A Ukrainian man, Illia Bilyk, admitted to spraying hateful graffiti on mosques in east London. This vandalism was connected to a Russian network involved in attacks against UK politician Sir Keir Starmer and aimed to spread hate and fear.
Key Facts
Illia Bilyk, 21, pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates' Court to five charges of racially and religiously aggravated criminal damage.
The graffiti targeted mosques and Islamic centers in east London in January 2025.
Bilyk said he was recruited and directed by a Russian speaker through the messaging app Telegram and was paid for the attacks.
Earlier in 2025, two Ukrainians were jailed for arson attacks linked to the same Russian network targeting Sir Keir Starmer.
A Russian operative called EL organized these actions remotely via social media, including running a fake far-right group called Direct Action UK.
Images of Bilyk’s graffiti were shared in a Telegram group tied to that fake group.
A Russian diplomat, Evgeny Lyukshin, was identified as a key figure in the operation but did not respond to inquiries.
The incident caused distress among Muslim communities in London, and police have promised to tackle hate crimes firmly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Earl Spencer has made public claims against King Charles III. These claims have attracted attention in the UK and relate to matters involving the royal family.
Key Facts
Earl Spencer is the brother of the late Princess Diana.
He has made allegations concerning King Charles III.
The claims have been discussed publicly in the UK media.
The topic is connected to the UK royal family.
The controversy has appeared in news updates recently.
Earl Spencer has spoken out as a member of the royal family’s extended circle.
King Charles III is currently the monarch of the United Kingdom.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nato chief Mark Rutte said he believes the UK government understands the need to steadily increase defence spending to meet Nato’s target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035. He said the UK will take yearly steps towards the goal, but the exact plan will be decided after next year’s spending review.
Key Facts
Nato’s target is for member countries to spend 3.5% of their economy (GDP) on defence by 2035.
The UK government has committed to this target and plans to increase spending gradually every year.
The detailed plan on how to meet the target will be made next year during the spending review.
Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, now Nato chief, encouraged members not to delay increasing defence funding.
British leaders have debated whether defence funding should come from cuts to social welfare programs.
Rutte said defence spending and welfare budgeting are separate issues and stressed the importance of economic growth to fund both.
Some UK politicians have pushed for an interim target of 3% of GDP on defence by 2030.
Rutte acknowledged the UK government faces tough choices but expressed confidence in their commitment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iranian forces have reportedly shot down at least two American MQ-1 drones in recent days, according to U.S. officials. These drones are used for surveillance and sometimes for carrying missiles, but the exact details about where and which type were lost are not clear.
Key Facts
Iranian forces took down at least two U.S. MQ-1 unmanned aircraft recently.
It is unknown where these drones were shot down or which MQ-1 variant was involved.
The two main MQ-1 types are Predator (retired by the Air Force in 2018) and Gray Eagle (still used by the Army).
These drones mainly do surveillance but can also carry Hellfire missiles for strikes.
Drones operating near the Strait of Hormuz help monitor threats to U.S. forces and shipping.
Older MQ-1 Predators cost about $4 million each; newer Gray Eagles are more expensive.
Since the U.S. started its conflict with Iran, at least 24 MQ-9 drones and one MQ-4C Triton have been lost, costing hundreds of millions of dollars.
U.S. Central Command declined to comment on the drone losses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A United Nations fact-finding mission reported that the United States likely committed war crimes in Iran by carrying out air strikes that killed at least 178 civilians, including many children. The report also accused Iran of violating human rights during protests in 2025 and 2026, including using violence and restricting freedoms.
Key Facts
The U.S. launched air strikes on February 28 in Iran, hitting a primary school in Minab and a sports center in Lamerd.
The Minab strike killed over 150 people, including about 120 children, using Tomahawk missiles.
The UN mission found the U.S. did not properly verify the school was not a military target before attacking.
The strike on the sports center killed 22 civilians; the area was separate from any military site.
President Donald Trump denied that a girls’ school was purposely attacked and cited an investigation with no public results.
The report also accused Iran of committing serious human rights abuses during nationwide protests in 2025-2026.
Iran’s government reported about 3,000 deaths in the protests but the UN said the real number was higher.
The UN mission called for both countries to stop fighting and compensate victims.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney responded positively to a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union (EU), aiming to strengthen cooperation on trade, security, technology, and defense. However, this idea faces challenges because current EU rules do not allow membership for countries outside Europe, and it must be approved by all 27 EU nations. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the proposal and threatened tariffs if it moves forward.
Key Facts
Canada and the EU already have a wide trade deal called CETA.
The EU President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to become the first associate member of the EU.
Associate membership would mean closer cooperation without full EU membership.
Canada wants to work more with the EU on energy, security, tech innovation, and defense.
President Trump called the idea a "hostile act" and threatened heavy tariffs on Canada.
Canada is seeking alternatives to relying mainly on the U.S. for trade and security.
Other countries like Japan and South Korea are also interested in closer ties with the EU.
The proposal must be approved by all EU countries and faces legal and political hurdles.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rumors about Chinese President Xi Jinping's health surfaced after the BRICS summit in India, with claims he had a stroke and left early. Indian officials and the Chinese government have not confirmed these reports, and footage shows Xi boarding his plane in India.
Key Facts
The rumors began after the BRICS summit held in New Delhi, India.
A U.S.-based activist and Chinese political exile claimed Xi had a mini-stroke at the event.
Indian officials denied that any world leader fell sick during the summit.
Xi attended a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi but skipped a gala dinner.
Xi was seen walking up the airplane steps before leaving India, though some said he struggled.
The Chinese Communist Party has not released any official statement on Xi’s health.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also fell ill after the summit and is resting per medical advice.
There is no confirmed evidence about Xi’s health condition, despite widespread social media discussion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to build a new alliance with the European Union as relations with the U.S. under President Trump have worsened due to a trade dispute. Carney supports "associate membership" with the EU to reduce Canada's economic dependence on the U.S. and strengthen cooperation in trade, defense, technology, and other areas.
Key Facts
Canada and the U.S. are in an escalating trade war, with President Trump imposing tariffs and threatening more.
The EU invited Canada to become its first associate member, a status that is still being defined.
Carney wants closer ties with the EU to protect Canada's markets, sovereignty, and freedoms.
The partnership includes cooperation in trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, research, and financial services.
Carney made clear Canada is not seeking full EU membership but deeper integration.
President Trump called the EU-Canada partnership a "hostile act" that might lead to more tariffs on Europe.
Carney said the old world order of U.S. dominance is ending, and middle powers like Canada and the EU should build a stronger global partnership.
European leaders welcomed Carney warmly, and his speech received a standing ovation in the European Parliament.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump told Axios he is close to making a major decision about restarting large attacks in the Iran war to end the conflict. He plans to meet leaders from six Gulf countries at the UN to discuss the next steps, which could involve more fighting or diplomacy.
Key Facts
Trump is deciding whether to restart big military attacks against Iran.
A meeting with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman will take place at the UN General Assembly to discuss the war.
The U.S. must have support from regional allies if it wants to increase military actions.
Trump paused major combat in August after Saudi Arabia and Qatar worried about Iranian attacks on their oil facilities.
Since then, the U.S. has used economic sanctions, a naval blockade, and efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for oil shipments.
The U.S. military is maintaining its current forces in the Middle East until the end of the year.
Trump says the naval blockade has stopped Iran from exporting oil and that Iran still wants a deal.
The White House is planning a post-war strategy focused on containing Iran and improving relations between Israel and neighboring countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Green Party in England and Wales is debating a motion that calls Zionism racism and supports a single Palestinian state. Zack Polanski, the party leader, has not publicly taken a position, as the issue is controversial and may affect the party’s relationship with Jewish members and voters.
Key Facts
The Green Party members voted for a motion stating “Zionism is racism” to be debated at their October conference.
The motion supports creating a single democratic Palestinian state with equal rights and Jerusalem as its capital.
If passed, the party would treat Zionism as a form of racism.
Zack Polanski, the Greens’ leader, has reservations but has not spoken publicly about the motion.
Some Greens fear the motion could alienate Jewish supporters and split the party internally.
Two proposed changes aim to soften the motion, which Polanski may support.
The party is concerned about some members’ aggressive behavior during the debate.
The conference timing may reduce attendance of some activists loyal to Polanski, increasing the chance of the motion passing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke to the European Parliament about strengthening ties between Canada and the European Union (EU). He supports Canada becoming the EU's first "associate member" to work more closely on defense, critical minerals, and energy security.
Key Facts
Mark Carney is the Canadian Prime Minister.
The European Union wants Canada to become its first "associate member."
This new status would increase cooperation between Canada and the EU.
Focus areas include defense, critical minerals, and energy security.
Carney told the European Parliament that Canada and Europe are stronger when working together.
The move responds to global political changes described as a "geopolitical rupture."
The idea is to create a closer strategic, economic, and political alliance.
The news reflects Canada's shift toward building stronger relations with Europe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A black bear was euthanized at Grand Teton National Park because it had learned to approach people for food, creating safety risks. Park officials said this behavior happened due to visitors leaving food unattended near the bear.
Key Facts
The bear was killed on September 11 after showing a pattern of approaching humans near Delta Lake.
Park staff noticed the bear was hard to scare away, indicating it had been rewarded with food by visitors.
Bears that associate humans with food can become aggressive and dangerous.
Grand Teton National Park said visitors must never leave food unattended to avoid encouraging bears.
The bear had been reported earlier in the year, but there wasn’t enough proof of food-conditioned behavior at that time.
Officials decided against relocating the bear because it was not safe or effective.
Lethal removal was used as a last option to protect visitor safety.
Park officials urged visitors to store food securely to help keep bears wild and safe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
British rapper Sway, also known as Derek Safo, has died at the age of 44. He was known for his influence on Black British music and won the 2005 Mobo award for best hip-hop act as an unsigned artist. He passed away at his home in Ghana, with no cause of death announced.
Key Facts
Sway was born Derek Safo in north London to Ghanaian parents.
He won the 2005 Mobo award for best hip-hop act as the first unsigned artist to do so.
His debut album This Is My Demo received critical praise and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
His hit songs included "Little Derek," "Still Speedin’," and "Level Up."
He worked with artists like Akon, Riz Ahmed, Ed Sheeran, and Kano.
Sway also helped develop the career of YouTuber and musician KSI.
He married his wife Helen in 2013 and had four children.
He died at home in Ghana; no cause of death has been shared.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The last missing hiker from a deadly flash flood in the Grand Canyon has been found. Timothy Allen Smith’s remains were discovered near Crystal Rapids, bringing the total deaths from the flood to three.
Key Facts
Timothy Allen Smith, 53, was found dead near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River.
He was on a hiking, fishing, and camping trip with two companions, Brent Rosenkranz and John Giusti, who also died.
The flash flood occurred on August 29 during the summer monsoon season.
The flood damaged the water pipeline serving the Grand Canyon South Rim.
More than 80 people were rescued after the flash floods.
The Grand Canyon National Park’s permit system helped track those missing.
A wildfire earlier in July 2025 left burn areas that made flooding worse.
Lodging and some hiking trails remain closed, and hikers are advised to bring water or filtration devices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran has rejected the U.S. story about rescuing an Air Force colonel after his fighter jet was shot down over Iran. Iran called the U.S. account false and said it cannot be accepted.
Key Facts
A U.S. Air Force colonel’s F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran in April.
The colonel, known by the call sign Bravo, shared his experience of survival recently.
The U.S. said it rescued the colonel after the crash.
Iran denied the U.S. rescue story and said it was made up.
Iran described the U.S. account as “fictional and unacceptable.”
The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, along with extreme weather, are causing problems for global food production and trade. Experts warn that a strong El Niño weather event could worsen the situation, leading to more people facing serious food shortages.
Key Facts
Wars in Iran and Ukraine are disrupting shipping routes and supply chains important for food distribution.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for fertilizers, with about one-third of global fertilizer exports passing through it before 2026.
Problems in transport and shipping are currently bigger issues than food supply itself.
High fertilizer and energy prices are making farming less profitable and reducing crop production worldwide.
Experts predict a strong El Niño, which can cause bad weather affecting planting and harvesting.
These factors are increasing the prices of cereals and grains globally.
Reduced food production and supply chain issues are pushing millions more people toward severe food insecurity.
UNICEF warns about the risk of malnutrition deaths for 1 million Afghan children linked to this crisis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke to the European Parliament about Canada possibly becoming an associate member of the European Union (EU). EU leaders want to build closer ties with Canada, but U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of possible action against the EU if it allows this.
Key Facts
Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister, addressed the European Parliament about relations with the EU.
Carney supports the idea of Canada becoming an associate member of the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed interest in closer cooperation with Canada.
Becoming an associate member would involve Canada working more closely with the EU in important areas.
President Donald Trump has threatened to take action if the EU makes Canada an associate member.
The discussions aim to strengthen Canada-EU relations without full EU membership for Canada.
This topic was recently discussed in the European Parliament and covered by media.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jacob Tremblay, an actor, talked about his role in the Netflix movie "Unabomber." He shared his experience playing a young Ted Kaczynski and working with Russell Crowe.
Key Facts
Jacob Tremblay stars in the Netflix film "Unabomber."
He plays a young version of Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber.
Tremblay discussed his acting career on CBS Mornings.
He talked about working with actor Russell Crowe.
The interview was featured on CBS News.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, killing the reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and one person on the ground. Investigators consider live video from the helicopter before the crash to be key evidence in understanding what caused the accident.
Key Facts
The helicopter crashed during a news gathering mission in Chatsworth, a Los Angeles neighborhood.
The crash killed two people inside the helicopter (reporter and pilot) and one person on the ground.
A fourth person survived and was taken to the hospital.
Live video from the helicopter showed shaking and alarms before the crash.
Investigators are analyzing the video’s sound for clues about the helicopter's engine and warnings.
The NTSB will release a preliminary crash report in 30 days; the full report may take up to 18 months.
The helicopter was covering a fatal crash involving a Metro bus and an SUV nearby.
The SUV driver is facing murder charges related to the earlier crash.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis has killed at least five people, including three children. Both sides reported attacks and claimed the other targeted key locations, while regional powers reacted with caution and calls for restraint.
Key Facts
At least five people died in the recent attacks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, including three children.
A Houthi drone was intercepted in Saudi Arabia’s Taif region, killing one Yemeni resident and injuring two others.
Houthis said Saudi warplanes attacked telecommunications towers in Yemen’s Taiz province, killing one civilian and injuring another.
Saudi Arabia claimed a Houthi drone targeted Mecca but was destroyed; the Houthis denied this, calling it false propaganda.
Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi said his forces are defending themselves after Saudi Arabia started the latest fighting.
Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council said the Houthis are losing ground in several provinces.
Iran condemned attacks on holy sites but questioned Saudi claims about the Mecca drone incident.
China privately asked Iran to help control the Houthis, while Saudi Arabia’s defense partners like Pakistan and Turkiye showed concern about the escalating conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
