New U.S. sanctions announced by President Donald Trump have stopped standardized tests like the TOEFL and GRE from being offered in Iran. These exams, which are needed for admission to many foreign universities, are now unavailable inside Iran, affecting many Iranian students’ plans to study abroad.
Key Facts
President Trump’s new sanctions suspended the offering of TOEFL and GRE tests within Iran starting late August.
Testing companies like ETS must comply with U.S. sanctions and have paused these exams in Iran.
Thousands of Iranian students who prepared for international university admissions face difficulties continuing their education plans.
Students inside Iran must now travel abroad to take these tests, which is expensive and difficult for many families.
Iranian dual citizens or those linked to Iran living outside the country have had issues accessing exams like the LSAT.
The sanctions are part of a wider U.S. effort to pressure the Iranian regime over its nuclear program and regional actions.
A U.S. Treasury spokesperson said the Iranian regime prioritizes nuclear ambitions over its people’s well-being.
The sanctions include suspending General License G, which previously allowed some academic exchanges and educational services for Iranians.
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Amnesty International has said that Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during a 2022 crackdown on protests called Woman, Life, Freedom. The group reported that over 500 people, including 71 children, were killed, especially among Kurdish and Baluchi communities. Amnesty is asking the United Nations to set up an international court to investigate and hold officials accountable.
Key Facts
Amnesty International accused Iran of serious crimes in 2022 during protests.
More than 500 people died in the crackdown, including 71 children.
Kurdish and Baluchi people were especially targeted.
Amnesty says many officials involved are still in power in Iran.
The group wants the UN General Assembly to create a justice system to investigate these actions.
The protests were called Woman, Life, Freedom.
Amnesty’s report aims to bring international attention and accountability.
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Terrorist groups are using new artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help with their activities. Experts have warned that the fast growth of AI poses risks because bad actors can use it for harmful purposes.
Key Facts
Terrorist groups are adopting AI tools to improve their operations.
AI can be used to create fake videos, messages, and other materials.
Leaders in AI technology have warned about the dangers of rapid AI development.
There is concern that terrorist groups may use AI to spread false information.
The speed of AI innovation makes it hard to control misuse.
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Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet and showed video of the wreckage. This would be the first fighter jet the Houthis have claimed to destroy, as fighting intensifies around the key Bab al-Mandab Strait. The United Nations is urging both sides in Yemen to return to peace talks.
Key Facts
The Houthi rebels in Yemen released footage showing the remains of a Saudi F-15 jet.
If confirmed, this is the first time the Houthis have shot down a fighter jet.
The conflict in Yemen is increasing, especially near the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is an important waterway for international shipping.
The United Nations is calling on both the Houthis and Saudi-led forces to restart negotiations.
Saudi Arabia and Houthis have been in conflict for several years with shifting control of territory.
The situation affects regional security and global trade due to the location of the strait.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the European Parliament that Canada wants to work more closely with the European Union in areas beyond trade. This includes cooperating on energy, artificial intelligence, space, and payment systems, as well as joining the Erasmus student exchange program.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke to the European Parliament.
Canada aims to strengthen ties with the EU beyond just trading goods.
Areas for deeper cooperation include energy, AI (artificial intelligence), space, and payment sovereignty (control over financial systems).
Canada wants to participate in the Erasmus program, which supports student exchanges in Europe.
Canada is looking to build partnerships with countries beyond the United States.
Canada does not plan to join the EU’s single market, which means it won’t be part of the EU’s internal trading zone.
There is still uncertainty about how Canada and the EU will make these plans happen in practice.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Anton Kovalskyi as the new acting prosecutor general after Ruslan Kravchenko resigned amid a corruption investigation. The investigation involves accusations that officials in Kravchenko's office protected illegal call centers and laundered money during the ongoing war with Russia.
Key Facts
Anton Kovalskyi, 42, became acting prosecutor general on Thursday.
Ruslan Kravchenko resigned following anti-corruption raids on his offices.
Investigators allege a money-laundering scheme protected illegal call centers involved in phone scams.
The laundered money was reportedly used to buy property, jewelry, and valuables.
Kravchenko denied all allegations and claimed documents were stolen to cover up crimes against anti-corruption officials.
Anti-corruption agencies Nabu and Sap say the investigation is being obstructed by attempts to access sensitive information.
These agencies are also investigating other top Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky’s former chief of staff Andriy Yermak.
Zelensky faced protests in 2025 for trying to limit the independence of these anti-corruption agencies, but later restored their freedom.
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China is facing higher oil prices due to disruptions in Middle East oil exports. Key routes like a Saudi pipeline and the Strait of Hormuz have been blocked, forcing China to find other oil sources and pushing up prices globally.
Key Facts
Oil prices in China have reached record highs amid export disruptions from the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia shut a major pipeline carrying oil to China after attacks by an Iran-backed group in Iraq.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route, is also restricted, partly blocked by Iran.
US sanctions limit China's access to Russian and Iranian oil supplies.
China’s oil refiners are searching for new supply sources outside the Middle East.
China was importing about 12 million barrels of oil per day before the disruptions but recently reduced imports.
China had built large oil reserves (about 1.4 billion barrels) to help handle supply shocks.
Chinese leaders are focusing on restoring Middle East oil flows ahead of talks between President Xi and President Trump.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he will challenge U.S. President Donald Trump at the United Nations. Lula accused Trump of interfering in Brazil’s election and supporting his rival, Flavio Bolsonaro.
Key Facts
Lula will confront President Trump at the United Nations in New York.
Lula claims Trump interfered in Brazil’s presidential election.
Trump supported Flavio Bolsonaro, who is running against Lula.
Flavio Bolsonaro is the son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
The tension between the U.S. and Brazil has increased recently.
The U.S. has placed tariffs (taxes on imports) on Brazilian goods.
This dispute adds to existing political and trade disagreements between Washington and Brasília.
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King Charles denied a claim from Earl Spencer that Charles said, “We’ll forget her soon enough,” referring to Princess Diana after her death. The palace responded quickly to correct this statement, showing how it carefully manages its public responses.
Key Facts
Earl Spencer claimed King Charles made a hurtful remark about Diana’s death.
The palace issued a fast denial, saying grief can affect how memories are seen.
Buckingham Palace usually avoids commenting on royal controversies.
King Charles’s denial was seen as necessary due to the personal nature of the claim.
The palace uses careful language to respond to allegations while maintaining privacy.
The late Queen Elizabeth II also responded carefully to controversies involving other royals.
Royal statements give a small view into what happens privately inside the palace.
The royal family often faces public challenges from members like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a crash involving an NBC news helicopter in Los Angeles. Video footage from a nearby news helicopter before the crash might help investigators understand what happened.
Key Facts
The crash involved an NBC news helicopter in Los Angeles.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.
Video from another LA news helicopter was recorded before the crash.
This video could provide important clues about the cause of the crash.
CBS News is sharing the video and updates on the investigation.
The incident took place in Los Angeles, California.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to seek international support and a plan to stabilize Lebanon. Many people in Lebanon feel little hope due to ongoing conflict with Israel, the occupation of parts of southern Lebanon, and regional tensions.
Key Facts
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
The talks aim to gain international backing to help stabilize Lebanon.
Lebanon has faced months of war with Israel.
Parts of southern Lebanon remain under Israeli occupation.
Many Lebanese people feel pessimistic about the future.
Regional tensions contribute to uncertainty in Lebanon.
The Paris talks also involve discussions about UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
The situation is part of broader Middle East security concerns.
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U.S. officials are investigating cyberattacks on two energy tankers to find out if Iran was involved. A Coast Guard official said that cyberattacks pose a real danger to ports and waterways.
Key Facts
Two energy tankers experienced cyberattacks recently.
The U.S. government is looking into the incidents to see if Iran played a role.
A Coast Guard official highlighted the threat of cyberattacks to port and waterway security.
Cyberattacks can disrupt important transportation and energy shipments.
Protecting ports and waterways is a priority for U.S. security agencies.
The investigation is part of broader efforts to respond to threats against critical infrastructure.
Cyber threats to maritime operations are an increasing concern worldwide.
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European Heritage Days are an annual event where millions of people visit monuments and historic sites across Europe, including France. This tradition helps protect and promote cultural heritage, and France has introduced a new Patrimoine Pass to support the upkeep of its monuments.
Key Facts
European Heritage Days encourage public visits to monuments, historic buildings, and cultural sites.
Millions participate in the event every year throughout Europe.
The event allows people to explore places like castles and national monuments, often with special access or tours.
France has launched the Patrimoine Pass to help fund the care and preservation of its historical sites.
The event highlights the importance of preserving “patrimoine,” which means cultural heritage in French.
European Heritage Days have grown in importance as many historic sites need repair and support.
The event connects people to their history and culture in an engaging way.
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On the second night of the new season of "Dancing with the Stars," another competing couple was eliminated from the show. The event featured a focus on female dancers performing in the ballroom.
Key Facts
The article reports on the elimination of the second couple from "Dancing with the Stars."
The event took place during the season premiere’s second night.
Women took over the ballroom during this episode.
The show involves couples dancing competitively.
The elimination means the couple is no longer in the competition.
The focus was on performances by female dancers during this round.
The article includes additional live news topics but focuses on the dance show elimination.
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New images show damage to U.S. military bases caused by attacks from Iran. The Trump administration continues to minimize the severity of the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. military has suffered damage to its assets due to strikes by Iran.
The attacks appear to have deliberately targeted U.S. military bases.
The Trump administration is downplaying the costs and impacts of the war with Iran.
The released images highlight the extent of destruction caused by the conflict.
The situation reflects continuing tensions and military conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
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King Charles III’s spokesperson responded to claims made in a new book by Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, which says the king once argued about the funeral arrangements for Diana. The palace emphasized that grief can affect memory and judgment, while still managing tensions related to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s roles in the royal family.
Key Facts
Charles Spencer’s book alleges a phone argument with King Charles about princes William and Harry walking behind Diana’s coffin at her funeral.
Spencer claims King Charles said, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough” during the argument.
Buckingham Palace said they do not usually comment on books but noted grief can cloud memory and judgment.
The king’s statement is unusual because the royal family typically avoids public disputes.
The book’s serialization appeared first in the Daily Mail.
This controversy follows recent tensions over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s status as private citizens.
Royal experts believe the king’s response shows he was upset by the book.
The palace is still dealing with the impact of Harry and Meghan’s return to the United Kingdom.
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Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted a message using a math formula that central banks use to set interest rates, hinting Iran can influence the US economy and its interest rate decisions. Shortly after, the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.25%, with officials noting that global conflicts, including the US-Iran tensions, have contributed to inflation pressures.
Key Facts
Iran’s missiles and drones have damaged US military assets in the Middle East, costing billions.
Ghalibaf shared a version of the Taylor equation, a formula used to suggest interest rate changes based on inflation and economic output.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway that Iran has effectively blocked, affecting global oil shipping.
The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.25% for the first time in three years.
Fed officials, including Chairman Kevin Warsh, mentioned that renewed US-Iran conflicts and rising oil prices influenced the decision.
The Taylor rule used by Ghalibaf is a guideline for setting interest rates, not a strict rule.
Economic factors like tariffs, the energy crisis, and AI investments also contribute to inflation pressures in the US.
Iran’s use of economic tools and messages signals an indirect method to pressure the US during conflicts.
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A baby’s skeleton was found under the floor of an old house in Bishop Auckland, UK. An inquest concluded the baby was unlawfully killed with twine around his neck, but the exact cause of death and identity remain unknown.
Key Facts
The baby, called Baby Auckland, was found wrapped in over 100-year-old newspaper during house renovations in July 2024.
The twine was looped and knotted three times around the baby’s neck.
Carbon dating showed the baby died sometime between the 17th century and 1955, with the newspaper dated June 1910.
Forensic tests and DNA investigations did not identify the baby or any relatives.
The baby was about 38-40 weeks old at death, but it is unclear if he was stillborn or lived briefly.
No clear signs of trauma or disease were found on the skeleton.
Police made a public appeal for information, but little evidence was found.
Baby Auckland was buried in April 2024 at a local cemetery.
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Canada is in a position to become a key economy that links North America, Europe, and Asia. Strengthening global connections through Canada can also bring benefits to the United States.
Key Facts
Canada has the potential to act as a bridge for trade and business between three major regions: North America, Europe, and Asia.
This position could enhance Canada's role in global economics and trade.
Improved global ties involving Canada may also support economic growth for the U.S.
Canada's geographic location and trade agreements make it suitable for expanding international connections.
Cooperation between Canada and the U.S. could strengthen North American economic influence worldwide.
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A male bottlenose dolphin named Bubbles off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has a unique way of feeding. He chases bigeye trevally fish until they vomit their food, which Bubbles then eats. Researchers studied this rare behavior, called kleptoparasitism, over several years.
Key Facts
Bubbles is a male bottlenose dolphin living near Lady Elliott Island, Queensland, Australia.
He has been observed since at least 2017 performing a special feeding method.
Bubbles chases bigeye trevally fish, stressing them until they vomit their recent meal.
After the fish vomits, Bubbles eats the regurgitated food but does not eat the fish itself.
This behavior is called kleptoparasitism, where one animal steals food from another, often by causing it to lose or drop the food.
Bubbles repeats this behavior up to 10 times in 30 minutes and usually forages alone.
Researchers think Bubbles uses echolocation (a way dolphins use sound to locate objects) to choose which fish to target.
This feeding strategy may save energy compared to chasing and catching fast-moving fish directly.
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