The number of people who received winter fuel payments in the UK dropped significantly due to a government change that made eligibility dependent on income. The policy decision was reversed, allowing most pensioners to receive the payment again this winter.
Key Facts
Winter fuel payments experienced a large reduction from over 11 million to 1.3 million recipients.
The cuts were due to the UK government's decision to means-test the payments.
The means-test policy was reversed in June, and most pensioners will receive the payment this winter.
Pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 or less will be eligible for the payment.
The payment is worth up to £300 per household for most recipients.
In Scotland, the payment will increase with inflation to either £203.40 or £305.10.
Energy bills in the UK are expected to rise by 2% in October due to changes in the price cap.
TV ads highlighting the dangers of fentanyl, supported by former President Trump, are airing in several U.S. cities. These ads are part of a multimillion-dollar effort to tackle the fentanyl crisis in areas severely affected by drug addiction. The campaign aims to create a strong impact by using graphic portrayals of the effects of fentanyl.
Key Facts
The ads target cities like West Virginia, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., which are heavily impacted by the fentanyl epidemic.
Former President Trump wanted the ads to be intense to catch the audience's attention.
One ad shows a fentanyl user describing health deterioration, and another depicts a young woman's last moments after using fentanyl-laced marijuana.
The ads invite viewers to join the fight against the fentanyl crisis, associating the effort with Trump.
The campaign, "Make America Fentanyl Free," has spent over $2.6 million on national and local TV ads.
Trump approved the ad strategy after considering more impactful approaches than regular public service announcements (PSAs).
Inspiration for the campaign came from anti-drug efforts by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The funds for the ads come from anonymous donors, often referred to as "dark money," which means the donors' identities are not publicly disclosed.
The U.S. government has listed several countries as failing to combat drug trafficking, including Colombia for the first time in nearly 30 years. The Trump administration released a list of major drug-producing or trafficking countries, highlighting Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela as failing to meet obligations in fighting drug trafficking. This designation may affect the relationship between the U.S. and Colombia.
Key Facts
The U.S. named 2026's major drug-producing or transit countries: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
The Trump administration marked Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela as having notably failed in counterdrug efforts.
This is the first time in nearly 30 years that Colombia is on the list of countries failing to fight drug trafficking effectively.
Colombia is the world's largest producer of cocaine, according to the United Nations Office for Drug and Crime (UNODC).
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro expressed disappointment, citing efforts and sacrifices by Colombian forces in combating cocaine trafficking.
The U.S. accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of running a significant cocaine trafficking network.
The U.S. military targeted a vessel from Venezuela, reportedly carrying drugs, resulting in three deaths.
Bolivia received some praise from the Trump administration for improving cocaine seizures and cooperating with U.S. law enforcement.
A woman named Lin encountered a roadblock caused by wild donkeys while driving from California to Nevada. She captured the encounter on video, which went viral on TikTok with millions of views. The Bureau of Land Management advises against feeding wild burros as it is illegal and poses risks.
Key Facts
Lin encountered wild donkeys, known as burros, on a highway in Nevada.
Burros are smaller wild donkeys found in Nevada, originating from domestic stock that turned wild.
Lin's TikTok video showing the encounter gained over 5.2 million likes and 20 million views.
The Bureau of Land Management warns against feeding wild burros or horses.
Feeding wild burros is illegal and can make them expect food from humans, posing risks.
Lin was driving from California to Nevada when she filmed the video.
The donkeys blocked her car and seemed curious, looking into her vehicle.
Police and sheriff officers have started evicting a group calling themselves the "Kingdom of Kubala" from private land near Jedburgh, Scotland. The group, led by Kofi Offeh and Jean Gasho, claim ancestral rights to the land. Despite being ordered to leave by the council and the landowners, the group has remained on the property, prompting legal action for their removal.
Key Facts
The group claims to be an "African tribe" reclaiming land allegedly taken from their ancestors 400 years ago.
They set up a makeshift camp in the Scottish Borders near Jedburgh.
The local council and landowners say the group is illegally occupying the land.
Sheriff Peter Paterson issued an eviction order after previous requests to vacate the property were ignored.
The group has a significant online following, with over 100,000 followers on TikTok and Facebook.
The group consists of Kofi Offeh and Jean Gasho, who call themselves King Atehehe and Queen Nandi.
They first arrived in the area in the spring, moved once, and ignored deadlines to leave.
Local officials, including councillor Scott Hamilton, have stated the group is breaking the law by staying on the property.
Malawi is holding elections to choose a new president, parliament members, and local councillors amid economic challenges and the aftermath of severe weather events. President Lazarus Chakwera and former leader Peter Mutharika are the main candidates in a closely watched presidential race. About 7.2 million people are registered to vote, and results will be announced by the end of September.
Key Facts
Malawi is experiencing an economic crisis with high inflation and food price increases.
The country suffered from Cyclone Freddy in 2023, killing over 1,000 people.
Voters are choosing a president, 299 parliament members, and 509 local councillors.
A candidate must receive more than 50% of votes to win the presidency, or a run-off will occur.
President Lazarus Chakwera is seeking a second term and previously won after a re-run election in 2020.
His tenure has faced challenges like inflation and fuel shortages, alongside allegations of nepotism.
Former President Peter Mutharika, an 85-year-old law professor, is running against Chakwera.
The 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards had over 7.4 million viewers on CBS, marking the highest viewership since 2021. The increase included more people watching through the streaming service Paramount+. Overall, while viewership for award shows has dropped compared to earlier times, the Emmys are not declining as fast as other shows like the Oscars and Grammys.
Key Facts
More than 7.4 million people watched the 2024 Emmy Awards on CBS.
The viewership increased by 8% compared to the previous year.
Streaming on Paramount+ increased by 76% compared to 2021.
Emmy viewership used to average 12.4 million in the 2010s, now averaging 6.2 million.
Other shows like the Oscars and Grammys have seen a viewership decline of about 60%.
The lowest-ever Emmy ratings happened in 2023 due to a delay and competition with an NFL game.
The Emmys are shared on a rotating schedule among CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox.
Many award shows are moving towards streaming as traditional TV viewership decreases.
Former President Donald Trump has filed a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House, accusing them of defamation and libel. He claims their reports and a book have hurt his reputation, particularly regarding his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit was filed in Florida, and Trump has not provided evidence for his claims.
Key Facts
Donald Trump filed a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House.
The lawsuit alleges defamation and libel, linking it to reports about Trump's connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump claims these reports have damaged his reputation and financial prospects.
The lawsuit was filed in Florida's district court.
Trump called The New York Times a "mouthpiece" for the Democratic Party.
Penguin Random House is included in the lawsuit for a book they published.
Trump did not provide any evidence for his claims in the lawsuit.
The New York Times and Penguin Random House have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
The UK's state pension is expected to increase due to the triple lock system, which raises pensions based on inflation, wage growth, or a set percentage, whichever is highest. This adjustment is expected to be driven by a 4.7% rise in average wages. The triple lock aims to ensure pensions keep pace with living costs and wages.
Key Facts
The triple lock is a system that increases the UK state pension yearly based on inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%, whichever is highest.
The state pension is a regular payment for people who have reached pension age and have sufficient National Insurance contributions.
Average wages rose by 4.7% from May to July, likely influencing the pension increase.
The new flat-rate state pension, for those reaching pension age after April 2016, is expected to rise to £241.05 per week.
The old basic state pension, for those reaching pension age before April 2016, is expected to rise to £184.75 per week.
The triple lock was introduced in 2010 to ensure pensions keep up with living costs and wages.
The cost of the triple lock is projected to reach £15.5 billion by 2030.
The state pension age is gradually increasing, with future rises planned.
Robert Redford, a famous actor and director, passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Utah. He was known for his influential work in Hollywood, his advocacy for independent films, and his role as an activist.
Key Facts
Robert Redford was an Oscar-winning director.
He died at his home in Sundance, Utah, at the age of 89.
Redford became famous in the 1960s.
He starred in popular 1970s movies like "The Candidate" and "All the President’s Men."
He won the Best Director Oscar for the film "Ordinary People" in 1980.
Redford was known for supporting independent cinema.
His publicist, Cindi Berger, announced his death but did not provide a cause.
Costco is recalling its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene because some bottles may break unexpectedly. The recall affects bottles sold in 12 states between April and August 2025. Customers can get a full refund and should dispose of the bottles carefully.
Key Facts
Costco issued a recall for Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene due to bottles potentially breaking on their own.
The affected bottles were sold between April 25 and August 26, 2025, with item number 1879870.
The recall impacts stores in 12 U.S. states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Customers should not open the bottles and are advised to wrap them in paper towels, place them in a plastic bag, and then throw them away.
Costco will provide full refunds to customers who bring the recall notice.
Kirkland Signature is Costco's private-label brand, available only at Costco stores or its website.
Other recent recalls by Costco included a cold and flu medication and a chocolate product due to separate issues.
For questions, customers can contact Ethica Wines' customer care for assistance.
Israel's missile strike in Qatar aimed to kill Hamas leaders but did not succeed and worsened diplomatic relations in the region. The attack led to increased international criticism of Israel and halted negotiations between Hamas and other parties on a peace deal. Many countries, including Qatar and the United States, reacted strongly against the strike.
Key Facts
Israel tried to target Hamas leaders in Qatar with missile strikes, but none of the main targets were killed.
The strike resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer.
The attempt caused a strong international backlash, with many countries condemning Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu intended the attack to pressure Hamas but it instead led to halted negotiations.
Qatar received decisive international support after the attack, including high-level meetings with U.S. officials.
The failed operation occurred around the anniversary of the Abraham Accords, aimed at peace between Israel and several Arab nations.
There was tension between Israel and the United States, as the U.S. claimed it was not notified in advance of the attack.
Netanyahu defended the strike, stating it was meant as a warning message to Hamas.
A disabled stray cat with unique walking abilities was scheduled to be euthanized due to her condition in Calgary, Canada. Instead, the cat, later named Rue, found a permanent home with Paget Williams, who decided to adopt her after realizing she could live a happy life. Rue's adoption story has touched many people online, leading to viral success on TikTok.
Key Facts
Rue is a cat with radial hypoplasia, causing deformities in her front legs.
She was found as a stray and was initially going to be euthanized at an animal clinic.
Paget Williams, working at the clinic, decided to adopt Rue instead.
Rue quickly settled into her new home and bonded well with another pet dog, Finjamin.
Rue has proven to be quite agile, despite her disability.
Williams shared Rue's story on TikTok, where it became viral with over 673,000 views.
The online community reacted positively to Rue's story, praising Williams for the adoption.
The United States has decided that Colombia is not meeting its obligations in the fight against drugs, marking the first time since 1997 that Colombia has been decertified as a drug control partner. Despite this decision, the U.S. will continue to provide aid to Colombia. Tensions are high between the U.S. and Colombia as cocaine production in Colombia has increased significantly.
Key Facts
The U.S. has decertified Colombia as a drug control partner for the first time since 1997.
President Trump accused Colombia of not fulfilling its drug control duties.
The U.S. will not impose sanctions and will continue aid to Colombia through a "national interest waiver."
Colombia is the world's largest producer of cocaine, with production increasing by 50% from 2022 to 2023.
Former President Trump criticized Colombia’s President Petro for his handling of drug policies.
Colombia has long been a major U.S. ally in the fight against drug cartels.
Since 2000, the U.S. has given Colombia $14.2 billion in aid, mostly for military and police support.
Despite the decertification, security cooperation between the two nations will continue.
A man in Southwest Florida named Michael VanEtten found a large number of fossilized shark teeth while searching in the Peace River. This area is well-known for fossil hunting, and VanEtten has been collecting fossils there for many years. The find included teeth from several prehistoric shark species.
Key Facts
Michael VanEtten found fossilized shark teeth in the Peace River, Florida.
VanEtten has been collecting fossils in Florida rivers and streams for most of his life.
The Peace River is popular with both paleontologists and amateur fossil hunters.
Fossils found there can include teeth from different types of sharks and prehistoric mammals.
Florida has a rich fossil history with discoveries dating back over 50 million years.
Finding fossils like giant ground sloths and saber-toothed cats is not uncommon in the area.
Fossil hunting is popular in Florida due to its unique geology and large public lands.
VanEtten shared his discoveries on Reddit to connect with other fossil enthusiasts.
Robert Redford, a famous Oscar-winning actor and director, has died at 89. He passed away in his sleep at his home in Utah. Redford was known for his roles in films like "The Sting" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and won an Oscar for directing "Ordinary People."
Key Facts
Robert Redford died at the age of 89.
His death was announced by Cindi Berger, a representative from a publicity firm.
Redford passed away in his sleep at his home in Utah.
He was an Oscar-winning actor and director, known for movies like "The Sting" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
He won an Oscar for Best Director for the film "Ordinary People" in 1981.
Redford had announced plans to retire from acting soon to focus on directing.
He was also active in environmental advocacy, speaking on issues like the dangers of chemicals.
Redford was a well-known public figure in both the film industry and environmental activism.
The IRS and Treasury Department have set new rules for "catch-up" retirement contributions for older workers under the SECURE 2.0 Act. This law affects how higher-income workers aged 50 and older should allocate extra retirement savings, switching these contributions to Roth accounts. The changes aim to improve retirement savings and simplify plan use for employees and employers.
Key Facts
The IRS finalized rules on catch-up contributions for older workers.
Catch-up contributions are extra retirement savings for employees aged 50 and older.
Under SECURE 2.0, higher-income workers must make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions, meaning they pay taxes on the money now.
Roth contributions grow tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free if certain conditions are met.
The SECURE 2.0 Act was signed into law in December 2022.
The new Roth requirements mainly start in 2027, affecting contributions for years beginning after December 31, 2026.
There are exceptions for certain government and collectively bargained plans with later start dates.
The IRS made adjustments to the final rules based on public feedback, allowing more flexibility in wage aggregation for the Roth option.
Three tropical waves are developing in the Atlantic Ocean. One wave may become Tropical Storm Gabrielle. Two more waves have the potential to form into storms.
Key Facts
Three tropical disturbances are happening in the Atlantic.
One of these has a high chance of becoming Tropical Storm Gabrielle.
The National Hurricane Center states this system has an 80% chance to turn into a tropical depression or storm in 48 hours.
It could become a tropical storm, when winds hit 39 mph, and a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph.
Two other waves might turn into tropical systems, but their chances are lower at this time.
The first wave is between the Windward Islands and West Africa.
The season is currently at its peak for storm activity.
It is not certain if these storms will affect the United States directly.
Category: sports
The Toronto Blue Jays are doing well this season but are currently without their key player, Bo Bichette, due to a knee injury. The team is considering letting him play as a designated hitter, a less physically demanding role, as he recovers. They aim to have him back before the playoffs.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays have the best record in the American League.
Shortstop Bo Bichette is a crucial player for the team.
Bichette is out with a knee sprain and is on the injured list.
He got a second opinion on his injury, which the team says is normal.
The team may use Bichette as a designated hitter upon his return.
The Blue Jays want him back in action before the playoffs start.
Aaron Judge from the Yankees faced a similar situation with an injury.
New research shows that hearing a baby's cry makes people's faces get warmer. This happens because the body automatically responds to the distress in the cry, which involves complex sounds called "nonlinear phenomena." The study involved adults with little baby-care experience, and it found that both men and women had the same reaction.
Key Facts
Hearing a baby's cry activates the body's automatic system that controls unconscious processes like breathing.
The cries of the babies included complex sounds known as "nonlinear phenomena" (NLP), which are hard to ignore.
Scientists tested this by playing 23 different baby cries to 41 participants who had experience with babies.
While listening, a special camera measured changes in the participants' facial temperatures.
Participants' faces got warmer, especially when the cry sounded more distressing due to high levels of NLP.
The study found that both men and women showed the same increase in facial temperature when hearing a cry.
The study only included adults with little baby-care experience, so results may differ for parents or caregivers.
The study used natural baby cry recordings, which means it wasn't possible to control the specific cry elements.
