Graduates in England leave university with an average debt of about £47,500, which has slightly decreased recently. University tuition fees in England and Wales have been rising and will continue to increase each year in line with inflation from 2026 onwards.
Key Facts
The average student debt for graduates in England is around £47,730, down from £53,000 the year before.
Tuition fees in England and Wales increased to £9,535 per year in 2025 and will rise to £9,790 in 2026.
From 2026, tuition fees in England will increase annually based on inflation, measured by the Retail Price Index minus mortgage interest (RPIx).
In Northern Ireland, fees are £4,855 for local students and £9,535 for others, rising in 2026-27 to £4,985 and £9,790 respectively.
Most Scottish students pay no tuition fees, but other UK students pay £9,535, rising to £9,790 in 2026-27.
Student loans cover tuition and living costs, with living loans based on family income.
Loan repayment begins only when income reaches a certain level, and rules changed in 2023 making repayments longer and potentially more expensive for some.
Plan 5 loans, introduced in England in 2023, have lower interest and contributed to the recent decrease in average student debt.
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Europe is preparing for a total solar eclipse, which will be the first one visible there in 27 years. Millions of people are expected to watch the eclipse along a path stretching from Iceland to Spain, while scientists will use planes and observatories to study the event.
Key Facts
A total solar eclipse will occur over parts of Europe.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible in Europe in 27 years.
The path where the eclipse will be fully visible goes from Iceland to Spain.
Millions of people are expected to watch the eclipse.
Scientists plan to observe the eclipse using aircraft and ground observatories.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely covers the Sun as seen from Earth.
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Colombia declared three days of national mourning after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake killed over 200 people and caused widespread damage. Rescue teams are working urgently to find survivors amid ongoing aftershocks, while the government and international aid groups provide support.
Key Facts
A strong earthquake hit western Colombia, the worst in 100 years, causing major damage in cities like Cali, Pereira, and Manizales.
More than 200 people have died, about 2,595 were injured, and up to 4,000 may still be missing according to some sources.
The government declared three days of mourning and lowered flags to half-staff to honor the victims.
Rescue efforts continue with cranes, dogs, and volunteers digging through rubble to find survivors.
Parts of Colombia’s health system are overwhelmed, with hospitals damaged and patients treated outside.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just days before, declared a state of emergency and promised help for affected families.
The United States, European Union, Mexico, and El Salvador have sent emergency aid, rescue teams, and supplies.
Some remote and poor areas near the quake’s epicenter are hard to reach due to rough terrain and local violence.
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Russia’s economy has lasted longer than expected despite Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine war. However, its growth is slowing, the budget deficit is growing, and attacks from Ukraine are affecting the economy, even though Russia still has large financial reserves and benefits from higher energy prices due to the conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
Russia’s economy has resisted sanctions but is now showing signs of strain after four years of war with Ukraine.
Economic growth in Russia is expected to slow to its lowest level since 2022.
The Russian government’s budget deficit is increasing.
Ukrainian military strikes are increasingly impacting Russian economic targets.
Russia holds over $300 billion in financial reserves that it can access.
The conflict involving Iran has raised global energy prices, which benefits Russia’s revenues.
The U.S. Senate has approved tariffs of up to 100% on buyers of Russian energy to limit Russia’s income.
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The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, criticized President Donald Trump's efforts to change U.S. vaccination rules for children. He said these efforts go against many years of scientific evidence showing vaccines like the MMR shot are safe and do not cause autism.
Key Facts
WHO Director-General Tedros called out President Trump’s push to change childhood vaccine policies in the U.S.
Trump signed an order to reconsider school vaccine mandates and splitting the MMR vaccine into three doses.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports disproven claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism.
Tedros stated that vaccines, including MMR, are safe and do not cause autism, based on clear scientific evidence.
WHO emphasizes that vaccination policies should rely on careful and transparent scientific review, not politics.
Delaying or separating vaccine doses unnecessarily can put children at risk by leaving them unprotected.
Since joining the administration, Kennedy has reviewed vaccine schedules and reduced funding for new vaccine development.
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Iran’s new security chief said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. ends the war and blockade, releases frozen Iranian assets, and agrees to a ceasefire in the region. Iran continues to resist the U.S.-led actions in the region, while attacks on ships and military actions have increased.
Key Facts
Iran demands the U.S. stop the war, end the blockade, release frozen assets, and agree to a regional ceasefire before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s new security chief, made this statement shortly after meeting China’s ambassador.
Iran seeks closer ties with China, praising China for not supporting U.S.-backed UN actions against Iran.
Military incidents continue near the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, including attacks on merchant ships.
The U.S. Navy recently fired missiles at a Panama-flagged ship, marking multiple attacks on vessels since April.
A memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. has collapsed, with efforts by Pakistan and Qatar to find a diplomatic solution ongoing.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of possible attacks on energy and internet infrastructure if threatened again.
Iran claims it has produced more missiles and drones during the conflict than it has used.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) chief expressed concern about recent changes in the United States' vaccine policy for children. The WHO says these changes do not match years of research showing the best timing and number of vaccines to protect children from diseases.
Key Facts
The WHO chief spoke out against recent U.S. changes to child vaccination policies.
WHO believes the updated U.S. policy does not follow decades of scientific research.
Research shows when children are most at risk of diseases and when vaccines work best.
The policy changes affect the timing and number of vaccine doses given to children.
The WHO's statement aims to highlight concerns about child immunization effectiveness.
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Lebanon’s parliament voted to abolish the death penalty, becoming the first country in the Middle East to do so. Although Lebanon has not executed anyone since 2004, death sentences were still given until recently.
Key Facts
Lebanon is the first Middle Eastern country to end the death penalty.
The parliament made this decision on Tuesday, August 12, 2026.
Lebanon has not carried out an execution since 2004.
Despite no executions, courts continued to hand down death sentences until August 2026.
At least 85 people were on death row in Lebanon as of January 2026.
The death penalty was used mainly for serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, and spying.
Amnesty International provided information on the number of people on death row.
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The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is growing quickly and may become the deadliest ever. It has already caused over 2,000 deaths and more than 4,300 cases since it began early this year, and lacks approved vaccines or treatments.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak started around February 2026, though it was officially declared in May.
It is spreading faster than health workers can track or control it.
Over 2,000 people have died from more than 4,300 confirmed cases so far.
This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
The outbreak is happening in a conflict area of eastern Congo near South Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Most new cases are in communities hard for health workers to reach.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says this outbreak could surpass the 2014-2016 West African Ebola outbreak, which killed over 11,000 people.
The 2014-2016 outbreak had more than 28,000 cases.
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Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the Atlantic Ocean far west of the Azores, with no coastal warnings issued. It is expected to weaken and disappear by Thursday. In the Pacific Ocean, a new storm called Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C may get stronger and approach the Hawaiian Islands by late Friday.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the Atlantic Ocean, west of the Azores.
No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect for Cristobal.
Cristobal is forecast to weaken and dissipate by Thursday.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring another system called Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C in the Pacific Ocean.
This new storm is about 1,000 miles east-southeast of Hawaii.
Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C is expected to get stronger.
It may approach the Hawaiian Islands by late Friday.
The NHC is providing updates and advice on these storms.
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“The End of Oak Street” is a new movie set in the 1980s about a suburban family whose neighborhood suddenly becomes surrounded by a prehistoric jungle with dinosaurs. The film mixes family drama, horror, and playful silliness to create a surprising and fun summer movie experience.
Key Facts
The film is directed and written by David Robert Mitchell.
It is set in a typical 1980s suburban neighborhood that turns into a prehistoric world.
The main family, the Platts, includes Denise (Anne Hathaway), Greg (Ewan McGregor), and their children Audrey and Brian.
The story begins during a neighborhood fair and slowly reveals dinosaurs and jungle life invading the area.
The movie includes elements of horror, absurdism, and family drama.
It has references to Spielberg-style storytelling without being an ironic tribute.
The film has a fast pace and combines nostalgic summer movie fun with unexpected twists.
It addresses family issues such as possible divorce while dealing with the extraordinary events.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit Colombia more than 48 hours ago. Over 200 people have died, and more than 2,000 are missing as rescue teams continue searching for survivors. The new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has declared a state of emergency due to ongoing problems like lack of clean water, electricity, and closed highways.
Key Facts
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia.
The event happened over 48 hours ago from the report time.
At least 200 people have died because of the earthquake.
More than 2,000 people are reported missing.
The new president is Abelardo de la Espriella.
A state of emergency has been declared in Colombia.
Many people lack clean drinking water and electricity.
Several major highways remain closed, affecting travel and rescue efforts.
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Cambridge University will hold an independent investigation into how Jason Arday was appointed as a professor after doubts emerged about his claims. The university’s vice-chancellor said the case has hurt the institution and promised a thorough review of the hiring process, involving both internal and external academics.
Key Facts
Jason Arday resigned from his professor position at Cambridge after some of his claims were questioned.
Cambridge initially defended Arday but later agreed to an independent inquiry into his appointment.
The investigation will examine the faculty of education’s role in hiring Arday in 2022 and his time at Cambridge.
The process will be carried out by senior academics from both Cambridge and other institutions.
Cambridge acknowledged the need to review the way it hires senior academic staff.
Durham and Glasgow universities, where Arday also held academic roles, have launched or are considering their own investigations.
Some Cambridge academics criticized the vice-chancellor’s description of the appointment process, saying it involved university leadership.
The university emphasized it values its staff of color and condemned the negative atmosphere caused by the controversy.
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President Donald Trump stated that the United States has complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, despite a recent drop in ship traffic through this key waterway. Ongoing conflicts involving the US, Israel, Iran, and regional groups have caused fewer ships to pass through and complicated efforts to reopen the strait fully.
Key Facts
President Trump said the US has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and expects to maintain it.
Transit through the Strait of Hormuz fell to only eight ships on one day, much lower than the pre-war average of 130 to 140 ships.
The US and Israel began a war with Iran on February 28; a peace agreement made in June ended by mid-July with renewed fighting.
Iran is discussing future management of the strait with Oman but has paused direct peace talks with the US.
Iran demands the US lift its naval blockade and sanctions and unfreeze Iranian assets before allowing full traffic in the strait.
Attacks related to the conflict are happening, including a US Navy helicopter striking a cargo ship and Houthi attacks on vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Six people died in a Houthi attack on an Egyptian-owned ship at Bab al-Mandab.
The US naval blockade of Iranian ports is described by President Trump as a "wall of steel" that Iran cannot overcome.
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Actor Dominic Sessa plays a young Anthony Bourdain in the movie "Tony," which is about Bourdain’s early time working in a restaurant kitchen. Chef Eric Ripert, a close friend of Bourdain, discusses his relationship with the chef and the film’s story.
Key Facts
Dominic Sessa acts as 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain in the movie "Tony."
The movie is loosely based on stories from Bourdain’s early kitchen work.
Eric Ripert, a famous chef and Bourdain’s friend, talks about the film and their friendship.
The movie shows Bourdain before he became famous.
The discussion took place on the CBS Mornings show.
The story focuses on the challenges of working in a restaurant kitchen.
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After an earthquake, people trapped under rubble can survive for days if they have access to air and water and are not severely injured. Rescue teams try to find survivors quickly, as chances decrease over time, but some people have been found alive after more than a week.
Key Facts
Most survivors are rescued within 24 hours following an earthquake.
Some have survived up to 9 to 15 days trapped under debris, as seen in Japan and Haiti.
Survival depends on factors like having a safe pocket of space, access to air and water, and avoiding injuries.
Dangerous conditions like fire, smoke, or chemical leaks lower survival chances.
Temperature affects both trapped people’s survival and rescue efforts.
Medical care before removal is important to prevent shock from injuries.
Experts recommend seeking cover under sturdy furniture during an earthquake.
Trapped survivors should save energy, ration supplies, and signal rescuers if possible.
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An 8-year-old boy in Pennsylvania caught a piranha while fishing in a local lake. Officials confirmed the fish was a piranha and said it likely came from someone releasing an exotic pet into the water, which is illegal and harmful to the environment.
Key Facts
The boy, Seamus Coffey, caught the fish during a fishing trip near Philadelphia.
The fish was identified by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as a piranha, a tropical fish from South America.
Piranhas cannot survive long in Pennsylvania's cold lake environment.
The presence of the fish points to the problem of people releasing exotic pets into local waters.
Releasing exotic animals into the wild is illegal in Pennsylvania and can lead to fines or prosecution.
The boy’s father disposed of the piranha humanely.
Officials warn that releasing pets harms both the animals and the local ecosystem.
People are encouraged to report any sightings of piranhas in local waters.
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Israeli settlers have blocked Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra for several days, preventing food and medicine from reaching the residents. The Israeli military removed the settlers' tent but left the area while settlers remained nearby, keeping the blockade in place.
Key Facts
Settlers started blocking Palestinian homes in Qusra on Sunday by setting up a tent and stopping supplies.
Palestinians inside the homes have no access to food or medicine and rely on solar panels for electricity.
The Israeli military declared the area a closed military zone and removed the settlers' tent on Wednesday morning.
After the tent was removed, the military left, but settlers stayed at the site with chairs and blankets.
Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has been increasing recently.
The West Bank has been occupied by Israel since 1967, with over 500,000 Israeli settlers living there among about three million Palestinians.
Settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.
Since October 2023’s Gaza war start, over 1,000 Palestinians and nearly 50 Israelis have died in related violence.
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Israeli settlers have blockaded Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra in the West Bank, blocking food and medicine supplies. The Israeli military removed a tent used by the settlers but then left, allowing settlers to remain near the homes. Tensions between settlers and Palestinians in this area have increased recently.
Key Facts
The blockade by Israeli settlers started on Sunday near Palestinian homes in Qusra, south of Nablus.
Palestinians inside the homes have not received food or medicine and rely on solar panels for electricity.
The Israeli military declared the area a closed military zone and removed the settlers’ tent on Wednesday.
After the military left, settlers stayed at the site with chairs and blankets, continuing the siege.
The army said it would discipline security personnel seen supporting the settlers earlier.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, an area occupied by Israel since 1967.
International law considers West Bank settlements illegal.
Since October 2023, at least 1,097 Palestinians and 48 Israelis have died in related violence.
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