A UK minister said that President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran are making it harder for the UK government to prepare next month’s budget. Despite political disagreements, UK leaders plan to maintain strong relations with the US while addressing challenges like inflation caused partly by the conflict.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has been involved in a military conflict with Iran, which has disrupted world oil supplies.
This disruption has increased inflation in the UK, adding pressure on the government budget.
Bridget Phillipson, UK minister for women and equalities, stated the conflict will make the upcoming budget plan more difficult.
The UK has chosen not to get involved in the conflict, which officials believe was the right decision.
Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister, and President Trump are expected to meet at the UN summit in New York.
Despite past critical comments about President Trump by Andy Burnham, UK leaders aim to keep strong US-UK relations.
Inflation in the UK has risen to 3.1%, impacting businesses and families.
Phillipson dismissed concerns raised by a billionaire critic about the UK’s immigration and tax policies, noting his tax residency in Monaco.
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Scientists measured the body temperature of the T. rex by studying its fossilized teeth. They found that T. rex had a warm body temperature similar to modern elephants, suggesting it was more active than a cold-blooded reptile.
Key Facts
Researchers used teeth from T. rex fossils found in Montana’s Hell Creek Formation.
They applied a method called clumped isotope thermometry to measure body temperature.
This method looks at how certain heavy atoms in tooth enamel group together, which changes with temperature.
The average body temperature of T. rex was around 36.3°C (about 97.3°F).
This temperature is close to that of modern elephants and large flightless birds like ostriches.
Previous methods had trouble because water content affects isotope measurements, but this method avoids that issue.
The study also compared temperatures with crocodilians, which had cooler body temperatures around 30.9°C (about 87.6°F).
The research suggests that T. rex was warm-blooded or had a warm-blooded metabolism similar to some birds and mammals.
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Andrew Forrester, an author, thanked his fourth-grade teacher Ms. Black in the acknowledgments of his first novel for inspiring his love of writing. Ms. Black encouraged creativity and made her students feel safe, which helped Forrester find his voice as a writer and supported him during a difficult time in his childhood.
Key Facts
Andrew Forrester is a writer who released his first novel called *How the Story Goes*.
He credited his elementary school teacher, Ms. Black, for inspiring him to write creatively.
Ms. Black taught at Ponderosa Elementary in Spring, Texas.
Forrester said Ms. Black encouraged every student to write and made lessons creative and fun.
He remembered feeling safe and supported by Ms. Black during a challenging time in his life.
Ms. Black still used Forrester’s early writing as examples for her students.
Forrester sent her a copy of his book and asked her to read the acknowledgments but did not initially hear back.
The story highlights the long-term positive impact a good teacher can have on a student’s motivation and creativity.
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During the intensive Israeli siege on Gaza in October 2023, Palestinian journalists used social media to share what was happening on the ground. However, platforms like Instagram have removed or limited posts showing Palestinian casualties and alleged war crimes, making it harder for these stories to reach a wide audience.
Key Facts
In October 2023, Israel intensified its siege on Gaza, limiting food, water, and foreign journalists.
Palestinian journalists and citizens shared videos and images of the conflict on social media.
Human Rights Watch found that Instagram removed some posts showing Palestinian victims, citing violations of violence and incitement rules.
Social media platforms may also reduce recommendations or limit the reach of posts related to Gaza, a practice called "echoicide."
Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, with over 1.1 million Instagram followers, reported that his posts about Israeli soldiers and Gaza were removed or shadow-banned (hidden from most users).
Some of Shihab-Eldin’s content was used as evidence in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Another journalist, Leila Warah, described how her Instagram account was suspended multiple times during the war.
The suppression of posts can lead to self-censorship, reducing the public’s awareness and impact of the conflict.
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Melbourne’s tram team, called the Tramaroos, competed in the European TramDriver Championship held in Warsaw but finished near the bottom. The event had 26 teams performing tasks that tested their tram-driving skills, and the winners were from Prague, Czech Republic. Melbourne will host the next championship in 2027.
Key Facts
The European TramDriver Championship took place in Warsaw with 26 teams competing.
Teams completed tasks like carrying a bowl of water without spilling, speed control, target braking, and a reverse ride using whistle commands.
Melbourne’s team, the Tramaroos, finished second last, just ahead of London.
The 2024 winners were Vendula Tmejová and Zdeněk Rychtář from Prague.
Australia first joined the event in 2022 as the first non-European country.
Melbourne will host the next championship in 2027.
About 80,000 viewers watched the event online.
Public Transport Users Association said trams are important to Melbourne’s transport but there is room for improvement in service and accessibility.
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A journalist and architecture enthusiast, Daniel Coughlin, created images and a video showing what San Francisco might look like today if the 1906 earthquake had never happened. He used old photos, maps, and descriptions to rebuild the city’s lost buildings and neighborhoods accurately.
Key Facts
The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco caused fires lasting three days, killing about 3,000 people and destroying hundreds of city blocks.
Daniel Coughlin recreated San Francisco’s lost landmarks like the mansions of Nob Hill, the original Palace Hotel, Old City Hall, and parts of Chinatown.
Coughlin studied historical and modern maps, photos, architectural drawings, and eyewitness descriptions to ensure accuracy.
His project aimed to show how these old buildings might have changed and adapted if they had survived until today.
Nob Hill was known for its grand mansions and church spires before the earthquake and was a major highlight of the reconstruction.
The original Chinatown had a different style, more Italianate with Cantonese details, unlike the neighborhood after the disaster.
The project was shared through a documentary video titled “What if the 1906 earthquake had never destroyed San Francisco?”
The effort offers a visual exploration of a historic city that vanished in the disaster but might have been a major architectural treasure.
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Local elections are happening in two German states, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which could put more pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. His party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is doing poorly in polls, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining support in some regions.
Key Facts
Elections are taking place in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on Sunday.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz leads the CDU, which is currently losing support in these states.
Two weeks ago, the AfD won a big victory in Saxony-Anhalt, and the CDU’s vote share dropped by half there.
The CDU might lose power in Berlin and barely pass the 5% vote threshold needed to enter parliament in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Some parts of the AfD are labeled right-wing extremist by German intelligence, a claim the party denies.
The AfD’s anti-immigration and Germany-first views are popular in the former communist eastern states.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Manuela Schwesig in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is trying to attract voters opposing the AfD.
Support for Chancellor Merz is low due to economic problems, high energy costs, and tough debates on immigration.
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Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Moscow, with at least 450 drones targeted at the city, according to Moscow’s mayor. The drones hit an oil refinery and a residential building, causing two deaths and several injuries, while Russia reported shooting down many drones.
Key Facts
Ukraine carried out what Moscow’s mayor called its largest drone attack on the city.
At least 450 drones were sent toward Moscow, with many shot down by Russian defenses.
Drones struck a Moscow oil refinery and a residential building.
Two people died and six were injured in the drone attacks on Moscow.
Moscow region authorities stated that several homes caught fire due to the attacks.
The drone strikes come amid ongoing fighting in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine.
On the same day, Russian attacks killed eight people, including three children, in other parts of Ukraine.
Both sides have been using drones to target each other’s infrastructure during the conflict.
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Earl Spencer, brother of Princess Diana, said the way the media treats Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is similar to how they treated Diana. He called the press coverage harmful and urged people to learn from Diana’s experience with the media.
Key Facts
Earl Spencer compared media treatment of Harry and Meghan to the press’s treatment of Princess Diana.
He described the press’s impact as a “cancerous influence” on those involved.
Spencer appeared in a BBC interview discussing these views.
He accused King Charles of trying to discredit his claims about the late Diana.
Spencer wrote a memoir about Diana that included controversial claims about King Charles.
Buckingham Palace responded, saying grief can affect memory and judgment.
The Sussexes have criticized the tabloid press for creating a harmful environment for them.
Harry gave an interview in 2021 saying the press created a “toxic environment” around him and Meghan.
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Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow, targeting a large oil refinery and several residential areas, leading to at least two deaths and multiple injuries. Russian officials reported shooting down hundreds of drones, while Ukrainian leaders said the strikes had a significant impact on Moscow’s fuel supply and war resources.
Key Facts
Around 450 Ukrainian drones were shot down by Russia during the attack on Moscow.
Some drones hit the Moscow Oil Refinery, a major fuel processing facility operated by Gazprom.
Two people were killed in different areas of Moscow, and about 20 others were injured.
Several fires broke out in apartment buildings and warehouses after the drone strikes.
Moscow’s airports were temporarily closed overnight due to the attack but reopened the next day.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy said the strike disrupted an important oil facility funding Russia's military efforts.
Russian authorities described the attack as unprecedented and linked it to disruption of Russian parliamentary elections.
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down a record number of drones (1,110) overnight.
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Ed Sheeran became emotional while talking about the criticism he faced after removing rapper Macklemore from his tour. Several other artists left the tour in support of Macklemore, who was dropped following his pro-Palestinian comments, and Sheeran described the situation in Gaza as very serious and wrong.
Key Facts
Ed Sheeran spoke tearfully at a concert in Philadelphia about the backlash over dropping Macklemore from his tour.
Macklemore was removed from the tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks at a show in New Jersey.
Other artists like Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Beoga quit the tour to show support for Macklemore.
Sheeran called the situation in Gaza "catastrophic and unjustifiable."
Sheeran apologized for mistakes he made during the controversy.
He said he is "listening and learning" and looking for ways to help people affected by the conflict.
The tour changes and controversy are related to ongoing tensions in the Gaza region.
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Hundreds of drones attacked Moscow and the surrounding area on the last day of Russia’s parliamentary elections, killing two people and damaging a major oil refinery. Russian officials said they intercepted many drones and blamed Ukraine for trying to disrupt the elections.
Key Facts
At least two people died in separate locations during the drone attacks in Moscow.
Over 1,600 drones were intercepted by Russian defenses, with 450 targeting Moscow specifically.
A fire caused by a drone hitting a 21-storey building led to the evacuation of 400 residents.
A Moscow oil refinery was damaged in the strikes, but no casualties were reported there.
Russian officials claimed the drone attacks aimed to interfere with parliamentary elections.
Ukraine has increased drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as part of its war effort.
Russia launched 138 drones overnight across Ukraine; most were shot down or neutralized.
The attacks occurred amid Russia’s first elections since the war with Ukraine began in February 2022.
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Hundreds of drones attacked Moscow and nearby areas on the last day of Russia’s parliamentary elections, killing at least two people and damaging a major oil refinery. Russian officials blamed Ukraine for the attacks, saying they aimed to disrupt the election, while Ukraine has not confirmed involvement.
Key Facts
More than 1,600 drones were intercepted and shot down during the attacks, with 450 targeting Moscow.
Two people—a 44-year-old woman and an elderly man—were killed in separate locations.
A drone crash caused a fire in a 21-story building, forcing 400 people to evacuate.
A Moscow oil refinery was damaged; this refinery had been struck by Ukrainian attacks before.
Ukrainian drone strikes have recently targeted Russian energy sites to weaken funding for Russia’s war efforts.
The drone attacks took place amid Russia’s three-day parliamentary vote, seen as favoring President Putin’s party.
Moscow is holding voting in occupied parts of Ukraine as well.
President Trump said earlier that Ukraine and Russia agreed not to attack each other’s energy facilities.
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China is advancing quickly in artificial intelligence (AI) development, second only to the United States. While US leaders and companies call for slowing AI progress to avoid risks, China views AI as a key national capability and resists these calls, focusing on continued growth and safety governance.
Key Facts
China’s AI development is growing fast and competes closely with the United States.
US tech leaders warn about risks of losing control over advanced AI systems.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for global cooperation with China to pace AI progress.
China sees calls to slow AI as attempts by the US to keep its lead in technology.
China recently updated its AI safety framework addressing risks like cybersecurity and self-improving AI.
The Chinese government tightly controls AI development to keep political stability.
US President Donald Trump called fears of AI wiping out humanity a “hoax.”
Experts say both China and the US are not fully ready for a potential AI-related disaster.
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Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said he wants to bring Tom Homan, President Trump’s adviser on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to the UK to help secure its borders. Farage praised Homan’s tough immigration policies and suggested Europe should view the Trump administration more positively.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage wants to bring Tom Homan, a key adviser to President Trump on ICE, to the UK to help with border security.
Tom Homan is known for his hardline approach to immigration enforcement in the US.
ICE has been criticized following several shootings by its agents, including two in July.
Homan played a central role in President Trump’s strict immigration policies, including family separation and “zero tolerance.”
Reform UK supports strong immigration controls, including mass deportations and naval patrols in the English Channel.
Farage has praised President Trump but has also expressed some disagreements on policy matters like the Iran conflict and Northern Ireland.
Relations between the US and UK governments are currently tense due to issues involving Iran and Israel.
President Trump favors a united Ireland, but Farage supports Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK.
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Voters in two German states, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, are going to the polls amid rising support for far-right and far-left parties. Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces pressure after his party’s recent losses, especially from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been gaining ground in regional elections.
Key Facts
Two German states, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, are holding elections.
The far-right party AfD has gained significant support, nearly winning a majority in Saxony-Anhalt two weeks ago.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called a crisis meeting for his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party to respond to the election threats.
Merz skipped the UN General Assembly meeting to focus on the election aftermath.
The AfD and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are the main competitors in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with the CDU polling low near the 5 percent limit needed to enter parliament.
In Berlin, the CDU faces strong competition from the far-left party Die Linke, which is popular for its housing reform plans.
Merz’s approval rating has dropped to about 14 percent amid difficulties pushing reforms with coalition partners.
The AfD views recent regional successes as a step toward possibly winning federal elections in 2029.
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Russia held a three-day parliamentary election seen as a test of support for the war in Ukraine. On the final day, Moscow faced a large drone attack that killed at least two people and damaged an oil refinery, which Russian officials blamed on Ukraine.
Key Facts
The Russian parliamentary election lasted three days and was framed by President Putin as a show of support for the war in Ukraine.
The ruling United Russia party is expected to keep its dominant position in the government.
Over 1,600 drones were intercepted near Moscow, with about 450 targeting the city during a mass drone attack.
The drone attack killed at least two people and damaged a facility at the Moscow oil refinery.
Moscow’s mayor said the drone attack aimed to disrupt the election but failed.
The election included votes from regions annexed by Russia from Ukraine during the war.
This is the first parliamentary election in Russia since the full-scale war in Ukraine began in February 2022.
The United States recently approved a $2.68 billion sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine.
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Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, said the media has a harmful effect on the lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, similar to the way it affected Princess Diana. He described the press as having a "cancerous influence" and urged people to learn from Diana’s experience.
Key Facts
Earl Spencer spoke to the BBC about the press's treatment of Harry and Meghan.
He compared their situation to how the media treated Princess Diana.
He said the press “brought low” Princess Diana with harsh criticism.
He called the influence of tabloids on Harry and Meghan’s lives “cancerous.”
The interview will air on BBC One at 18:30 BST and be available on iPlayer.
The interview is part of a program called "Princess Diana: My Sister’s Story."
Earl Spencer expressed regret that the same media issues affect the younger royal couple today.
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A child died and two other children and a woman were critically injured in a stabbing attack in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. Police responded to reports of the incident and confirmed that emergency services treated the victims, who were taken to hospital.
Key Facts
The incident happened in a vehicle on Waratah Road, Valley Heights, in the Blue Mountains.
Three children and one woman were found with stab wounds.
One child was found dead in the vehicle.
Two children, believed to be under five years old, and a woman in her 40s were taken to Westmead hospital in critical condition.
Members of the public provided first aid before emergency services arrived.
Police have established a crime scene and are not searching for other suspects.
Police have asked the public to provide any information or footage related to the incident.
The police area involved is the Blue Mountains Police Area Command.
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At least two people died and six were injured in a large drone attack on the Moscow region, according to Russian officials. Ukraine and Russia have been carrying out strikes against each other targeting energy, transport, and housing areas.
Key Facts
Russian Governor Andrei Vorobyev reported 249 drones were shot down during the attack on the Moscow region.
The attack caused fires in residential houses, a warehouse, and damaged an oil refinery in Moscow.
Flight restrictions were put in place at Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo airports after the attack.
A 44-year-old woman died in Sofyino and an elderly man died in Orekhovo-Zuevo due to drone strikes.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed damage to a building near a boulevard and an oil refinery facility.
Ukrainian officials said seven people, including two children, were killed in Russian attacks in Kyiv and Sumy regions.
Russia and Ukraine have increased strikes on energy facilities, transport hubs, and residential areas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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