Alison McGovern has withdrawn from the race to become the deputy leader of the Labour Party and is now supporting Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary. Phillipson appears to be leading the race, having garnered considerable support from MPs, with her team confident of meeting the required nominations before the deadline. Other candidates, including Lucy Powell and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, are also vying for support ahead of the election.
Key Facts
Alison McGovern has quit the Labour deputy leadership race and endorsed Bridget Phillipson.
To continue in the race, candidates need support from at least 80 MPs by the deadline.
Bridget Phillipson has already secured 44 nominations, positioning her as a frontrunner.
Lucy Powell and Bell Ribeiro-Addy are her main competitors, with 35 and eight backers, respectively.
The contest arises from Angela Rayner's resignation as Labour deputy leader.
Around 300 Labour MPs have not yet declared their support for any candidate.
Some Labour leaders want the new deputy to be a woman from northern England, countering the current leadership's London focus.
Bridget Phillipson, an MP from the North East, stands out as a candidate supportive of the government, which could affect her overall support within the party.
NASA has found a rock sample on Mars that may contain signs of ancient life. The sample comes from an area called "Sapphire Canyon," near an ancient river valley on Mars, and contains features that might be related to biological activity.
Key Facts
NASA's Perseverance rover collected the rock sample from an area known as "Sapphire Canyon."
The area is near an ancient river valley called Neretva Vallis, which once flowed into Jezero Crater.
The sample has small black "poppy seed" spots and larger "leopard spots."
These spots contain minerals like iron, phosphorus, and sulfur.
Scientists suggest the patterns could be similar to those left by living organisms.
There are also nonbiological ways these patterns could have formed, like high heat.
Perseverance landed on Mars in early 2021 to search for signs of past life.
The findings were published in the science journal Nature.
On Tuesday, Israel launched an air strike in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders. The attack, which used fighter jets and drones, reportedly took months to plan and killed several people, including a Qatari security officer. The operation, carried out despite Qatar's role as a negotiation base, has drawn widespread criticism.
Key Facts
Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar.
The strike involved 15 Israeli fighter jets and drones.
Khalil al-Hayya, a Hamas leader, was reportedly the main target.
The attack killed six people, including a Qatari security officer.
Israel admitted responsibility for the attack.
The operation, called "Summit of Fire," was planned over several months.
Qatar hosts a large U.S. military base and serves as a negotiation site between Hamas and Israel.
The precise airspace used by Israeli jets during the attack is unclear.
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Terence "Bud" Crawford will fight in a highly anticipated boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alvarez will defend his super middleweight titles against Crawford, who is moving up two weight classes for this match. The fight will take place at Allegiant Stadium and will be available to stream globally on Netflix.
Key Facts
The fight is scheduled to start with the main event ring walk at 8pm in Las Vegas on Saturday.
It will be held at Allegiant Stadium, which seats 65,000 people.
The fight will be available for streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
Alvarez will defend several titles: WBO, WBA, IBF, WBC super middleweight titles, and the Ring Magazine title.
Crawford is moving up about 6kg (14lb) to fight at the super middleweight limit of 76kg (168lb).
Crawford has a reported height and reach advantage over Alvarez.
Rumors of a shoulder injury for Crawford have been denied by the boxer.
Alvarez has a boxing record of 61 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, and has won 11 world titles.
Kamala Harris criticized Joe Biden's decision to run for re-election as "recklessness" in her upcoming book. She wrote about feeling sidelined by Biden's team and expressed concerns about Biden's age and decision-making. Her book will be released later this month, detailing her political experiences and perspectives.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris called Joe Biden's decision to run for a second term "recklessness."
Harris wrote about feeling left out by Biden's team during her vice-presidency.
She mentioned concerns over Biden's age and ability to serve effectively.
Harris denied any conspiracy to hide Biden's health issues.
Harris felt that the White House didn't support her well in public disputes.
Her book "107 Days" covers her political experiences and will release this month.
Harris plans a book tour including stops in the UK and Canada.
Biden's re-election campaign faced criticism due to his age and health.
Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre is preparing for the Rugby Cup in New York and expects challenging interactions from U.S. fans. MacIntyre aims to stay focused and confident, building on a successful year with six top-10 finishes in the PGA Tour. He feels more comfortable with his team and is eager to perform well in the tournament.
Key Facts
Robert MacIntyre is preparing to play in the Ryder Cup in New York.
He is not worried about possible negative comments from U.S. fans.
MacIntyre is playing in the Ryder Cup for the second time.
He feels more comfortable with his team this year compared to last time.
MacIntyre had a successful year with six top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour.
He rose from 14th to ninth in world golf rankings this year.
MacIntyre is the first Scottish golfer since 2005 to rank this high.
He aims to perform well in major golf tournaments.
Melinda French Gates has announced a plan to invest $1 billion in women's healthcare research over two years. This includes a $50 million commitment to study health issues that significantly affect women, such as autoimmune diseases, mental health, and cardiovascular disease. Gates aims to address the historical lack of funding and research on women's health.
Key Facts
Melinda French Gates pledged $1 billion for women's healthcare research over two years.
$50 million will go to research on women's health issues, including autoimmune diseases and mental health.
80% of people with autoimmune diseases are women.
Depression is about 1.5 times more common in women than in men globally.
Women tend to have worse outcomes after heart attacks due to various factors like delayed diagnosis.
Women's health has historically been underfunded and under-researched, with men often used as the standard in medical studies.
In the past, women were largely excluded from early clinical drug trials due to safety concerns.
Recent studies show that women make up around 42% of participants in significant health trials.
Spain's Vuelta cycling race is facing increased security due to pro-Palestinian protests. The protests have disrupted race stages and targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team. Spanish authorities are deploying additional police and Civil Guards to ensure the race continues safely.
Key Facts
Protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team occurred during the Vuelta cycling race.
Security is increased for the final stages of the race in Madrid, with extra police and Civil Guards deployed.
The protests relate to tensions over the war in Gaza.
Demonstrations caused disruptions, including a race stage being shortened.
Police aim to balance race safety and the right to protest.
Race organizers denied plans to cancel the final stages.
Spain's poor diplomatic relations with Israel were part of the protests' backdrop.
Many Premier League club players participated in international matches during the break. Players scored goals, assisted teammates, and some got injured while representing their national teams. Clubs had varying numbers of international players, ranging from eight to eighteen per team.
Key Facts
All 20 Premier League clubs had at least five players on international duty.
Mikel Merino scored for Spain and achieved a hat-trick against Turkey.
Noni Madueke scored his first international goal for England.
Matty Cash of Aston Villa scored for Poland and later got injured.
Dango Ouattara of Brentford scored twice for Burkina Faso.
Hannibal from Burnley helped Tunisia qualify for the World Cup.
Marc Cucurella scored for Spain in a match against Bulgaria.
The R360 rugby league is planning to create a new global franchise but is facing questions from World Rugby. The league has not yet been officially approved, leading to uncertainties about its future launch in 2026.
Key Facts
R360 is a new rugby league trying to attract top players globally.
World Rugby has asked many questions about R360's plans, including stadiums and medical teams.
R360 submitted a 120-page proposal but lacks some necessary details for approval.
The league aims to start in October 2026 but isn't approved to join the official rugby calendar yet.
Over 160 male players, including some from England, have agreed to join if the league launches.
World Rugby's approval would provide R360 with access to official referees, anti-doping systems, and insurance.
Players joining R360 might be ineligible for national teams that prefer local players.
Shares of Associated British Foods, which owns Primark, fell by more than 10% due to concerns about consumer spending in response to cost of living pressures. This drop followed a company warning about challenging market conditions and cautious customer spending. Factors like weakened sales at Primark and competition from rivals Shein and Temu have influenced the situation.
Key Facts
Associated British Foods' shares fell over 10% after warning about consumer spending issues.
Rising inflation and unemployment concerns are affecting consumer spending.
Primark's sales increased just 1% in six months, affecting its profit margins.
Competition from brands like Shein and Temu is impacting Primark.
Economists predict inflation could continue rising, impacting low-cost retailers.
In the US, consumer spending has been more stable than in Europe, but concerns remain.
US tariffs on imports pose challenges for Primark due to many products coming from China.
Logistics and distribution costs have increased for Primark's US expansion.
A former winner of the game show Countdown, John Cowen, attacked another participant, Thomas Carey, at a fan event in Blackpool. Cowen was found unfit to plead in court because of mental health issues, and jurors confirmed that he committed the assault.
Key Facts
John Cowen attacked Thomas Carey with a knife at a Countdown fan event on September 14, 2024.
The incident took place at the Wainwright Social Club in Blackpool.
Cowen was determined unfit to stand trial due to mental illness.
Jurors found that Cowen had assaulted Carey and possessed a knife in public.
CCTV footage showed Cowen entering the event with a knife and attacking Carey.
Carey was treated at a hospital for a stab wound to his arm.
Cowen was arrested with another kitchen knife in his pocket.
Cowen's sentencing is scheduled for September 30, pending psychiatric evaluations.
Natural disasters around the world, including in Pakistan and India, are happening more frequently and with greater intensity. These disasters cause significant financial losses, with current yearly costs over $200 billion. The financial burden of these events is a pressing issue.
Key Facts
Natural disasters globally are becoming more frequent and severe.
The UN reports that children born today have a high chance of facing major floods in their lifetime.
Yearly financial losses from these disasters exceed $200 billion.
These losses could increase to as much as $2.3 trillion when indirect effects are considered.
Pakistan and India recently experienced some of the worst floods in decades.
Determining who will cover the costs of these disasters is a significant concern.
Charlie Kirk, a leader of a conservative group, was shot during an event at Utah Valley University. The incident was met with broad condemnation and is part of a wider trend of political violence in the U.S.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk is the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
The shooting happened at Utah Valley University in Utah.
Kirk was participating in an event called "The American Comeback."
Videos show the moment Kirk was shot and then reached for his neck.
Reactions from political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned the violence.
This incident is part of a larger increase in political violence across the U.S.
The story is still developing and more details may emerge.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux has voted to annul the case against former President Jair Bolsonaro, arguing that the Supreme Court lacks authority because Bolsonaro is no longer in office. Bolsonaro is on trial for attempts to stay in power after his election defeat in 2022. Despite Fux's vote, the court seems likely to convict Bolsonaro.
Key Facts
Justice Luiz Fux voted to annul the trial against Jair Bolsonaro.
Fux argues that the Supreme Court should not judge the case since Bolsonaro is no longer president.
Fux believes the case should have gone to lower courts or involved the full Supreme Court.
Bolsonaro faces charges of organizing a coup and other serious offenses.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 43 years in prison.
Protests from Bolsonaro's supporters occurred before the verdict.
Evidence presented in court mentions assassination plans against current President Lula.
The case has generated a massive amount of documentation, complicating the defense's preparation.
An Israeli airstrike targeted Hamas officials in Qatar, causing international outcry and condemnation. The Israeli ambassador to the US stated that Israel would aim to target Hamas again if necessary, despite criticism from global allies. The attack raised legal and diplomatic issues as it was seen as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty.
Key Facts
The attack was aimed at Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar.
Six people, including a Qatari security officer, died in the airstrike.
The attack may have violated international laws, including the United Nations Charter.
Qatar condemned the attacks as "state terrorism."
US President Donald Trump expressed concerns but did not publicly condemn the attack.
Qatar is a key ally of the US and hosts a major US military base.
Israel's envoy to the US dismissed global criticisms, stating they aim to combat Islamic extremism.
Israel is a significant recipient of US military aid.
A federal judge has temporarily stopped President Donald Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud. The judge found that these claims likely do not justify her removal from her position. The legal case will continue, which could impact the Federal Reserve's independence in decision-making.
Key Facts
A U.S. judge blocked President Trump from removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook for now.
Trump wanted to fire Cook over mortgage fraud claims from before her Fed position.
The judge stated the claims don't seem enough to justify firing Cook.
Cook filed a lawsuit to stop her removal and denies any wrongdoing.
The case highlights the Federal Reserve's need to be free from political influence.
Federal Reserve governors have specific protections to prevent political firings.
The law says Fed governors can only be removed "for cause," but this term is not clearly defined.
The case may eventually go to the US Supreme Court.
A dance teacher, Heidi Liddle, described how she hid with a child in a toilet during a deadly knife attack in Southport. The attack resulted in the deaths of three children and injuries to others. Liddle shared her feelings of guilt and trauma during an inquiry into the incident.
Key Facts
Heidi Liddle is a dance teacher who was involved in the Southport attack incident.
She hid with a child in a toilet while the attacker tried to enter.
The attack occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in July 2024.
Three children, Alice Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Bebe King, were killed.
Eight other children and two adults were seriously injured in the attack.
Liddle expressed feelings of guilt and trauma during her testimony at the inquiry.
Yoga teacher Leanne Lucas was also injured and spoke about the mental impact of the attack.
The attack caused significant emotional and psychological effects on those involved and the community.
Unusual rocks found on Mars may provide new clues about possible past life on the planet. These rocks, discovered by NASA's Perseverance Rover, have interesting markings that some scientists think could be linked to ancient microbes. While it's not confirmed, further study is needed to understand the origins of these minerals.
Key Facts
NASA's Perseverance Rover found mudstone rocks with unusual leopard spot markings on Mars.
Scientists believe these markings might be linked to ancient microbes.
The rocks were found in an area that was once a riverbed in the Jezero Crater.
The features observed could be potential biosignatures, signs that suggest past life.
Other explanations include natural geological processes, but these seem less likely under current conditions.
Bringing the rocks back to Earth is needed to determine if the features are biological.
The idea of a sample return mission faces challenges due to potential budget cuts.
Mars once had conditions, like water and a thick atmosphere, that might have supported life.
The UK ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, is facing criticism for his past ties with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted trafficker. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in Mandelson despite these links and emphasizes Mandelson’s importance in U.K.-U.S. relations.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson is the UK ambassador to the United States.
Mandelson is criticized for his past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
A 2003 birthday album for Epstein includes a note from Mandelson calling Epstein "my best pal."
Mandelson claims he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities before accusations surfaced.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports Mandelson, highlighting his trade experience.
Mandelson has admitted to his association with Epstein and expressed regret.
Concerns arise from the opposition about Mandelson's suitability for the ambassador position.
The prime minister's office confirmed that Mandelson underwent extensive background checks before his appointment.
