An outbreak of the Nipah virus in India's West Bengal has raised concerns in China and Southeast Asia, prompting stricter health screenings at airports. Two confirmed cases have appeared since December 2025, although all known contacts have tested negative. The Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans and has a high fatality rate, but it spreads slowly between people.
Key Facts
Nipah virus cases have been confirmed in West Bengal, India, since December 2025.
In total, 196 people came into contact with the confirmed cases, but none showed symptoms or tested positive for the virus.
Two health workers in West Bengal were infected and are being treated in a hospital.
The virus can spread from animals to humans and can be deadly.
Symptoms include fever, headache, and severe brain inflammation, with a high fatality rate of 40% to 75%.
Human-to-human spread of the virus is limited, reducing the risk of a pandemic.
Past outbreaks occurred in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and India, often linked to animal contact or contaminated food.
India's Kerala state is considered a high-risk area for Nipah, with several deaths reported since 2018.
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Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, was not allowed to run as a Labour candidate in an upcoming parliamentary by-election. The Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) decided that it would be too costly to replace Burnham as mayor if he became an MP. Despite his disappointment, Burnham accepted the decision and will not run as an independent candidate.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham wanted to run as a Labour candidate in a parliamentary by-election.
The Labour Party's NEC stopped him from standing for election.
The main reason cited was the high cost for the party to elect a new mayor if Burnham left his current role.
Burnham expressed disappointment but accepted the NEC's decision.
He considered himself well-suited to defend the Labour seat against opponents like Reform UK.
Burnham has been seen as a potential alternative leader within the Labour Party.
Despite being blocked, Burnham will still campaign for Labour in the by-election.
The Labour Party previously won the Gorton and Denton seat with a significant majority.
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A woman adopted a husky mix that had been in a shelter for more than nine months despite being advised against it. The dog, initially scared and withdrawn, became confident after the adoption, gaining attention on TikTok. Long stays in shelters can affect dogs emotionally, often due to stressful environments.
Key Facts
A husky mix spent over nine months in a shelter.
The woman adopted the dog despite being advised not to because of the dog's long stay.
She shared the dog's progress on TikTok, receiving more than 300,000 views and 34,800 likes.
The dog transformed from scared to confident in his new home.
Long-term shelter dogs often struggle due to stress from shelter conditions.
Dogs in shelters for extended periods are usually older, larger, and may have behavioral challenges.
A study found dogs labeled as "dangerous breeds" often stay longer in shelters.
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People are boycotting Huda Beauty after the founder, Huda Kattan, shared a video on Instagram that many believe supports the Iranian government's views. The reaction has been strong, especially among Iranian women and diaspora influencers who oppose the regime. This has led to calls for retailers to stop selling Huda Beauty products.
Key Facts
Huda Kattan shared a video on Instagram that sparked controversy.
Many Iranians believe the video supports Islamic Regime propaganda.
Social media users are filming themselves throwing away Huda Beauty products.
The boycott is gaining traction on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Huda Kattan, originally from the U.S. with Iraqi heritage, co-founded Huda Beauty with her sister.
The brand is valued at over $500 million and is popular in the Middle East.
Kattan addressed the backlash, saying she did not intend to promote any regime and lacks detailed knowledge on the topic.
Critics are not satisfied with her response and question her understanding of the situation.
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The number of fines issued to parents in England for taking children on holiday during school terms has reached a record high. In 2024-25, fines increased by 4% from the previous year, following a change that raised the fine amount to £80 per parent, per child. Local authorities handle the issuance of fines, aiming for consistency in approach, while still considering exceptional circumstances.
Key Facts
In 2024-25, England issued 459,288 fines for term-time school holidays, a 4% increase from the previous year.
The fines now cost £80 per parent, per child, up from £60, due to a rule change in 2024.
Yorkshire and the Humber had the highest rate of fines, while London had the lowest.
Fines account for 93% of all penalties for unauthorized school absences in England.
Fines can rise to £160 if not paid within 21 days, with further penalties for repeated offenses.
Local councils issue fines, which causes variability in different areas.
The fines aim to improve school attendance and reduce disruptions in classes.
Some families face fines for taking affordable holidays during term time but can appeal under exceptional circumstances, such as military service.
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Saudi and Israeli officials are visiting Washington, D.C., for discussions with the Trump administration about Iran. President Trump is considering military action against Iran, although no final decision has been made. Israel and Saudi Arabia are participating in talks to share intelligence and explore diplomatic options to avoid conflict.
Key Facts
Saudi and Israeli officials are in Washington, D.C., to discuss Iran with U.S. leaders.
President Trump is thinking about military strikes on Iran but hasn't decided yet.
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Gulf region in preparation.
Israel is sharing intelligence about possible targets in Iran with the U.S.
Saudi Arabia is trying to find a diplomatic way to avoid a regional conflict.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has communicated with Iran about not allowing U.S. attacks from Saudi airspace.
Iran has threatened significant retaliation if attacked by the U.S.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is now in the Gulf region as part of the U.S. military buildup.
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A popular Instagram video shows a cat having trouble using a new litter box. The cat gets stuck when the box's cover slides up unexpectedly. Many cats use litter boxes by instinct because their wild ancestors buried their waste.
Key Facts
A video shows a cat getting stuck while trying to use a new litter box.
The litter box cover moved, leaving the cat in a funny position.
The video was shared on Instagram and went viral, gaining over 12,100 likes.
Cats naturally know how to use litter boxes due to instincts from their wild ancestors.
Wild cats buried their waste to hide their scent from predators.
Kittens learn to use litter boxes by 4 weeks old, often by watching their mothers.
Changes in a cat's litter box use might indicate stress, cleanliness issues, or health problems.
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A mayor in the Philippines named Akmad Mitra Ampatuan survived a rocket launcher attack on his vehicle. Two of his security guards were injured in the incident, and police killed at least three attackers. This was the fourth ambush attempt on Ampatuan in recent years.
Key Facts
Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan's vehicle was attacked with a rocket launcher.
The attack happened in broad daylight and was caught on CCTV.
Ampatuan survived the attack, but two of his security guards were injured.
Police killed at least three of the attackers during the incident.
This marks the fourth ambush attempt against Ampatuan in recent years.
The attack occurred on a Sunday.
The Municipality of Shariff Aguak shared the news through Facebook.
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A viral TikTok video featuring a cat and a tortoise has gained attention for their unusual but affectionate friendship. The video shows the cat enjoying the warmth of the tortoise's heat lamp, though their owner reassures viewers that the tortoise is comfortable too. Experts recommend supervising interactions between different animal species to ensure safety.
Key Facts
A TikTok video shows a black-and-white cat and a tortoise bonding, which has gone viral with 1.3 million views.
The cat enjoys resting beside the tortoise's heat lamp, which might be attractive due to its warmth.
Their owner, Megan Dube, states that the cat and tortoise have been inseparable since they met.
TikTok users have shared similar experiences of cats seeking warmth from heat lamps or warm spots.
Experts advise pet owners to keep a close watch when different species interact to avoid stress or harm.
Megan Dube reassures viewers that she closely supervises her cat's interactions with the tortoise to ensure safety.
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The documentary "Melania," about the U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, will not be shown in theaters in South Africa as initially planned. The distributor, Filmfinity, decided not to proceed with the release, but didn't give a detailed reason. The film will still be released in the United States and some other countries.
Key Facts
The documentary "Melania" focuses on Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States.
Filmfinity, a South African distributor, decided not to release the film in South Africa.
Filmfinity cited the "current climate" as the reason but did not provide further details.
Relations between the U.S. and South Africa were strained due to comments from President Trump about issues involving South African farmers.
The U.S. government criticized a G20 summit hosted in South Africa and did not participate.
The film will be available in the U.S. and some global theaters.
Melania Trump described the film as showing her personal journey and experiences.
There is no updated release plan for the film in South Africa.
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Scientists in the Czech Republic discovered large areas of "green ice" on Lake Lipno. This rare phenomenon is caused by a type of algae called cyanobacteria, which is thriving due to excess nutrients and climate changes. Researchers believe this could happen more often in the future as environmental conditions continue to change.
Key Facts
"Green ice" was found on Lake Lipno in the Czech Republic.
The ice turned green because of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
Scientists say such events are rare and not well-documented globally.
The algae thrive in water with too many nutrients, especially phosphorus, often from human activities.
Normally, cyanobacteria disappear by September, but at Lake Lipno, they can last into December and January.
Calm weather, weak winds, and lots of sunshine helped the algae stay near the surface longer last year.
Researchers connect this event to changes from climate warming and nutrient pollution.
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Israeli and U.S. officials are planning to create a new community in Gaza. The plan includes careful selection of who will live there, and it will be closely watched as a test case.
Key Facts
Israeli and U.S. officials are involved in the project.
The project aims to build the first experimental community in Gaza.
The community’s residents will be chosen by Israel.
It is described as a "case study" and will be closely monitored.
There is concern about this project, which has been reported by Al Jazeera.
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President Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, stated that immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota will not decrease in number until state officials cooperate. Homan emphasized a strict approach towards protesters interfering with officers and highlighted the importance of local jails notifying ICE about people who can be deported.
Key Facts
Tom Homan is President Trump's border czar.
Homan announced that the number of immigration officers in Minnesota depends on cooperation from state authorities.
Homan has a "zero tolerance" policy towards protesters who disrupt officers.
A federal immigration officer recently shot a protester in Minneapolis.
Homan encourages local jails to inform ICE about detainees eligible for deportation.
Transferring immigrants from jails to ICE is considered safer for officers.
Reducing officer numbers on the street depends on jail cooperation.
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Airbnb released a list of the most popular unique properties based on social media engagement. The list highlights interesting and unusual places to stay, such as a cabin in Washington, an airplane house in Alaska, and a design-forward estate in Australia. These properties gained popularity on Instagram and TikTok from January to December 2025.
Key Facts
Airbnb used social media data from Instagram and TikTok to rank the unique stays.
The survey covered nine countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
One of the featured places is a cabin in North Cascades, Washington, near a glacier-fed river.
An airplane house in Wasilla, Alaska, offers a stay in a restored cargo plane.
A rural estate in Quirindi, Australia, combines modern design with scenic views.
A spa cabin in New York provides luxurious amenities like an indoor waterfall and soaker tub.
Star of the Wild in Colorado offers guests the experience of sleeping outdoors under the stars.
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Fighting has resumed between Ethiopian government troops and Tigrayan forces in the Tigray region. The clashes have led to flight cancellations and increased concerns about the area. Humanitarian aid to the region is low because of previous aid cuts.
Key Facts
Clashes happened between Ethiopian troops and Tigrayan forces in northern Tigray.
Flights were suspended due to the fighting.
Tigray, a northern region of Ethiopia, is still affected by past wars and aid cuts.
In 2022, the previous conflict in Tigray ended, but tensions remain.
U.S. aid cuts under President Trump have significantly reduced international humanitarian support.
Up to 80% of Tigray's population needs urgent help.
Aid groups like Doctors without Borders report that funding cuts strain health and basic services in Tigray.
The situation in Tigray remains dire with little recovery from past conflicts.
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Israel plans to partially reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. A disagreement has arisen between Israel and Egypt over the criteria and numbers of Palestinians allowed to leave and return through this crossing. Israel proposes that more Palestinians should be allowed to leave than enter, but Egypt disagrees, wanting an equal number of entries and exits.
Key Facts
Israel intends to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, potentially starting on Sunday.
Israel wants more Palestinians to exit Gaza to Egypt than those allowed to return.
Egypt opposes this, advocating for an equal number of people entering and exiting.
Concerns exist that Israel's plan could lead to permanent emigration from Gaza.
Israel plans to use remote monitoring for exits, while entries will involve physical checks.
An EU mission may be involved in overseeing the crossing, but its role is not clear.
The plan deviates from a 2005 agreement on the crossing, which ensured Palestinian control.
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A parent discovered that a preschool teacher dressed another child in their daughter's spare clothes without asking permission. The incident was shared on Reddit, where many commenters agreed that the situation was inappropriate and suggested schools should keep extra clothes on hand. Most users supported the parent’s concern over personal items being used without consent.
Key Facts
A parent shared on Reddit that their daughter's spare clothes were used by a preschool for another child without permission.
The school had requested parents to send extra clothes, pullups, and wipes for emergencies.
The parent was okay with sharing consumable items like wipes but was concerned about sharing clothes.
The post became popular on Reddit with over 15,000 upvotes.
Most Reddit users agreed with the parent, saying schools should have their own extra clothing.
The concern was about potential loss or damage to personal clothing items.
Commenters suggested that parents who can afford it should donate clothes for common use at schools.
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First Lady Melania Trump shared that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent her a letter in response to her message about bringing Ukrainian families together amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. She originally wrote to Putin, asking him to protect Ukrainian children. She mentioned that they are still working on efforts to unite children with their families but did not disclose the letter's full content.
Key Facts
Melania Trump received a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The letter was in response to her request to protect Ukrainian children.
She originally wrote to Putin in the previous year.
The focus of the communication is on reuniting Ukrainian families affected by the conflict.
Melania Trump stated that her representative is still in contact with Russian officials.
She expressed hope for further success in reuniting families.
The exact content of Putin's letter was not shared publicly.
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Videos show Alex Pretti involved in a struggle with federal immigration agents in Minneapolis 11 days before he died. The footage reveals that he kicked the tail light of a federal vehicle and had a scuffle with officers, but it doesn't show him using a visible handgun in his waistband.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti was involved in a conflict with U.S. federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
The incident happened 11 days before he was shot by Border Patrol officers.
Videos show Pretti kicking out a tail light on the agents' vehicle.
Pretti and the officers struggled, and during the scuffle, his coat came off.
Pretti managed to get away, either by escaping or because the officers allowed him to go.
A handgun was seen in Pretti's waistband, but he is not shown reaching for it in the videos.
It is unclear if the officers noticed the gun during the incident.
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A woman's TikTok video showing her basement laundry routine has gained attention for its eerie setting, which resembles a scene from a horror movie. Viewers reacted to the video by expressing fear or joking about using other laundry options instead.
Key Facts
A TikTok user posted a video of her basement, describing it as a scary place to do laundry.
The video shows a dimly lit, unfinished basement with exposed wires and random furniture.
The woman carries a baseball bat as she checks corners on her way to do laundry.
Viewers on TikTok commented that they would avoid the basement, comparing it to a horror movie.
Some viewers suggested using a laundromat despite higher costs, rather than using the basement.
The average cost of using a laundromat can be $20 or more per month.
Newsweek mentioned reaching out to the TikTok user for comments on the video.
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