The Victorian Society has named 10 important buildings in England and Wales that are in danger because they are neglected or falling apart. These buildings, including Teesside’s Transporter Bridge and a disinfecting station in London, are protected by law but need urgent repairs and care.
Key Facts
The Victorian Society published its annual list of the top 10 endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales.
The Teesside Transporter Bridge, built in 1911, has been closed since 2019 due to safety concerns and needs £60 million in repairs.
The list includes a disinfecting station in Hackney, London, unused for decades.
Other sites include a former men’s club in Barrow, a neglected mausoleum in north Wales, and a Victorian house with rare paintings in Essex.
Most buildings on the list already have legal protection (Grade II or Grade II* listed) but still face decay or neglect.
The Victorian Society is asking for national support to protect these buildings and find new uses for them.
The overall goal is to preserve these historic sites because they show the rich heritage and civic pride of the past.
Without action, these buildings risk further damage from vandalism, decay, or even fire.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s political relationship with President Donald Trump is strained after she refused to support U.S. attacks on Iran and distanced herself from some of Trump’s actions. This conflict highlights the limits of relying on Trump for Italy’s international standing, especially as geopolitical tensions and domestic issues make her position more difficult.
Key Facts
The Trump administration reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup, which Italian officials denied.
President Trump criticized Meloni for not joining the U.S. in attacking Iran, calling her courage into question.
Meloni’s relationship with Trump is based on shared politics, ideology, and geopolitical interests rather than concrete policy gains.
She tries to balance being close to Trump with maintaining good relations with European Union leaders.
Both Meloni and Trump share a vision of the West based on common history, religion, and culture.
Italy has gained little from its closeness to Trump, aside from some trade adjustments like pasta imports.
The war with Iran has caused economic problems in Italy, including higher fuel costs.
Meloni condemned some of Trump’s personal attacks, especially those against the pope, showing limits in their alliance.
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Senior progressive rabbis in the UK say Israel’s current politics may clash with Jewish values and could threaten Judaism itself. They believe criticizing Israel’s government is a duty for Jews and have launched a book with essays discussing Jewish identity, Zionism, and Israel.
Key Facts
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy lead Progressive Judaism, representing about one-third of UK synagogues.
They warned Israel’s current direction might threaten Judaism, not just the country’s future.
Criticism of Israel’s government is seen as a Jewish obligation, not disloyalty.
They co-edited a book with 40 essays on Jewish identity, Zionism, and Israel from various viewpoints.
Progressive Judaism supports a Jewish, pluralist, and democratic state in Israel but welcomes diverse political opinions.
The book and movement aim to promote dialogue and show that differing views can make the Jewish community stronger.
The rabbis identify as religious Zionists but reject far-right Israeli politics and support Palestinian self-determination.
They emphasize no fixed political or theological position is required to join their community.
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A US investigation found that leaders and family members of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia involved in a deadly conflict, have bought luxury properties worth £17.7 million in Dubai. The RSF reportedly funds its activities partly by smuggling gold from Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a base for their wealth and operations.
Key Facts
The RSF is a Sudanese militia led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
The RSF and Sudanese armed forces are in conflict causing a large humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Hemedti’s family and people linked to him own over 20 luxury properties in Dubai, valued at £17.7 million.
Much of their wealth is believed to come from gold smuggled out of Sudan, with Dubai as a key trading hub.
The UAE supports the RSF with weapons and mercenaries, though it denies these claims.
Some of the properties were bought by companies registered in the UAE and linked to the gold trade.
Sanctioned individuals connected to the RSF also own high-value apartments in Dubai.
The Dagalo family claims the properties were bought legally and denies wrongdoing.
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The Mexican military captured Audias Flores, a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He was seen as a possible new leader after the previous boss, El Mencho, died in February.
Key Facts
Audias Flores is a high-ranking commander in the CJNG cartel.
The Mexican military conducted an operation to capture him.
Flores was considered a likely successor to El Mencho.
El Mencho, the former cartel leader, died in February.
The military shared video footage of the capture operation.
The CJNG is a powerful criminal group in Mexico.
Capturing Flores is a significant event in the fight against organized crime.
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Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, known as "El Jardinero," a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), along with his chief financial operator. The arrest took place after months of surveillance involving over 500 troops, and Flores was found hiding in a ditch near Puerto Vallarta. Flores is wanted by both Mexico and the United States, with the US offering a $5 million reward.
Key Facts
Audias Flores, aka "El Jardinero," was arrested in Nayarit by Mexican special forces.
Flores was a regional commander of the CJNG, controlling drug operations along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Flores is wanted by the United States, which offered a $5 million reward for his capture.
His financial operator, Cesar Alejandro "El Guero Conta," was arrested in Zapopan for money laundering and buying assets with illegal funds.
The arrest operation involved more than 500 troops, six helicopters, and planes, with no shots fired.
Flores was found hiding in a drainage ditch after his armed guards fled.
The US provided intelligence for the arrest.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned the US against unauthorized CIA operations in Mexico after two CIA agents died in a car accident during a previous anti-drug operation.
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A man in Australia who stabbed and killed a British tourist has been found mentally unfit to stand trial. The attacker, who has a severe mental illness, will be held indefinitely in a mental health facility.
Key Facts
Royce Mallett, a 30-year-old father from County Durham, UK, was stabbed in Albury, New South Wales in July 2024.
David Summers-Smith, aged 29, committed the stabbing and has schizophrenia and psychosis.
Summers-Smith pleaded not guilty due to mental impairment.
The court ruled Summers-Smith committed the murder but cannot be held criminally responsible.
Summers-Smith was using drugs and not responding to treatment at the time of the killing.
He called police himself after the attack and admitted what he did.
Mallett’s family said they are struggling with the loss and its impact on their lives.
Summers-Smith will be reviewed regularly by a mental health tribunal that can adjust his detention.
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Rebel Wilson is involved in a defamation lawsuit in Sydney, accused by actress Charlotte MacInnes of damaging her reputation through social media posts. Wilson denies bullying and says the claims are untrue, while the court examines a disputed incident involving MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost during the filming of Wilson’s movie The Deb.
Key Facts
Rebel Wilson faces a defamation lawsuit from Charlotte MacInnes over Instagram posts in 2024 and 2025.
MacInnes alleges Wilson called her a liar regarding a sexual harassment complaint against producer Amanda Ghost, which MacInnes denies making.
Wilson denies bullying MacInnes, Ghost, or a female writer on the film, calling such claims "absolute nonsense."
The lawsuit centers partly on an incident where MacInnes and Ghost shared a bath to warm up after a cold water allergic reaction.
Wilson says MacInnes described the incident as "uncomfortable," but MacInnes says she only found it "weird" or "bizarre."
Wilson is using the truth defense, stating her social media posts are truthful and do not constitute mistreatment.
MacInnes claims her relationship with Wilson worsened after the bath incident during the filming of The Deb.
MacInnes seeks damages and an order to stop Wilson from making similar public statements in the future.
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Executions in North Korea increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, with at least 153 people executed or sentenced to death between 2020 and 2024. Many of these executions were for crimes related to religion, superstition, and consuming South Korean cultural content like K-dramas and K-pop, which are banned in North Korea.
Key Facts
Between 2011 and 2024, at least 358 people were executed in North Korea.
From 2015 to 2019, executions dropped to an average of about five per year.
From 2020 to 2024, executions rose sharply to at least 153, coinciding with North Korea closing its borders due to the pandemic.
The most common reasons for execution included religion, superstitions, and possession of foreign cultural content such as South Korean dramas and pop music.
Over 70% of the executions were public and mainly carried out by shooting.
Researchers documented 46 execution sites across North Korea used during Kim Jong-un’s rule.
The Transitional Justice Working Group, a Seoul-based NGO, gathered information from over 250 defectors in 51 locations to create the report.
The rise in executions is linked to the regime’s effort to strengthen control over culture and ideology during a planned hereditary succession of power.
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Gunmen killed at least 29 people in a village in north-eastern Nigeria, and the Islamic State group said it was behind the attack. The attackers opened fire at a football game and then burned homes and places of worship, causing fear and displacement among locals.
Key Facts
The attack happened in Guyaku village, Adamawa state, Nigeria.
At least 29 people died during the attack.
Militants targeted people at a football pitch and then set fire to houses, worship places, and motorcycles.
State governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the site and promised to increase security.
Many residents have fled their homes due to fear of more attacks.
The region has seen ongoing violence from Islamic State-linked groups and criminal gangs.
Nigeria has been battling Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, since 2009.
The conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and forced over two million people to leave their homes.
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Australia proposed new laws requiring tech companies Meta, Google, and TikTok to pay local news publishers for using their content. If these companies do not agree to pay, they will face a tax of 2.25% on their Australian revenue to support struggling local media.
Key Facts
The draft law targets Meta, Google, and TikTok to compensate Australian news outlets.
If these tech giants refuse to pay, they will be charged a levy equal to 2.25% of their revenue earned in Australia.
The goal is to help traditional media companies survive as more people get news on social media.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the plan and stressed the importance of tech companies’ responsibilities.
The law aims to prevent tech platforms from removing news content to avoid paying fees.
Studies show over half of Australians use social media to get their news.
This move follows similar actions taken by Australia to regulate digital platforms and support local journalism.
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The number of people who died by suicide after experiencing domestic abuse in England and Wales has risen from 98 to about 150 in one year. Officials say better awareness and changes in how cases are recorded partly explain the increase.
Key Facts
In the year to March 2025, about 150 people who had suffered domestic abuse took their own lives, up from 98 the previous year.
The Domestic Homicide Project recorded 347 deaths linked to domestic abuse in that year, including 80 murders by intimate partners.
Young people aged 16 to 19 made up a higher proportion of victims than older age groups, with some under 18 involved in both victim and suspect roles.
Police now check for domestic abuse history when investigating suicides and unexpected deaths, a change started last year.
Women accounted for 73% of suicides related to domestic abuse, and most suspects were men known to the police.
Officials and campaigners want better support for victims and propose making suicide after domestic abuse its own criminal offense.
The UK government says it is using all available powers to fight domestic abuse and hold offenders accountable.
Experts warn that violent online content may influence teenagers’ attitudes toward violence in relationships.
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Italy has sent a Chinese hacker to the United States, where he is accused of stealing COVID-19 vaccine research. US prosecutors say the man, Xu Zewei, targeted universities and other groups during cyberattacks tied to China’s government.
Key Facts
Italy arrested Xu Zewei in Milan in July for suspected cyberattacks on COVID-19 research groups.
Italy extradited Xu to the US to face charges related to hacking and stealing information.
Xu allegedly worked for Shanghai Powerock Network and targeted institutions including a Texas university and a law firm in Washington, DC.
The cyberattacks are linked to a China state-sponsored campaign called “Hafnium” that exploited email software weaknesses.
Xu faces nine criminal charges, like wire fraud and conspiracy to access protected computers without permission.
If found guilty, Xu could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison per major charge.
US officials emphasized their commitment to stopping hackers who steal from US businesses and schools.
The Chinese government has denied involvement in hacking and called such accusations false.
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A passenger plane crashed near Juba, the capital of South Sudan, killing all 14 people on board. The plane was flying from the city of Yei and may have crashed because of poor visibility.
Key Facts
The crash happened southwest of Juba, South Sudan’s capital.
All 14 people on the plane died.
The flight started in the city of Yei.
Low visibility (meaning poor sight conditions) is reported as a possible cause of the crash.
The plane was a passenger aircraft, carrying people.
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Two trains collided near Jakarta, Indonesia, killing at least seven people and injuring 81. Rescuers are working to free survivors trapped in the wreckage and help the injured.
Key Facts
The crash happened at Bekasi Timur station, about 25 km from Jakarta.
A long-distance train hit a stationary commuter train that had stopped after a taxi clipped it on a level crossing.
Seven people died, and 81 were injured in the collision.
All the victims were on the commuter train; passengers on the long-distance train were safely evacuated.
Rescuers used special tools to free people trapped inside crushed train cars.
Emergency services including military, fire brigade, and Red Cross are assisting in rescue efforts.
Survivors described sudden impact and getting trapped in a pile of passengers inside the train.
Authorities warned the death toll might rise as rescuers continue their work.
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Armed groups and Tuareg rebels in Mali have worked together in coordinated attacks. These actions have challenged the ruling military government, pushed Russian mercenaries out of important northern regions, and resulted in the death of the defense minister.
Key Facts
Armed groups and Tuareg rebels are joining forces in Mali.
The ruling military government (junta) is facing serious threats from these attacks.
Russian mercenaries have been forced out of key northern areas of Mali.
The defense minister of Mali was killed during this conflict.
The cooperation between different groups is a new development in Mali’s ongoing instability.
The violence mainly affects northern Mali, a region with a history of rebellion and conflict.
These attacks indicate a shift in power dynamics within Mali’s conflict zones.
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A luxury Russian yacht linked to billionaire Alexey Mordashov sailed through the Strait of Hormuz despite a current blockade. The yacht traveled from Dubai to Oman at a time when tensions between Iran and the US over the waterway remain high.
Key Facts
The yacht, named Nord, is 142 meters long and valued at about $500 million.
Nord is linked to Alexey Mordashov, a Russian billionaire with close ties to President Putin.
The yacht traveled from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, passing through the Strait of Hormuz over a weekend.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important shipping route where about 20% of the world's oil and gas normally pass.
Iran has restricted shipping in this waterway following a US blockade on Iranian ports announced by President Donald Trump.
The yacht was registered to a company owned by Mordashov’s wife in 2022.
Maritime traffic in the region is much lower than before the Russia-Ukraine war, which has increased global oil prices.
Russia and Iran are strengthening their diplomatic ties amid the ongoing dispute over the strait.
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Five people died and many were injured after two trains crashed near Jakarta, Indonesia. Rescue teams are still working to free passengers trapped in the damaged trains.
Key Facts
The crash happened late Monday night at Bekasi city’s train station near Jakarta.
A commuter train and a long-distance train collided.
Five people have died, and dozens were injured.
At least four people remain trapped in the wreckage.
Rescue workers are cutting through metal to reach trapped passengers.
The crash was caused when a taxi hit a commuter train on a level crossing, stopping it on the tracks.
The trains involved were the Jakarta-Cikarang commuter train and the Argo Bromo Anggrek high-speed train.
Train accidents have happened before in Indonesia, sometimes with many deaths.
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Rebel Wilson is giving evidence in a defamation case brought by Charlotte MacInnes, who accuses Wilson of making false claims about a sexual harassment complaint on social media. The case involves accusations about events during filming of the movie The Deb and whether MacInnes retracted a complaint to protect her career.
Key Facts
Rebel Wilson is facing a defamation lawsuit from Charlotte MacInnes, star of The Deb.
MacInnes says Wilson’s social media posts falsely claimed she made and then withdrew a sexual harassment complaint.
Wilson appeared in federal court in Sydney to give evidence in the case.
Wilson’s wife may not need to testify due to pregnancy risks.
The dispute began after MacInnes helped a co-producer, Amanda Ghost, who had a medical episode.
Wilson alleges overhearing intimate conversations between MacInnes and Ghost, which MacInnes denies.
Wilson claims MacInnes retracted her complaint to advance her career by pleasing Ghost.
MacInnes denies harm to her reputation from Wilson’s posts and rejects other claims against her.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House for a four-day state visit. They were welcomed by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania. The visit coincides with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence from Britain.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the White House.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania greeted them.
The visit is planned to last four days.
The visit happens as the U.S. prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence.
It is an official state visit between the UK and the US.
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