The article discusses a parenting approach called "risky play" that the author encountered in Germany. It involves allowing young children to engage in activities like lighting matches and using real tools, which help them learn about safety and limits. The author, an American living in Berlin, initially found this approach challenging but eventually embraced it after seeing its benefits.
Key Facts
The author's 3-year-old learned to light a match at a German preschool.
In Germany, "risky play" includes children using real tools like saws and hammers.
Teachers instruct children on safety measures before they try activities on their own.
The approach focuses on children learning to test their own limits.
The author described situations where her children safely navigated potentially dangerous situations.
"Risky play" is different from typical American child safety practices.
The author ultimately accepted this approach, believing it helps children make good decisions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Kremlin official has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of committing an "act of war" against Russia. This follows Trump's imposition of new sanctions on Russian oil companies and the cancellation of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Key Facts
President Trump imposed new sanctions on Russia's largest oil companies.
A planned meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was called off.
Dmitry Medvedev, a top Kremlin official, made the "act of war" accusation.
Medvedev serves as the deputy chairman of the Kremlin's Security Council.
He claimed the U.S. is now considered an enemy by Russia.
Medvedev also mentioned that Trump has sided with European countries against Russia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced new U.S. sanctions against Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to pressure Russia to end its conflict with Ukraine. The sanctions are intended to weaken Russia's economy and encourage negotiations for peace. The decision follows recent similar actions by the UK and is part of broader diplomatic efforts by the U.S.
Key Facts
U.S. sanctions target Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia's two largest oil producers.
President Trump hopes the sanctions will pressure Russia to negotiate peace with Ukraine.
Rosneft and Lukoil collectively export 3.1 million barrels of oil per day.
Rosneft accounts for nearly half of Russia's oil production, which is 6% of the global output.
The sanctions were announced via Trump's Truth Social platform.
The UK had imposed similar sanctions on the same companies one week earlier.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blacklisted the companies.
President Trump postponed a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman watched the heist movie "Ocean's 8" on a flight and learned about a real jewel theft at the Louvre once she landed. The Louvre in Paris shut down after thieves stole several items from the French Crown Jewels collection. The robbery happened quickly, and the suspects are still free.
Key Facts
A passenger watched "Ocean's 8," a movie about a jewel heist, on a flight.
Upon landing, she learned of a real jewel heist at the Louvre in Paris.
Thieves stole several historic items from the Louvre's Crown Jewels collection.
The robbery took place in broad daylight and lasted seven minutes.
Among the stolen items was a pearl and diamond tiara and a diamond bow brooch.
The stolen jewels were not insured, and they have great historical value.
The Louvre reopened days later, acknowledging the security breach.
The incident sparked interest and comments from people online about oddly timed media experiences.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Storm Benjamin has hit parts of the UK, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The storm is causing warnings for potential power cuts, flooding, and travel disruptions. Warnings extend to parts of western Europe, impacting sports events in the Netherlands.
Key Facts
Strong winds and heavy rain are affecting parts of the UK due to Storm Benjamin.
The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for southern and eastern England, Wales, East Midlands, and Yorkshire.
Some areas could experience winds up to 70 mph and rain up to 50 mm.
Power cuts, localized flooding, and building damage are possible.
The storm was named by French weather service Météo France, affecting parts of France more severely.
Sports events in Europe, including football matches in the Netherlands, have been rescheduled due to the storm.
The storm is affecting areas from the English Channel to the North Sea.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China disagreed with the U.S. government's decision to impose sanctions on Russia's top oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, without international approval. The sanctions aim to put pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, as suggested by President Trump. China, a major buyer of Russian oil, believes in solving the Ukraine conflict through talks instead of pressure.
Key Facts
The U.S. sanctioned Russia's main oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft.
The sanctions are part of efforts to make Russia stop the war in Ukraine.
President Trump suggested that China might influence Russia to change its stance on Ukraine.
China opposes sanctions that do not have backing from international law or the United Nations.
China's response came from Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
China's state-run Global Times reported on Guo's comments.
China advocates for dialogue and negotiation to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States conducted a second military strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of three men. The action is part of a broader U.S. effort to combat drug trafficking, a policy priority under President Donald Trump, though the strikes have faced criticism from some South American leaders and U.S. lawmakers.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out two strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats over two days, with the latest killing three men.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the strike targeted a boat operated by a "Designated Terrorist Organization" involved in drug trafficking.
Since September 2, the U.S. has conducted nine strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, mostly in the Caribbean.
South American leaders, including Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro and Colombia's Gustavo Petro, criticized these actions as violations of sovereignty.
Some U.S. lawmakers and human rights groups are calling for transparency about the strikes and those targeted.
The Trump administration has labeled its actions as part of a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels.
A new U.S. Joint Task Force led by the Southern Command is planned to expand military actions against drug traffickers.
Two men survived a previous U.S. strike on a similar vessel in the Caribbean and were repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Russia's largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, to pressure Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The European Union also approved a new set of sanctions against Russia. The aim is to limit Russia's revenue that supports its military actions.
Key Facts
President Trump imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting major oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft.
The reason for the sanctions is the continued conflict in Ukraine and lack of progress in ceasefire talks.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary said the sanctions aim to weaken Russia's economy and reduce funding for its military.
American companies are now restricted from doing business with Lukoil and Rosneft.
The U.S. Treasury is open to further measures if the situation does not improve.
Russia has not yet publicly responded to the U.S. sanctions.
President Trump plans to discuss China's Russian oil purchases with President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit.
The EU has also approved its 19th sanctions package against Russia on the same day.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A TikTok video by a pregnant woman from Idaho shows how her unborn baby moves when she laughs. The video, viewed over 18 million times, highlights how laughter affects the fetus and has sparked discussion among viewers.
Key Facts
A pregnant woman named Destinie Ross shared a TikTok video showing her fetus moving when she laughed.
The baby appeared to bounce in the womb during an ultrasound when Ross laughed at the sonographer's comment.
The video gained significant attention, with over 18 million views.
Many viewers were curious if the movement hurt the baby; experts explained it is safe and padding in the womb protects the baby.
Laughter releases serotonin, which can make the baby feel calm and comfortable.
The sonographer noted that vibrations from laughter move the baby and are similar to when they shake the probe for better ultrasound images.
Destinie Ross received positive feedback, including some support from celebrities and brands, after the video went viral.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A mother named Kendra Leon shared a story about her son Tyler attending a school friend's birthday party on his birthday. The hosting parents surprised Tyler with a gift and included him in the cake-cutting ceremony, making him feel special. The experience was shared on social media, where it received widespread attention.
Key Facts
Tyler Leon attended a classmate's birthday party, which was on the same day as his birthday.
His mother, Kendra, mentioned his birthday in advance to the hosting parents.
At the party, the parents surprised Tyler with a gift and added a candle on the cake for him.
This act made Tyler feel special and happy on his birthday.
Kendra Leon shared this event on social media, and it was liked over 33,000 times.
She expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gesture and was inspired to be more thoughtful herself.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Australia has increased its maritime patrol airplane fleet by receiving a new plane from the United States. This move is part of efforts to counter the growing naval presence of China in the South Pacific. Australia is strengthening its defense ties with the U.S. through military equipment acquisitions under agreements like AUKUS.
Key Facts
Australia received a new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the U.S., bringing its fleet to 13 planes.
The P-8A aircraft can carry out missions like anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance.
Australia formed a second operational squadron for the P-8A planes at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
Australia aims to get three American nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement with the U.S. and U.K.
The Royal Australian Air Force also operates MQ-4C Triton drones for maritime patrol.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not provide a comment about this development.
Australia uses the P-8A planes to monitor activities in areas like the South China Sea and around North Korea.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Survivors of grooming gang abuse in the UK have stepped down from an inquiry panel, listing demands including the resignation of Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips. They accuse Phillips of ignoring their concerns about the inquiry's scope and want assurance that the probe will focus on grooming gangs and their racial and religious motivations. The inquiry seeks to examine grooming incidents across England and Wales.
Key Facts
Four survivors of grooming gang abuse in the UK have stepped down from the inquiry panel.
They demand Jess Phillips, the Safeguarding Minister, to resign, claiming she ignored their concerns.
The survivors want the inquiry to focus on grooming gangs and their racial and religious motivations.
Former police officer Jim Gamble withdrew from chairing the inquiry, citing a toxic political environment.
There is disagreement among survivors on the panel about the inquiry's focus and leadership.
Some survivors want the probe to include victims of other types of sexual abuse.
A national inquiry covering England and Wales was announced in June by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Survivors want a senior judge to chair the inquiry and have input on the selection.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro are exchanging threats and insults. Trump accused Colombia of being involved in drug production and has stopped military aid to the country. In response, Petro plans to take legal action in U.S. courts and has criticized Trump's actions.
Key Facts
President Trump called Colombian President Petro a "thug" and said Colombia is involved in making drugs.
Trump announced the U.S. will stop military aid to Colombia because of its alleged role in drug trafficking.
Petro plans to take legal action against Trump in U.S. courts.
Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Colombian products if disputes continue.
Colombia recalled its ambassador to the U.S. amid these tensions.
The U.S. administration claims Colombia failed in its anti-drug efforts and criticized President Maduro of Venezuela.
The U.S. military has increased operations in the Caribbean, claiming they target drug traffickers.
Recent U.S. military actions in the Pacific have resulted in the death of alleged drug traffickers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Irish police arrested 23 people during a second night of anti-immigration unrest in Dublin. The disturbances involved violent protests against the government’s immigration policies near a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Key Facts
23 people were arrested in Dublin during the second night of unrest.
The protests took place outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers.
Six people were previously arrested the night before during violent demonstrations.
Demonstrators threw objects and fireworks at the police.
Two police officers were injured during the unrest.
The Irish police force, known as An Garda Siochana, reported that mostly young males and teenagers were involved.
Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan praised the police's response to the violence.
The unrest followed the arrest of a foreign national over an alleged sexual assault case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The European Union has approved its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which targets the country's gas sector and its shadow fleet. This move follows new U.S. sanctions under President Trump against Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine. A proposed peace summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been postponed.
Key Facts
The EU approved its 19th set of sanctions against Russia.
For the first time, EU sanctions target Russia's gas sector.
The EU also imposed sanctions on Russia's "shadow fleet."
The U.S., under President Trump, placed new sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
These actions aim to pressure Russia to seek peace in Ukraine.
A planned summit between President Trump and President Putin was delayed.
The EU's actions are part of ongoing efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States military conducted a strike on a second boat suspected of carrying drugs in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the death of three people. This action is part of a broader U.S. effort to combat drug smuggling by sea. President Trump stated that the campaign could extend to land targets, potentially involving Congress.
Key Facts
The U.S. military struck a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing three people, as part of an anti-drug operation.
This was the second strike in two days; the previous strike also took place in the Pacific and killed two people.
So far, these are the first strikes in the Pacific Ocean after several similar actions in the Caribbean Sea.
President Trump authorized these military actions against what are described as "narco-terrorists."
A video shows a boat on fire after a U.S. strike, followed by floating items being targeted by an airstrike.
President Trump mentioned the possibility of expanding such operations to land, which may involve consulting Congress.
Tensions between the U.S. and Colombia have risen, with President Trump criticizing Colombia's leader.
U.S. operations in the Caribbean involve about 10,000 troops and various military resources.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A British man and his friend drowned at Frankston Beach near Melbourne, Australia, after wild weather caused the man's surfboard to break. Police and emergency services quickly arrived but could not save the men, who had been warned about the dangerous conditions due to high winds.
Key Facts
A British man and his friend drowned at Frankston Beach near Melbourne, Australia.
The incident happened due to rough weather, which broke the man's surfboard.
Police received reports of the two men in trouble and arrived with a helicopter within 15 minutes.
Both men were pulled out of the water, but neither could be revived.
An officer involved in the rescue was treated for swallowing water and later released from the hospital.
Authorities warned the public to stay out of the water on the day due to high wind conditions.
The British man had minimal surfing experience and was learning to surf.
The deaths were deemed preventable by police, who urged against water activities in dangerous weather.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has announced new sanctions targeting Russia's largest oil companies, aiming to push President Vladimir Putin to negotiate and end Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The decision comes amid significant damage from recent Russian attacks across Ukraine and continued international efforts to provide military aid to Ukraine.
Key Facts
The U.S. introduced new sanctions against Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
The sanctions seek to pressure Russia to stop its military actions in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and U.S. politicians had been urging Trump to impose harsher sanctions.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Trump during the sanctions announcement.
Russian attacks in Ukraine have recently killed civilians and damaged infrastructure, including a school.
The U.S. and European allies are supporting Ukraine with weapon supplies.
President Trump continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Ukraine has reported attacks in multiple regions by Russian forces.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Misty Copeland retired from the American Ballet Theatre after a groundbreaking career, celebrated at a gala event in New York. Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer in the company's history, became a symbol of diversity in ballet. She plans to continue promoting diversity and participation in the dance world through her foundation.
Key Facts
Misty Copeland retired from the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) after a significant career.
She was the first Black female principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history.
Her farewell event at New York's Lincoln Center included attendance from notable figures like Oprah Winfrey.
Copeland has a foundation aimed at increasing diversity in ballet.
She has also worked as an author, with her latest book "Bunheads" released recently.
Copeland's farewell performance included roles in famous ballets such as "Swan Lake" and "Juliet."
Her son joined her onstage during curtain calls at the gala event.
Copeland expressed gratitude to the ABT, emphasizing her ongoing commitment to promoting diversity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, retired after a special performance at the company's gala in New York. She was honored for her contributions to diversity in ballet, and her retirement marks the end of her 25-year career at the theater. During the event, Copeland performed notable dance pieces and shared special moments with family and other famous supporters.
Key Facts
Misty Copeland retired from the American Ballet Theatre after a significant career.
She was the first Black female principal dancer in the company's history.
Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen attended the gala to honor her achievements.
Copeland's retirement event took place at New York's Lincoln Center.
She performed several dances, including her favorite role, Juliet, in a famous scene from "Romeo and Juliet."
Copeland has been active in promoting diversity in ballet and runs her own foundation.
She plans to continue dancing in other capacities and work on diversity efforts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
