A study in Brazil found that fathers who eat many ultra-processed foods before conception may affect their newborns' growth, leading to higher birth weight and more body fat in some areas. Researchers suggest that both mothers and fathers should follow healthy diets before trying to have children.
Key Facts
The study looked at 43 sets of fathers, mothers, and newborns in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Ultra-processed foods include items like processed meats, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.
Fathers' intake of ultra-processed foods averaged 30% of their calories.
Higher consumption of these foods by fathers was linked to heavier babies with more body fat in certain places.
Mothers' diets showed different effects, like babies with lower birth weight and smaller size when mothers ate more ultra-processed foods early in pregnancy.
Researchers say fathers' diet may affect babies through epigenetic changes, which can turn genes on or off without changing DNA.
The study recommends both parents avoid ultra-processed foods before conception.
The research was small and based on self-reported food intake, so results need cautious interpretation.
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A new study shows that over half of the historic sites in the U.S. face some risk from wildfires, with thousands facing severe danger. Wildfires have already destroyed important cultural landmarks, causing permanent loss to heritage that is hard or impossible to rebuild.
Key Facts
Researchers studied 100,117 historic sites listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
3,446 of these sites face a severe risk of wildfire damage.
About 36% of the endangered sites are nationally significant landmarks.
Recent wildfires destroyed the Will Rogers Ranch House, Andrew McNally House, and Grand Canyon Lodge.
Historic buildings are especially vulnerable because they cannot be moved and often have features like old wood or open gaps that catch fire easily.
High-risk historic sites are mainly in the western U.S., but threats are increasing in the southeast and south-central states.
Preventing damage requires efforts like reducing nearby flammable plants, strengthening buildings, and improving firefighting resources.
The study warns that destruction of these historic sites leads to permanent loss of cultural heritage and community identity.
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Two people who attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan reported inappropriate sexual behavior by Jeffrey Epstein, a former donor to the school. An investigation also found many allegations of sexual abuse by nearly 50 staff members going back decades at the school.
Key Facts
Interlochen Center for the Arts runs a performing arts school and summer camp with students from around the world.
The school hired a law firm in 2024 to investigate sexual abuse reports by faculty and staff.
The investigation expanded to include allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, who donated over $400,000 to Interlochen between 1990 and 2003.
Epstein attended the school as a camper in 1967 and had a lodge named after him, later renamed and demolished.
Two women said Epstein behaved sexually inappropriately toward them during their time connected to the school.
The investigation collected 70 accounts from alumni alleging sexual misconduct by 47 faculty or staff members from the 1950s to 2010s.
Interlochen gave the names of accused individuals to local authorities for review; none currently work at the school.
School leaders apologized and said they have since changed policies to improve safety for students.
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A new U.S. study shows that serious mold infections may be more common and dangerous than previously known. Researchers found about 450 cases in hospitals near Atlanta over five years, with about one-third of those patients dying in the hospital.
Key Facts
The study was done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Invasive mold infections can be life-threatening, especially for older people and those with weak immune systems.
Researchers looked at hospital data from 2020 to 2024 in the Atlanta area.
They found about 450 confirmed cases out of nearly 1,000 possible ones initially identified.
Hospitals can expect 3 to 5 mold infection cases per 100 inpatient beds each year.
Mold infections often affect people weakened by conditions like COVID-19 or cancer.
Mold exposure risks may increase due to climate change and natural disasters like floods and hurricanes.
The study results provide a new estimate but may not apply the same way in other parts of the country.
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Five Kenyan security officers were killed near the Somalia border in Mandera county during an ambush by the armed group al-Shabab. The attack included gunfire on a patrol and a roadside bomb targeting reinforcements, highlighting ongoing violence in the region linked to al-Shabab’s efforts to pressure Kenya.
Key Facts
Five Kenyan security personnel died in an ambush near the Somalia border in Mandera county.
The attack involved gunfire on a Special Operations Group patrol and a roadside bomb on reinforcements.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack through its media outlet.
The group has carried out multiple recent attacks in northeastern Kenya, especially around Mandera.
Al-Shabab is linked to al-Qaeda and controls parts of southern and central Somalia.
Kenyan forces have been fighting al-Shabab since entering Somalia in 2011.
A recent report showed Mandera county had 38 terror-related incidents in one year, the highest in the northeast region.
The U.S. recently announced cuts to funding for the African Union mission supporting Somalia’s army against al-Shabab.
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Militants attacked a police post in the Hangu district of northwestern Pakistan, killing five police officers and injuring about 24 others. Police killed four attackers during the fight, and no group has claimed responsibility, though the Pakistani Taliban is suspected.
Key Facts
The attack happened on Wednesday in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near Afghanistan.
Five police officers were killed and around 24 were wounded, some seriously.
Police killed four of the militants during the ongoing gunbattle.
No group claimed the attack, but the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is suspected.
Pakistan’s military reported killing 32 militants in recent operations across northwest and southwest Pakistan.
The TTP has increased attacks on Pakistani security forces recently.
The TTP is allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, which returned to power in 2021.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering TTP militants, but Afghanistan denies this.
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Hundreds of migrants are swimming from Morocco to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, creating overcrowded conditions at reception centers. Spanish authorities and rescue services are working to manage the situation, but the number of arrivals has been unusually high in recent days.
Key Facts
More than 1,500 migrants, including adults and children, recently reached Ceuta by swimming from Morocco.
The reception centers in Ceuta are full and overcrowded.
Some migrants have died attempting the crossing, with about 60 bodies seen at sea in the last year.
Spanish authorities including the Civil Guard and Red Cross use boats to rescue swimmers and bring them to Ceuta.
Most migrants are Moroccans, with some Algerians who lived in Morocco.
A recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling protects migrants arriving by sea from immediate pushbacks without legal process.
The cause of the recent surge is unclear, though some link it to diplomatic tensions between Spain, Morocco, and Algeria.
Ceuta is a small Spanish city located at the northern tip of Morocco and serves as a key border crossing point.
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Tens of thousands of Hindu worshippers gathered in northern India to bathe in the Ganga and Saryu rivers during the religious festival of Guru Purnima. They came to pray, honor their spiritual teachers, and ask for blessings.
Key Facts
The event took place in India’s northern holy cities.
Devotees bathed in the Ganga and Saryu rivers as part of the ritual.
The festival celebrated is called Guru Purnima.
The festival honors spiritual teachers and leaders.
Bathing in the rivers is believed to bring spiritual purification and blessings.
Large crowds participated in this traditional religious practice.
Guru Purnima is an important sacred day for Hindus.
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Firefighters in France are working to control a large wildfire west of Bordeaux during extremely hot and windy weather. The fire has burned 42,000 hectares and caused 220,000 people to evacuate their homes.
Key Facts
A wildfire is burning west of Bordeaux in France.
The fire has spread over 42,000 hectares (about 103,000 acres).
Around 220,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas.
Hot temperatures and strong winds are making the fire harder to control.
Both firefighters and local residents are fighting the remaining fire spots.
The situation remains serious due to weather conditions.
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Saudi Arabia has tried to avoid involvement in the war between the US and Iran but has recently joined US-led strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The country faces attacks from different groups allied with Iran and must decide whether to continue military actions or seek ways to reduce tensions.
Key Facts
The US and Israel started a war against Iran on February 28.
Saudi Arabia has so far mostly stayed out of the conflict.
Saudi Arabia and the US recently launched joint strikes on Iranian proxy militias in Iraq.
Iranian-backed groups include the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Houthis in Yemen, and Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq.
These groups have launched dozens of drone attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is trying to diversify the economy through Vision 2030 to reduce reliance on oil.
Past attacks, such as the 2019 drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities, showed Saudi Arabia’s vulnerability.
Iran’s forces have also targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and carried out attacks on nearby Gulf countries.
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Four women have accused actor and musician Jared Leto of sexual misconduct that happened when they were teenagers. Leto denies these claims and says he has never sexually assaulted anyone. The BBC released a documentary presenting these allegations, but Leto did not speak to them for their report.
Key Facts
Four women accused Jared Leto of sexual misconduct and assault between 2002 and 2016.
The women say they were between 16 and 19 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
Accusations include sexual assault, statutory rape, threatening sexual assault, and explicit phone calls.
Jared Leto, 54, strongly denies all allegations, calling them false.
The BBC documentary titled "Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret" details these claims.
The BBC says it verified the women's stories but the Associated Press could not independently confirm them.
Leto was accused last year of misconduct by nine women in a different news story, which his representative also denied.
Jared Leto is an actor, Oscar winner, and lead singer of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars.
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Libya is facing severe power outages during a heatwave, leading to widespread protests in Tripoli and other areas. Protesters are demanding government accountability amid a long-term breakdown of the country’s electricity system and political divisions.
Key Facts
Libya is experiencing frequent power cuts lasting around 10 hours daily.
Temperatures in the region have exceeded 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit).
Protests involve road blockades, burning tires, and blocking government buildings.
Protesters attacked the Mellitah oil and gas complex, disrupting gas supplies for electricity.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) controls Tripoli but faces opposition from a rival eastern administration.
The power crisis is linked to failing infrastructure and political fragmentation since 2014.
The crisis affects the entire country, with residents relying on private generators for power.
International actors, including US officials, have urged Libyan political unity and stability.
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Two gas processing and storage ships caught fire at Egypt’s Damietta port. The fire was controlled quickly, no one was hurt, and port operations are expected to start again soon.
Key Facts
Two ships used for gas processing and storage caught fire at Damietta port in Egypt.
The Egyptian oil ministry said no injuries occurred and emergency plans were followed immediately.
A blast happened at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, according to Inchcape, a maritime shipping company.
A US-owned floating storage tanker was reportedly hit by a drone at the port.
Crew members on the tanker were evacuated safely.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident took place amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, involving recent missile attacks and joint US-Saudi strikes on a Tehran-backed group in Iraq.
President Donald Trump had recently paused bombing Iran to allow time for diplomacy.
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India's Education Minister resigned following protests by young people demanding government accountability. The government also passed stricter anti-cheating laws and created a reform task force in response to the youth movement.
Key Facts
The Education Minister of India resigned amid youth protests.
Youth in India have been actively demanding more government accountability.
The government introduced higher penalties for cheating in education.
A task force was formed to work on educational reforms.
The youth movement shows growing political engagement beyond online protests.
Critics say government changes focus on procedures, not deep structural problems in education.
The protests reflect wider political changes involving resistance to fear-based politics under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
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A strong magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit southern Japan, causing serious damage to buildings and killing at least 13 people. Rescue teams are working to find people who may be trapped under the rubble.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.1 in magnitude.
It struck southern Japan.
At least 13 people died due to the earthquake.
Temples, shopping centers, and factories were damaged.
Rescue teams are searching for survivors who might be trapped.
Videos from the area show widespread destruction.
The earthquake caused significant disruption in the region.
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Iran has responded to recent attacks by firing missiles at a US base in Jordan, which were intercepted. President Donald Trump warned of strong retaliation. The conflict involves multiple groups and countries in the Middle East, with tensions rising and diplomatic efforts facing challenges.
Key Facts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile strikes on a US military base in Jordan.
Jordan intercepted all five missiles fired by Iran.
President Trump threatened a hard response against Iran and its allied groups.
Iran reported a missile strike in its West Azerbaijan border area with no deaths.
Israel said a Hezbollah drone attacked an Israeli military vehicle in southern Lebanon.
Yemen’s Houthis, supported by Iran, targeted Saudi oil facilities and ships.
The US and Saudi Arabia conducted joint strikes against Iran-aligned fighters in Iraq, killing at least 20.
Iran rejected a proposed shared control of the Strait of Hormuz and opposed foreign de-mining operations.
Diplomatic talks have stalled as Iran accuses the US of blocking its ports and breaking agreements.
Experts say Iran expects further US military attacks and is preparing for more conflict.
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Large wildfires are burning in southwest France, causing serious harm to wild animals like deer and hedgehogs. Many animals have died because they could not escape or find food and water, while firefighters and volunteers are working to rescue others.
Key Facts
Wildfires are occurring in southwest France.
The fires are harming many wild animals.
Animals such as deer and hedgehogs are affected.
Some animals have died from the fires.
Firefighters and volunteers are rescuing surviving wildlife.
The fires make it hard for animals to find food and water.
Efforts to manage the fires include the army and technological tools.
The situation is worsened by a heatwave in the region.
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Investigators have identified a murder victim found in Oregon woods in 1972 as Armes Henry Lahti, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran. Using modern DNA and family tree research, authorities connected the remains to Lahti but have not yet solved the circumstances or found the killer.
Key Facts
Human remains were found in southwestern Oregon woods in 1972.
The victim was shot twice in the head; death ruled a homicide.
The victim was identified in 2025 as Armes Henry Lahti, born in 1909.
Lahti served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
DNA evidence and investigative genetic genealogy helped identify him.
Lahti had a known dispute at a bar in 1965 and left with a rifle.
Authorities have not determined who killed Lahti or why.
Law enforcement is asking the public for any information about the case.
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Fuel prices in Yemen have risen sharply due to the ongoing war involving the US, Israel, and Iran. This has caused construction projects to stop and left many workers, like Fuad Mohammed, without jobs or enough income to support their families.
Key Facts
The war in the Middle East, starting in late February, has severely hurt regional economies, including Yemen.
Diesel fuel prices in Yemen increased from about $17 per 20 liters in January to $30 today.
Higher fuel costs have caused the prices of building materials and transportation to rise.
Many construction projects in government-controlled areas of Yemen have been paused or canceled.
Fuad Mohammed, a construction worker with 25 years of experience, has had little work for months.
He lowered his daily wage from $17 to $13 but still struggles to support his family.
Yemen imports nearly 90% of its goods, making its economy very sensitive to global market changes.
The price rise is linked to a worsening fuel supply, global price increases, and regional tensions affecting shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
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More than half of England is now in drought due to very dry and hot weather that has lowered rivers and dried out parks and fields. This is the third drought in five years, with signs showing the effects of climate change making droughts more common and longer.
Key Facts
England has been declared in drought for the third time in five years (2022, 2025, and 2026).
Rivers like the Thames and the Wye have lowered so much that riverbeds are exposed.
Several parks and green spaces in London and other areas have become dry and brown.
Some locations are experiencing their fourth heatwave this year.
Reservoirs such as Howden and Walthamstow Wetlands have shrunk due to lack of rain.
Scientists link increased drought risk to climate change causing higher summer temperatures.
Sports fields, including golf courses and cricket grounds, are noticeably dry and patchy.
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