Ukraine's defense industry has grown rapidly since 2022, becoming a global leader in drone and military technology. Now, Ukraine's challenge is turning its many small defense startups into a strong, large-scale industry that can attract Western investment while keeping its innovations in the country.
Key Facts
Ukraine's defense industry increased its production value from $1 billion to $50 billion since 2022.
Kyiv is a global center for designing and testing advanced defense technology during ongoing war.
Russia uses fast, jet-powered drones like the Geran-4, which are harder for Ukraine to shoot down compared to slower drones.
Ukrainian Air Force shoots down about 90-95% of slower drones but only about 60% of jet-powered drones.
Over 500 Ukrainian companies produce unmanned systems, making 95% of drones used by Ukraine's military.
Ukraine created maritime drones called MAGURA, which damaged Russia’s Black Sea Fleet by over $500 million.
The Nemesis drone is a heavy bomber drone Ukraine uses to offset Russia’s larger air force.
Ukraine uses a platform called Brave1 Market, allowing soldiers to buy drones and other tech directly with points earned from successful missions.
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Emma Bonino, an Italian politician known for her work to legalize abortion and divorce despite opposition from the Vatican, has died at age 78. She served in important government roles and was a long-time advocate for human rights and political freedom.
Key Facts
Emma Bonino led campaigns that helped legalize abortion and divorce in Italy.
She was a member of the Radical Party and later founded the More Europe party.
Bonino served as Italy’s foreign minister, trade minister, and European commissioner.
She fought against restrictions on freedoms, including issues like female genital mutilation and genocide.
Her political career spanned over 50 years, and she was respected across the political spectrum.
Bonino became active in politics after having an illegal abortion at age 26 and openly defied the law.
She maintained a friendship with Pope Francis despite differing views on ethical matters.
Bonino continued advocating for human rights, world hunger relief, and scientific freedom until her death.
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Louise Rayner, a photography student from Bradford, was working as a nanny for the Lawrence family in New Jersey on September 11, 2001. After Bob Lawrence, who worked in the South Tower of the World Trade Center, died in the attacks, Louise stayed with the family for over two years and formed a close, lasting bond with them.
Key Facts
Louise Rayner met the Lawrence family by chance after changing her flight dates to the US.
Bob Lawrence had just started a new job on the 104th floor of the South Tower.
He died in the 9/11 attacks when the planes struck floors 78 to 84 of the South Tower.
Louise cared for the Lawrence children, Bobby (6) and Toland (8), after Bob’s death.
Suzanne Lawrence, Bob’s wife, was working out of state and could not return immediately due to grounded flights.
Louise describes trying to provide stability and support during the family's grief.
The family remains close with Louise 25 years later.
Louise said the 9/11 tragedy changed her life and gave her a "second family" in the US.
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A photographer named Phil Penman describes his experience on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center towers were attacked and collapsed. He quickly went to Lower Manhattan to capture images and witnessed the chaos and silence following the attacks firsthand.
Key Facts
On the morning of September 11, 2001, the photographer was near J&R electronics store in Lower Manhattan.
After the first tower was hit and collapsed, there was an eerie silence and papers falling from the sky.
He was at home when he received a voicemail from a colleague informing him about the attack.
He rushed to the scene by bike, cycling through red lights to get a good view.
The north tower collapsed while he was photographing near Park Row and J&R store.
Firefighters warned people to run and he took cover inside J&R along with others.
Inside the store, he took photos of people covered in ashes but also of people who seemed unaware of the full situation.
He sensed danger after leaving the store and avoided going further when the second tower came down.
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The article reflects on the lasting impact of the 9/11 attacks, focusing on how emergency powers and security measures became permanent parts of government practice. The author, a lawyer who experienced emergency rule as a child in India, describes how 9/11 changed government powers, especially affecting civil liberties for Muslims and Arabs.
Key Facts
The author fled India in 1975 as a child when emergency powers were used against his father.
On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed in terrorist attacks in the U.S.
After 9/11, laws like the USA Patriot Act expanded government surveillance and military powers.
New government agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, were created to improve national security.
Muslims and Arabs faced increased attacks, harassment, and discrimination after 9/11.
The author’s father was once again detained by U.S. security despite having fled previous government persecution decades earlier.
Emergency security powers introduced after 9/11 became a lasting, permanent part of government operations.
The article warns that emergency powers often do not end when the crisis is over but become normalized.
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Two photojournalists, Spencer Platt and Mario Tama, shared their experiences of photographing the 9/11 attacks. They described how their training drove them to get close to the danger to capture history, while also facing terrifying and chaotic moments on that day.
Key Facts
Mario Tama had been with Getty Images for only two months when 9/11 happened.
Tama witnessed the collapse of the South Tower and narrowly escaped harm with help from NYPD officers.
Spencer Platt took iconic photos of the second plane crashing into the South Tower from Brooklyn.
Both photographers felt torn between their roles as journalists and as civilians witnessing a tragedy.
Tama highlighted that today’s digital age would create a much larger and more fragmented visual record of such an event.
They emphasized the importance of professional photojournalists and editors in ensuring authenticity in images.
Their photos captured key moments and human reactions during one of America’s most tragic days.
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A man named Yasin Leli has been charged with murdering his parents, Ismail Ahmed Yeli and Fatma Leli, at their home in Blackburn. The police found the couple with stab wounds, and Yasin is set to appear in court soon.
Key Facts
Ismail Ahmed Yeli, 80, and Fatma Leli, 78, were found dead inside their Hardman Street home.
Police discovered multiple stab wounds on both victims.
Their son, Yasin Leli, 46, faces two counts of murder.
The incident occurred on a Monday morning, with police arriving shortly after 8:20 am.
Yasin Leli will appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court.
The family described the couple as inseparable and deeply mourned their loss.
The family thanked police and the community, including local mosque support.
Lancashire Police continue to support those affected by the tragedy.
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A new study shows that women who go through menopause earlier may experience faster brain decline and a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease later in life. The research followed thousands of women for nearly 20 years and found links between early menopause, brain changes, and cognitive decline.
Key Facts
The study tracked 2,603 women for up to 18 years using memory tests and brain scans.
Women who reached menopause earlier had faster mental decline and developed Alzheimer's disease sooner.
Early menopause was linked to more brain damage seen on MRI scans, especially in white matter areas.
The study suggests reaching menopause 10 years earlier could mean nearly 2 fewer Alzheimer's-free years.
The loss of estrogen during menopause might explain higher Alzheimer's risk in women compared to men.
Women with premature ovarian insufficiency may face longer periods without estrogen and are often advised to take hormone therapy until around age 51.
Early menopause does not guarantee Alzheimer's disease; the study shows a connection but not direct cause.
Researchers highlight managing other dementia risk factors like blood pressure, exercise, and sleep as important.
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Hurricane Lowell hit Hawaii’s western islands with strong winds reaching 110 mph, causing power outages in several areas but no tornadoes. Meanwhile, heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in Japan and severe storms created floods and winds in parts of southern Europe.
Key Facts
Hurricane Lowell passed 50 miles from Ni‘ihau in Kauai county as a category 2 storm.
Winds of up to 110 mph caused power outages in Ni’ihau, Kauaʻi, and O‘ahu islands.
A tornado watch was issued for Kauaʻi, possibly the first in Hawaii’s history, but no tornadoes occurred.
The strong El Niño weather pattern contributed to an active hurricane season in the central Pacific.
Japan experienced heavy rain, flooding roads and subway stations, including record rainfall in Nagoya.
Landslides occurred in Japan, including near Mount Fuji, but there were no reported injuries.
Southern Europe saw storms with strong rain, flooding, winds, and a few tornadoes, especially near Corsica, Sardinia, and northern Italy.
Wetter weather in Europe is expected to end soon, with drier and sunnier conditions ahead.
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International test scores in math, reading, and science have dropped to their lowest levels ever among wealthy countries, according to a global study. Researchers found that parents are talking less frequently with their children about school, and students with more family involvement scored higher on tests.
Key Facts
Over 760,000 fifteen-year-olds from many countries took part in the PISA test by the OECD.
Average scores in math, reading, and science fell to record lows in developed countries.
Countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China had the highest scores.
Family engagement in children’s education decreased worldwide compared to 2022.
Students whose parents asked about schoolwork at least once a week scored about 35 points higher in science.
Digital distractions, especially from phones and AI chatbots, are linked to lower test performance.
Using digital devices moderately in school (2-3 hours daily) was linked to better scores, but more use led to worse results.
Nearly half of students in developed countries use AI chatbots weekly, and those who never used them scored better.
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A Singaporean man lost a court case trying to get back over S$468,000 ($369,200) that he spent on his ex-girlfriend during their relationship. The court decided the money was given as gifts, not loans, because the man willingly spent the money without expecting repayment.
Key Facts
Chander Agarwal, a CEO, spent about S$468,000 on his ex-girlfriend Felicia Lee.
The money covered gifts, credit card charges, trips, a fengshui master, and insurance premiums.
Agarwal tried to claim these amounts as loans and sued to get his money back.
The Singapore High Court ruled the money was given as gifts out of love, not loans.
Agarwal could not provide proof that Lee agreed to repay the money.
The judge noted Agarwal enjoyed expensive tastes and freely gave gifts before the break-up.
The relationship ended after Agarwal suspected Lee of having an affair.
The judge said Agarwal became bitter after the break-up and tried to get his money back.
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A recent Russian attack in Pavlohrad, Ukraine, killed five people and injured many others. Attacks on civilian areas, including petrol stations and businesses, have increased, causing deaths and damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
Key Facts
Five people were killed in Pavlohrad, Ukraine, after a Russian attack, with two more deaths and 79 injuries reported in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Russian forces targeted civilian infrastructure such as petrol stations in Kyiv and an agribusiness facility in Dnipro.
Ukrainian officials say the attacks aim to cause maximum civilian casualties and spread fear.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attacks as a tactic to pressure Ukrainian society into conceding.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi said Russian attacks on businesses and civilian infrastructure are increasing rapidly.
Emergency services are responding to the attacks, and the city of Pavlohrad marked a day of mourning.
Officials called the strikes crimes against peaceful people living their daily lives.
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The Farmers' Almanac has released a guide predicting when the first snowfall usually happens across different U.S. states. Snow tends to arrive earliest in northern and mountainous areas during October and November, moving gradually southward through late fall and early winter. Meteorologists also note that this year's weather patterns may be affected by El Niño, which can change typical snowfall timings.
Key Facts
The earliest snowfall often happens in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota, usually in October.
Northern states like Minnesota and Maine usually see their first snow between October and November.
Areas around the Great Lakes and Northeast typically get their first snow in November.
Snowfall normally arrives later, in late November or December, in the central Plains, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
The Deep South, Gulf Coast, and parts of the Southwest may not get measurable snow until December or January, if at all.
El Niño, a weather pattern from the Pacific Ocean, can influence winter storms and temperatures across the U.S., possibly altering snowfall timing.
The Farmers' Almanac provides a general guide based on long-term climate patterns, not specific storm forecasts.
Historical NOAA records support the almanac’s general snowfall timing, showing wide variation depending on location and year.
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The UK Parliament is voting again on a bill that would allow adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to receive medical help to end their lives. The bill passed the House of Commons in 2025 but was delayed in the House of Lords after many proposed changes.
Key Facts
The assisted dying bill targets adults with a terminal illness and less than six months to live.
It was introduced first by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater and passed the Commons in June 2025.
The House of Lords delayed the bill with over 1,280 proposed amendments.
Labour MP Lauren Edwards has revived the bill for a new vote.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will not vote on the bill to avoid influencing the debate.
If passed, the UK would join other countries allowing assisted dying under strict rules.
The bill must pass more debates and votes in both the Commons and Lords before becoming law.
Esther Rantzen, a well-known broadcaster, planned to end her life legally in Switzerland but became too frail to travel.
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Newsweek has released a free downloadable collection called "The Road to 9/11" to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The series reviews the intelligence, warnings, and decisions made before the attacks, showing how information about the planned attacks was available but not connected in time.
Key Facts
The collection is free to download until September 18.
It covers events, intelligence, and policies leading up to 9/11.
On August 6, 2001, President George W. Bush received a briefing titled “Bin Laden Determined To Strike in U.S.”
Important warnings included a future hijacker paying for flight lessons in Florida and visa issues linked to Al-Qaeda suspects.
Intelligence about possible attacks was scattered among different agencies and offices, preventing timely action.
The series asks what was known on each day before 9/11 and who had that information.
William M. Arkin, an experienced national security reporter, wrote the original series and also authored a book on the 9/11 timeline.
Newsweek invites readers to explore and understand the complex lead-up to the attacks through this collection.
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Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister and Labour leader, has planned four key political events to shape his government’s agenda this year. These include a return to Parliament in September, the Labour annual conference, the Budget in October, and a 10-year plan for Britain set for November. Burnham says his leadership marks a big change in UK politics, but some government members wonder if this change fits with the early economic plans announced by Chancellor John Healey.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new UK Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.
His team identified four important moments: Parliament’s return in September, Labour conference, Budget day on 28 October, and a 10-year plan for Britain in November.
Burnham sees his leadership as a major change in politics, aiming to move away from policies since the Thatcher era and recent Labour governments.
Chancellor John Healey said he will keep previous tax and borrowing rules and focus on controlling public spending.
Some critics say Healey’s economic approach looks like a continuation of the past government’s policies.
Supporters say Healey’s priority is reassuring financial markets during uncertainty and that the Budget will clarify his economic plans.
Healey emphasizes promoting economic growth and reducing regional inequalities, a focus of his career.
The Labour Party is divided between those wanting mainly style changes and those wanting deeper policy shifts under Burnham.
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Philippine rescuers boarded the burned ferry MV June Aster more than 40 hours after a fire started aboard. So far, 43 people have been rescued, 5 bodies found, and 84 are still missing. The fire began in the cargo hold, and investigators are looking into the cause and safety measures.
Key Facts
The fire started on Wednesday evening while the ferry was traveling from Manila to Coron.
Rescuers faced challenges boarding the ship due to thick smoke and high heat.
43 passengers were rescued and are receiving medical care; 5 people died.
84 passengers remain missing according to the latest reports.
The ferry was built in 2002 and had valid safety certificates.
The fire is believed to have started in the cargo hold where goods are stored.
Investigators are checking passenger lists, cargo safety, and crew actions.
Rescue efforts include divers, nurses, and large coast guard ships with radio broadcasts.
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The UK is expected to have a wetter and warmer autumn due to a strong El Niño, a climate event where the tropical Pacific Ocean heats up. This weather pattern may increase the chances of storms and flooding but could also help end drought conditions in some areas.
Key Facts
El Niño is predicted to be the strongest in recorded history, peaking around November or December.
The UK will likely see more wet and windy weather, especially from November onwards.
Recent high sea temperatures near the UK will contribute to warmer autumn weather.
Wetter weather may help drought-stricken areas recover but raises the risk of flooding.
Autumn will probably be warmer than normal, continuing the pattern from a hot summer.
The UK experienced a similar switch from heatwaves to storms and floods in 2025.
Snowfall this autumn is unlikely, but El Niño can sometimes lead to colder, snowier winters later.
Other weather factors may affect how cold the UK winter will be, making predictions uncertain.
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The article reflects on the 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, focusing on personal loss and the broader national impact. It shares the story of Jenna Jacobs McPartland, whose husband died in the attacks, and discusses how America responded with changes in policy and society.
Key Facts
The September 11 attacks killed nearly 3,000 people when hijackers flew planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.
Jenna Jacobs McPartland’s husband, Ariel Jacobs, died at the World Trade Center; their son was born six days later.
Many families continue to live with grief 25 years after 9/11.
The attacks led the U.S. to take actions that changed immigration policy and influenced domestic and foreign relations.
Initially, 9/11 united Americans, but over time it contributed to division and loss of moral standing internationally.
The attacks ended a period of relative peace and economic surplus in the U.S. during the late 1990s.
The article highlights the emotional and social consequences of labeling and excluding groups, which contributed to the tragedy.
The national September 11 museum in New York preserves memories and stories from that day.
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Photographer Paul Berriff was at the World Trade Center on 9/11 and was caught under rubble after the towers collapsed. He survived the disaster but later developed serious health problems related to the event.
Key Facts
Paul Berriff lived and worked in New York City on September 11, 2001.
He went to film the aftermath after hearing about the planes hitting the Twin Towers.
Berriff witnessed people jumping from the towers and saw both buildings on fire.
He was buried under rubble for about 35 minutes after the south tower collapsed.
He suffered injuries and was later taken to the hospital for treatment and decontamination.
Berriff’s sound recordist, Lulu, survived by escaping into an underground garage.
He was among the first survivors found alive at the centre of the attack site.
Years later, Berriff was diagnosed with terminal illnesses linked to the 9/11 attacks.
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