nest.
Tokay geckos are nocturnal lizards whose eggs look like small, round beads attached to surfaces.
Mud wasps create nests from mud that they stick to ceilings and walls.
There is no official confirmation of what the ceiling formation really is.
The video generated a lot of comments and discussions online.
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China's internet regulators have started a campaign to remove negative or defeatist content online and are asking people to report such posts. The focus is on social media and other online platforms to promote a more positive online environment. This action is part of a broader effort by China to control online speech deemed harmful or sensitive.
Key Facts
China's campaign targets online content with negative or defeatist attitudes.
Citizens are encouraged to report posts that violate these new standards.
The campaign will focus on social media, short video, and livestream platforms.
Activities like inciting hostility, spreading panic, or negative rhetoric are targeted.
The campaign aims to create a “more civilized and rational online environment.”
The government requests public help in reporting negative content.
Platforms that allow controversial content face fines or other penalties.
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After hearing a loud noise, a dog owner discovered their dog's collar stuck in a vent. The incident highlights the risks of dog collars, which can cause harm if not used correctly. The story gained attention online, with users sharing safety tips and humorous comments.
Key Facts
A dog owner heard a loud crash and found their dog's collar stuck in a vent.
This story was shared on Reddit and received over 5,200 upvotes and 130 comments.
Dog collars can pose risks such as strangulation and injuries if they get caught on objects.
Using a collar that is too tight or left on too long can cause skin irritation and wounds.
A chest harness is a safer alternative, as it doesn't apply pressure on the neck.
Pet MD advises proper collar fit, allowing a thumb space between the collar and the dog's neck.
The online post sparked discussions about collar safety and how to avoid such incidents.
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A golden retriever puppy met a Chihuahua for the first time, which was captured in a TikTok video that got a lot of attention online. The video shows the dogs initially cautious but eventually playing together. Tips on how to properly introduce new dogs were also shared.
Key Facts
The meeting between the golden retriever puppy and the Chihuahua was posted by TikTok user @gusthegoldenechs.
The video received over 100,000 likes and more than 782,000 views.
Golden retrievers are often seen as gentle and good companions for smaller dogs like Chihuahuas.
Chihuahuas can be bold and cautious when meeting larger dogs for the first time.
Proper introductions between dogs include ensuring vaccinations are up to date and meeting in a neutral space.
Dogs Trust advises having each dog on a leash and giving them time to adjust to one another.
TikTok users shared humorous comments about the dogs' interactions.
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A man took an improv comedy class and learned an unexpected lesson about communication and relationships. He discovered that how we respond to others, using "yes, and" instead of "but," can build or hinder connections. This concept resonated widely on social media, with many people sharing similar insights.
Key Facts
A man named James Earl went to an improv class and shared his experience on social media.
The class taught the importance of using "yes, and" to build on others' ideas instead of using "but," which can shut conversations down.
Earl's post on Threads about this lesson received over 43,000 views.
The idea relates to psychologist John Gottman's theory about "bids for connection," which are small actions that invite a relationship.
Responses to these bids can either build trust and intimacy or erode relationships.
Improv actors use "yes, and" as a basic technique to create scenes without a script.
The topic gained attention on social media, with users sharing their own experiences and thoughts on the method.
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Singapore's telecom company Singtel, which owns Optus in Australia, apologized after a technical problem disrupted emergency services calls, contributing to several deaths. The company has promised to investigate and prevent future issues. The incident led to a fine for Optus due to poor sales practices unrelated to the outage.
Key Facts
Singapore's Singtel owns Australia's Optus and apologized for an emergency services outage.
The outage affected Australia's emergency line, Triple Zero (000), last week.
The problem was linked to the deaths of three people.
Singtel's CEO vowed thorough investigation and prevention of future issues.
Optus faced a $66 million fine for unfair sales practices between 2019-2023.
Customers were pressured into buying unaffordable products.
The Federal Court described Optus's practices as "unconscionable."
Optus has faced previous fines and legal actions for various issues, including data breaches.
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The U.S. and China are sending naval ships to Pacific island countries in a show of influence, with the U.S. ship USS John L. Canley visiting Palau and other islands, and China's hospital ship CNS Silk Road Ark visiting Nauru. Both countries are conducting different missions, with the U.S. focusing on humanitarian efforts and China providing medical services.
Key Facts
The U.S. Navy sent USS John L. Canley to multiple Pacific islands for the Pacific Partnership mission.
This U.S. mission began in 2006 and aims to improve disaster response and strengthen relationships.
The Chinese naval ship CNS Silk Road Ark visited Nauru and offered medical services.
It's the first visit by a Chinese naval ship to Nauru.
The Chinese ship provided surgeries and consultations in medical fields not available in Nauru.
The U.S. and Chinese efforts reflect their competition for influence in the Pacific.
Both countries aim to establish stronger ties with Pacific island nations through their respective missions.
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A report found that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) used journalists' phone data to track leaks from its staff. The investigation revealed 21 unlawful cases of surveillance on journalists, primarily occurring before 2015. The review unearthed several issues concerning PSNI's methods, including a lack of legal advice about the practices.
Key Facts
The PSNI used journalists' phone data to detect leaks from its staff.
A report found 21 unlawful instances of using covert powers to uncover journalists' sources.
Most surveillance incidents occurred before 2015, involving eight journalists.
The PSNI did not seek legal advice on the legality of using journalists' phone numbers.
In 2011, the PSNI checked 65,000 calls against 383 journalists' numbers.
The practice of using journalists' data formally ended in May 2022.
Journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney were previously arrested, leading to legal actions and damages.
The independent review suggested PSNI consider reporting to the UK's data protection authority.
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Slow Horses season five has returned on Apple TV+, with episode two scheduled to release on October 1, 2025. The show releases new episodes every Wednesday until October 29, 2025, and a subscription to Apple TV+ is needed to watch. The series follows British intelligence agents in a special MI5 department and involves espionage themes.
Key Facts
Slow Horses is a show available on Apple TV+.
Episode two of season five will release on October 1, 2025, at Midnight PT/3 am ET.
New episodes release every Wednesday until October 29, 2025.
You need an Apple TV+ subscription, which costs $9.99 per month, to watch.
Episodes typically last between 40 and 55 minutes.
The show is about British intelligence agents working in a lesser department of MI5.
Season five involves a mass shooting in London linked to a mayoral race.
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An abandoned cat entered a Reddit user's home during a storm and decided to stay. The cat had been left behind by neighbors due to money problems. The story gained attention online, with many people discussing how cats often seem to choose their owners.
Key Facts
A Reddit user shared a video of an abandoned cat entering their home on September 23.
The post received over 60,000 upvotes and 1,300 comments on Reddit.
The cat was previously owned by neighbors who abandoned her because of financial issues.
The cat returned to the Reddit user's home even after neighbors attempted to take her back.
The user decided to keep the cat, noting how she walked confidently into the new home.
Many commenters on Reddit referred to the "cat distribution system" concept, joking about cats choosing their humans.
Newsweek reached out to the Reddit user for more details about the situation.
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Activists participating in a flotilla aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza reported that drones attacked their boats south of Greece. No injuries were recorded, but the boats experienced damage and communication issues. Italy responded by sending a navy frigate for potential rescue operations and encouraged Israel to respect international law concerning the protesters.
Key Facts
The flotilla faced drone attacks and communication jamming south of Greece.
Activists reported explosions and unidentified objects being dropped on their boats.
There were no injuries, but there was damage to the vessels and communication interference.
Italy condemned the attack and dispatched a navy frigate for possible rescue efforts.
The European Union emphasized that any force against the flotilla was unacceptable.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was on board and called the attacks a “scare tactic.”
The flotilla consisted of about 50 vessels carrying humanitarian aid like food and medicine.
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Ukrainian drones attacked a petrochemical complex in Russia, causing a fire. There were multiple strikes involving oil facilities and military sites, and both sides exchanged retaliatory attacks. At the United Nations, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed new support for Ukraine to reclaim its territory from Russia.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones hit a petrochemical complex in Russia's Bashkortostan.
Ukraine's military targeted Russian oil distribution sites and a military airfield in Crimea.
Russia retaliated by attacking Ukrainian special forces bases.
Russian forces claimed control over a village in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost external power, leading to safety concerns.
U.S. President Trump stated Ukraine could regain all lost territory and pledged continued U.S. support.
NATO warned Russia against airspace violations and vowed mutual defense.
Discussions at the UN included efforts to cut Russia's fossil fuel revenues.
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A TikTok video of a kangaroo named Slim Shady reacting protectively to fireworks has gained nearly 20 million views. The video shows the kangaroo embracing a woman named Angie, showing affection and causing many viewers to react with warmth. This behavior is connected to kangaroo social dynamics and protective instincts.
Key Facts
A TikTok video with a kangaroo reacting to fireworks went viral, reaching almost 20 million views.
The kangaroo, named Slim Shady, wrapped his arms around and licked Angie, the woman in the video.
Angie works at a private zoological facility in the U.S.
The clip has received over 4.6 million likes and more than 15,400 comments.
Kangaroos have strong social bonds, especially seen in the family structure where older joeys show protective instincts.
The video highlights the affectionate nature of kangaroos, which is a natural behavior according to experts.
Research by Weliton Menário Costa shows kangaroos have distinct social personalities and adapt their behaviors based on their surroundings.
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The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, called former U.S. President Donald Trump "racist" and "Islamophobic" after Trump criticized him during a speech at the United Nations. Trump described Khan as a "terrible" mayor and mentioned Sharia law in relation to London. The comments are part of an ongoing public disagreement between Khan and Trump that dates back several years.
Key Facts
Sadiq Khan is the Mayor of London and has publicly criticized Donald Trump.
Khan called Trump "racist" and "Islamophobic" in response to Trump's comments.
Trump spoke at the United Nations, calling Khan a "terrible, terrible mayor."
Trump mentioned Sharia law while discussing London, although it wasn't clear why.
The disagreement between Khan and Trump has been ongoing for nearly a decade.
Khan defended his performance as mayor, citing increased American tourism to London.
The White House was contacted by Newsweek for a response but there is no comment yet.
In past public disputes, Khan has called Trump "ill informed," and Trump has called Khan a "stone cold loser."
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Hurricane Narda has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, but it poses no threat to land. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) stated that the storm is located south of Baja California, moving west, and is expected to weaken before slightly strengthening again.
Key Facts
Hurricane Narda reached Category 2 strength with maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour.
It is currently located about 540 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California.
The hurricane is moving west at about 13 miles per hour.
No coastal watches or warnings are in effect as Narda poses no threat to land.
The hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center.
The NHC expects gradual weakening, with some possible strengthening later in the week.
Meanwhile, two disturbances in the Atlantic, Invest 93L and 94L, are being monitored for potential development into tropical systems.
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30.
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A 31-year-old man in Ohio found a rare video game collector's edition at a thrift store priced at $75. This edition, related to the game Starfield, is currently valued between $250 and $300 on resale sites. The man's find gained attention on Reddit, sparking discussions among users.
Key Facts
A man found the Constellation Edition of the Starfield game at a thrift store in Ohio.
The edition includes a replica smartwatch and a hard-shell case, and it was priced at $75.
On resale websites, this collector's edition sells for $250 to $300.
The man discovered the item while waiting for his sister and recognized it after seeing the logo.
He shared his find on Reddit, receiving over 2,000 upvotes and numerous comments.
Reddit users shared their amazement and commented on the lucky discovery.
Thrift store finds often gain viral attention when people discover unexpected valuable items.
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A judge in Northern Ireland has allowed military witness statements from 1972 to be used in the trial of Soldier F, a former British soldier accused of murder during the Bloody Sunday incident. Soldier F is charged with killing two men and attempting to murder others at a civil rights protest in Londonderry. The trial involves debates over the reliability of statements made by soldiers at the time.
Key Facts
Soldier F is accused of murdering two men, James Wray and William McKinney, during Bloody Sunday in 1972.
Thirteen people were shot dead by the Army during a civil rights demonstration in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday.
A judge ruled that military witness statements from 1972 can be used as evidence in Soldier F's trial.
The statements were initially made to the Royal Military Police and a 1972 inquiry.
The prosecution says these statements are key to proving Soldier F fired at civilians.
The defense argues that the statements have reliability issues and are concerned about the inability to challenge them.
Soldier F's identity is protected by an anonymity order from the court.
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