A small Scottish butter company owner says more people in Scotland want to pay extra for quality food and care about where it comes from. Meanwhile, the Scottish government plans to limit prices on essential foods like bread and milk to help those struggling with the cost of living.
Key Facts
Jules Bal, co-owner of a handmade butter business in Glasgow, sees growing interest in quality food in Scotland.
His butter is sold at markets, to high-end restaurants, and on the Royal Scotsman train.
The SNP (Scottish National Party) promised a price cap on essential foods like bread, milk, and eggs in their election manifesto.
Farmers and food producers have criticised the price cap idea.
The Scottish government says there is a health need to keep nutritious food affordable.
Household spending on food in the UK dropped from 33% of income in 1956 to 16% in 2016.
Experts say cheaper food comes from industrial farming and supermarkets’ power to keep prices low.
Food historian Peter Gilchrist says people have lost connection with fresh, seasonal food and mainly buy packaged goods.
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A drug called Xonvea helps treat severe pregnancy sickness known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). While it is approved and works well for many women, some have trouble getting it through the NHS because doctors tend to prescribe cheaper medicines first, and approval can be complicated.
Key Facts
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of pregnancy sickness that makes women feel very sick and unable to eat.
Xonvea is a drug approved by the UK’s Medicines Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) specifically for treating HG.
Some women find Xonvea more effective than other common treatments for pregnancy sickness.
Access to Xonvea is not always easy; some women must fight to get it prescribed or pay for private appointments.
General practitioners (GPs) often prescribe cheaper anti-sickness drugs first due to cost differences.
Approval for prescribing Xonvea sometimes requires a consultant’s permission, causing delays.
The Pregnancy Sickness Support charity calls access to Xonvea a "postcode lottery," meaning it depends on where a woman lives.
Specialists recommend Xonvea but acknowledge cost and access issues affect its availability to patients.
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A fossil found in 1985 on James Ross Island was recently identified as the first dinosaur bone discovered in Antarctica. It is a tail bone from a Titanosaur, a group of large, plant-eating dinosaurs, and helps scientists understand more about dinosaurs that lived on the continent millions of years ago.
Key Facts
The fossil was found in 1985 but was stored in a drawer for 40 years before being studied again.
It was discovered on James Ross Island in Antarctica during a 1985 expedition.
The bone is a vertebra from a Titanosaur, one of the largest dinosaurs ever.
Titanosaurs were four-legged, plant-eating dinosaurs with long necks and tails.
Scientists estimate this Titanosaur was about 7 meters (23 feet) long, possibly a juvenile or small adult.
This dinosaur lived around 82 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period.
At that time, Antarctica was covered in lush forests, unlike its icy environment today.
The discovery adds valuable information about dinosaur life in Antarctica, where fossils are rare.
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A couple from Wales lost over £30,000 to a builder who left their home extension unfinished and spent the money on holidays. The builder, Christian Williams, is serving a prison sentence after admitting theft and fraud involving four families; the victims continue to face problems with incomplete and poor-quality work.
Key Facts
Christian Williams took more than £30,000 from Barry and Shelley Sawkins for a home extension but left the job unfinished.
Williams is currently serving two years in prison after admitting theft and fraud involving multiple families.
The Sawkins couple spent £50,000 fixing the problems, almost £30,000 over the original £21,000 quote.
Williams was seen on holiday in Lanzarote using the money given by clients.
The extension has major issues, including uneven flooring and water leaking into the house.
Williams rarely attended the worksite, sending elderly and unqualified workers instead.
Some suppliers were never paid, forcing the couple to buy materials again.
Another family also suffered major issues and stress after hiring Williams for a home extension.
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Germany's eastern states have seen a large drop in population since reunification in 1990, mainly because many people moved to the western states for better opportunities and because of low birth rates. This population decline has contributed to political changes, including rising support for the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, especially in states like Saxony-Anhalt.
Key Facts
After German reunification, many businesses in East Germany closed or shrank, causing job losses.
Between 1990 and 2025, the overall population in Germany grew by 3.8 million due to immigration, but the eastern states lost 16% of their population (excluding East Berlin).
Saxony-Anhalt experienced the greatest population drop in the east, with a decline of 26%.
Population decline in the east is expected to continue because of low birth rates and ongoing migration westward.
The eastern states outside Berlin are projected to have fewer people by 2070 under various scenarios.
The economic transition from a socialist to a capitalist system was difficult, resulting in mass unemployment and social challenges in the east.
Some of the population loss occurred in two waves: immediately after reunification and another in the early 2000s.
The demographic changes may be increasing support for the AfD party, which is seen as right-wing extremist by German domestic intelligence.
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Erin Brockovich, known for her environmental activism, is raising concerns about the rapid construction of large AI datacentres in the United States. Many communities are worried about the environmental impact, lack of transparency, and effects on local resources caused by these massive facilities.
Key Facts
Erin Brockovich became famous for helping sue a company over groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California.
She recently received thousands of emails from people worried about new AI datacentres near their homes.
AI datacentres are large buildings that house powerful computers needed for artificial intelligence.
As of June 24, there are 33 AI datacentres operating, 68 being built, and 41 planned in the US.
Many people say they were not informed or consulted before approval and construction began.
Concerns include water use, energy costs, health effects, and harm to wildlife.
Developers often make secrecy agreements with local officials, limiting public knowledge.
Brockovich created a public map showing locations of AI datacentres and community complaints.
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People in parts of Venezuela affected by a recent earthquake are upset with how the government is handling the recovery efforts. Volunteers are helping to find survivors trapped under the collapsed buildings, especially in the coastal city of Catia la Mar.
Key Facts
An earthquake hit areas in northern Venezuela, including Catia la Mar.
Many buildings fell down, leaving people trapped under rubble.
Local volunteers are working quickly to find and rescue survivors.
Residents feel the government has not provided enough help.
The situation is causing frustration and anger among people in the affected communities.
The news report was filed by the BBC from the disaster area.
This event happened recently, with the report published about 10 hours ago.
The article focuses on the response to the natural disaster rather than the cause of the earthquake.
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The UK Ministry of Defence has changed its plan to replace old destroyers with large new ships. Instead, it will build at least six smaller, drone-equipped warships to better handle modern threats. The new vessels aim to improve naval reach and defense while keeping costs and crew numbers lower.
Key Facts
The UK will stop plans to replace ageing Type 45 destroyers with Type 83 vessels.
Instead, the Ministry of Defence will build at least six "Common Combat Vessels" that can use drones in the air, on water, and under the sea.
These new ships are designed for modern warfare and to counter threats like Russian activity in the North Atlantic.
The vessels are expected to be ready in the 2030s but no exact budget has been announced.
This change is part of a larger defence investment plan to be published before the NATO summit in July 2026.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis supports the updated plan, aiming to get new technology to frontline forces quickly.
Recent resignations of defence officials happened over disagreements about defence funding levels.
The UK government plans to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3.5% by 2035, in line with NATO goals.
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Senator John Fetterman and Senator Dave McCormick took charge of Pennsylvania’s booth at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. This happened after Governor Josh Shapiro said the state could not find a business to sponsor the booth.
Key Facts
The event involved Pennsylvania’s presence at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
Governor Josh Shapiro said state officials were unable to find a business sponsor for the booth.
Senators John Fetterman (Democrat) and Dave McCormick (Republican) stepped in to organize the booth instead.
The senators announced their involvement through a press release on Saturday.
This shows coordination between Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators across party lines.
The move fills a gap left by the state government’s difficulty in finding sponsorship.
The booth represents Pennsylvania at a national event showcasing states.
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Chipmaker companies’ stock prices have risen sharply in the first half of 2026 due to increased demand for the semiconductors needed for artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This rise has boosted markets in Asia and the US, while some large software companies have seen their shares drop.
Key Facts
Semiconductor and memory chip makers have seen profits and share prices soar in 2026.
South Korea’s Kospi index rose 123%, helped by Samsung (up 169%) and SK Hynix (up 303%).
US chip companies like Sandisk, Western Digital, Micron, and Seagate experienced huge gains, with Sandisk up 780% this year.
High demand for chips to power AI data centers has driven prices and stock values upwards.
Apple reported higher iPad and MacBook prices partly due to rising memory chip costs.
Shares of major AI software companies like Microsoft have fallen as investors shift money into chipmakers.
Some signs show the chip stock boom might be slowing as investors take profits and move out of tech stocks.
Global stock markets generally gained in the first half of 2026, with Japan’s Nikkei up 38% and the US S&P 500 up 7.4%.
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Catherine, the Princess of Wales, completed the Three Peaks Challenge by climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales in one day to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. She took on the challenge to support holistic healthcare for cancer patients and to raise awareness about the emotional and physical impact of cancer.
Key Facts
The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the tallest peaks in England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis), and Wales (Snowdon) in 24 hours.
Catherine was treated for cancer in 2024 and was in remission by early 2025.
She completed the challenge to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Holistic healthcare means supporting the whole person, including physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing alongside medical treatment.
Catherine shared that cancer affects more than just the body; it also impacts emotions and how people think.
She wants to highlight the importance of combining medical treatment with other types of care to improve cancer patients’ quality of life.
At the finish in Wales, she was greeted by family members, including Prince William and their children.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust praised her support and said it will help many cancer patients and their families.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said large technology companies have too much power and should be broken up into smaller parts. She expressed concern that these companies act like governments instead of just businesses.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democratic representative from New York.
She criticized big tech companies for having "unchecked power."
She suggested breaking up large technology companies into smaller ones.
Ocasio-Cortez said these companies behave as if they are governments.
Her comments came during an interview with Fox News.
The discussion included concerns about price increases and control by tech firms.
The focus was partly on artificial intelligence and tech company influence.
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An Australian man was charged with murder after the body of a 17-year-old Thai girl was found in a suitcase in Pattaya, Thailand. The man was arrested while trying to leave the country and denies killing the girl, claiming self-defense.
Key Facts
The girl, Tunchanok Donhomla, was 17 years old and reported missing on Friday in Pattaya.
Police found her naked body inside a suitcase near a railway track early Saturday morning.
Simon Peter Carman, the Australian suspect, was arrested at Bangkok airport as he tried to flee.
CCTV footage showed Carman entering a condominium with the girl and leaving alone with a large suitcase.
Carman denies murder and other charges but admits an argument over payment for sexual services.
Police say Carman had scratch marks consistent with a struggle, but he claimed they were from a spider.
The girl was an only child from Kalasin province and had traveled to Pattaya on holiday.
If found guilty, Carman could face the death penalty in Thailand.
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Three firefighters died and two were burned while fighting fast-moving wildfires near the Colorado-Utah border. The fires combined to form the large Snyder Fire, burning about 44 square miles, with hot and windy weather making firefighting difficult.
Key Facts
Three firefighters died, and two were injured by burns during a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border.
The affected firefighters were from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service.
The Knowles and Gore fires merged to create the Snyder Fire, which has burned about 44 square miles.
Weather conditions included temperatures up to 93°F (34°C) and wind gusts up to 44 mph (71 kph).
The firefighting agencies closed nearby public lands to keep people safe and asked residents to evacuate and wet the land.
Wildfires are spreading rapidly in the western U.S. due to hot, dry, and windy weather and low humidity.
A large fire in southwest Utah, the Cottonwood Fire, has burned over 144 square miles and damaged a ski resort.
The dry conditions are worsened by Utah’s record-low snowpack and warmest winter, increasing fire risk across the West.
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A father and his teenage son were found alive under rubble in Venezuela four days after two strong earthquakes hit near Caracas. The twin earthquakes caused severe damage, killing around 1,450 people and injuring over 3,000, with many buildings destroyed and thousands still missing.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck near Caracas, Venezuela.
Nearly 200 buildings were completely destroyed and about 774 seriously damaged.
The death toll is about 1,450 and expected to rise; more than 3,150 people were injured.
A father and son were found alive in Caraballeda nearly four days after the quakes.
Rescue teams from the US, Mexico, France, and other countries are aiding in search and rescue.
Looting occurred in La Guaira, a heavily damaged port city near Venezuela's main airport.
About 6.76 million people may need shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare, and other help.
The UN estimates $6.7 billion is needed to repair damage from the earthquakes.
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More than one in ten children in England were referred to mental health services in 2024-25, a 10% increase from the previous year and nearly double the number from 2018-19. Anxiety is the most common reason for referrals, and many children face long waits for treatment, especially those with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Key Facts
Over 1 million children in England were referred for mental health care in 2024-25.
Anxiety accounted for 16% of all mental health referrals.
Referrals for suspected autism increased by nearly 50% in one year, reaching over 96,000.
Other conditions like ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome also rose by almost 25%.
More than one-third of children referred were still waiting for treatment; over 60,000 waited more than two years.
Only about 20% of children with suspected autism or similar conditions received support, with an average wait time of one year.
Black and Asian children are referred less often but are more likely to be in crisis when referred; one in four black children were in crisis compared to 7.4% of white children.
Children from the poorest areas in England made up 15% of referrals, twice the share from the wealthiest areas.
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Senator Chris Coons from Delaware was in a car crash caused by another driver having a medical problem. He was taken to the hospital but only had minor injuries and has now been released.
Key Facts
Senator Chris Coons is from Delaware.
The crash happened when another driver had a medical emergency.
That driver’s car hit several vehicles, including the one Coons was in.
Coons was taken to Beebe Hospital.
He was treated for minor injuries.
Coons has been released from the hospital.
The incident was reported on a Sunday.
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President Donald Trump announced that work on renovating the public East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., will begin on September 1 despite a federal judge's warning. The renovation project is planned as a public-private partnership and aims to create a top-level golf course open to the public.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to start work on East Potomac Golf Course renovations on September 1, 2026.
A federal judge warned the administration not to proceed without proper court approvals and notifications.
The Administration ended its lease agreement with the National Links Trust in December over maintenance disputes.
An agreement allows the National Links Trust to continue operating the course as renovations proceed.
Trump toured the golf course accompanied by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and architect Tom Fazio.
The renovated course is intended to meet high standards and host major golf tournaments like the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup.
The project is managed through the Department of the Interior and involves redesigning the golf course for public use.
The President also visited other sites in Washington, D.C., where projects have faced legal challenges.
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The United States and Iran have agreed to pause hostilities and allow ships to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Both countries will continue technical discussions to work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at improving relations.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran agreed to “stand down for now” to reduce tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Recent fighting had caused concern for shipping safety in this important waterway.
Both sides will continue technical talks to address details in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement will allow ships to pass through the Strait without conflict for the time being.
This move is seen as a step toward peace talks and de-escalating tensions between the two countries.
The news was confirmed by a U.S. official speaking to The Hill.
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Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips is a well-known liver specialist in India who uses social media to promote science-based medicine and criticize traditional Indian practices like Ayurveda and homeopathy. While many admire him for standing up for evidence-based health care, others strongly dislike his direct and often harsh online style.
Key Facts
Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips works at Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi, Kerala, treating patients with liver disease.
He is very active on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), where over 300,000 people follow him as the "Liver Doc."
Philips publicly calls homeopathy and other alternative medicines "false" and often criticizes traditional Indian medical systems.
His outspoken style has led to legal cases and discussions by India's Ayush Ministry, which oversees traditional medicine.
Despite his online persona being blunt and confrontational, people who know him describe him as polite and soft-spoken in person.
Philips adopted a loud online style to make sure his messages about public health are heard amid criticism and trolling.
He grew up in Kerala, initially wanted to be a writer, but followed his father’s footsteps in medicine.
His medical training included difficult experiences, like struggling with the entrance exam and witnessing shortages at a large public hospital in Kolkata.
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