Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has been chosen to run in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection on October 8. The seat opened up after former Prime Minister Keir Starmer left parliament. Labour has also selected a candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali, for the race.
Key Facts
The byelection is scheduled for October 8 due to Keir Starmer leaving his parliamentary seat.
Zack Polanski won the Green Party’s selection ahead of local councillor Hamza Chowdhury.
Labour chose Camden council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali as their candidate.
The Green Party has increased its local councillors in the area from one to ten since May.
Labour won this seat in the 2024 general election by over 11,000 votes.
Some Labour members worry about upcoming oil and gas project announcements affecting the campaign.
Polanski said he has a personal connection to the area, having lived there 20 years ago.
Labour MP Hannah Spencer noted Labour's strong backing from donations and resources but praised the Green Party’s grassroots support.
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The play *The Trial of Romeo Oscar* by Alan Ayckbourn is set in the year 2194, where humans live with androids. The story centers on a robot named RSDO83, who is on trial for the murder of a girl he was caring for, exploring deep questions about robots, humanity, and art.
Key Facts
The play is Alan Ayckbourn’s 92nd work and uses science fiction to explore the future.
It takes place in 2194, a time when humans have spread across the galaxy and live alongside androids.
A robot named RSDO83 stands accused of murdering a teenage girl named Juliet.
The play raises questions about whether robots can harm humans and if they have souls.
It also examines the meaning and purpose of art.
The story features courtroom scenes and reenactments of Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet*.
The robot’s name references Romeo in the phonetic alphabet and its care of a child named Juliet.
The play lasts about three hours and mixes serious ideas with moments of humor.
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The nation is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, remembering the nearly 3,000 victims and reflecting on the impact of that day. The article highlights personal stories from survivors and families, reviews the U.S. response to the attacks, and notes ongoing global and domestic effects.
Key Facts
On September 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaida hijackers took control of four airplanes.
Two planes hit the World Trade Center towers in New York City.
One plane crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia, and another crashed in Pennsylvania.
Nearly 3,000 people died in these attacks.
Some survivors from the south tower shared their experiences for the anniversary coverage.
The U.S. responded with actions that included military and intelligence efforts, some controversial, like Guantánamo Bay and the Abu Ghraib prison scandal.
A new photography exhibition shows images from the aftermath of the attacks.
The anniversary includes ceremonies worldwide to honor victims and reflect on the event’s lasting effects.
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Twenty-five years after the 9/11 attacks, the four men accused of planning the attacks have not gone to trial yet. A military judge has set jury selection to begin on June 5, 2028, for their trial at Guantánamo Bay.
Key Facts
The 9/11 attacks happened in 2001 and killed nearly 3,000 people.
Four men are accused: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid bin Attash, Ammar al-Baluchi, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi.
They face charges including conspiracy, terrorism, murder, and hijacking, and prosecutors seek the death penalty.
The trial has been delayed many times, causing frustration for victims' families.
Ramzi bin al-Shibh was part of the case but was found mentally unfit for trial.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured in Pakistan in 2003 and held by the CIA before going to Guantánamo in 2006.
The U.S. uses military commissions, not federal courts, to try these terrorism cases.
A plan to try the accused in a federal court in Manhattan was dropped after political opposition.
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President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about turning Canada and other countries into U.S. states during a private event. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly rejected Trump’s demands, emphasizing Canada’s independence and warning of retaliatory trade actions.
Key Facts
President Trump joked about making Canada the 51st U.S. state and Greenland the 52nd, provoking silence from listeners.
Trump expressed strong dislike for many people in the room at the Alfalfa Club dinner.
He criticized Canada as “ripping off” the U.S. and promised to “teach” them a lesson.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is a sovereign nation and refused to be bullied or controlled by the U.S.
Carney called Trump’s trade demands a power grab and promised Canada would respond with tariffs if needed.
Trump previously signed the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement but later threatened to break it with these new demands.
In response to tensions, Trump issued an executive order humorously renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America” and released AI-generated videos reflecting the dispute.
The dispute reflects broader friction over trade, sovereignty, and international relations between the U.S. and Canada.
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This article shares the memories of a child who was nearly four years old during the September 11 attacks in New York City 25 years ago. It describes the sudden chaos, fear, and the experience of escaping to safety as the events unfolded.
Key Facts
The story is about a child and his twin brother who lived in Battery Park City near the World Trade Center.
Their family apartment windows were shattered by the impact of the attacks.
The children remembered watching a TV show called "Franklin" before the attacks began.
They had planned a birthday party at Chelsea Piers just before the events started.
The article focuses on the panic, the falling debris described as “monsters,” and the need to flee quickly to safety.
This personal account highlights the confusion and fear experienced by young children during the attacks.
The attacks took place 25 years ago, marking a significant historical event in New York City and the world.
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Many young people in Generation Z, who were not alive or very young during the 9/11 attacks, remember hearing strong reactions from older generations about the tragedy. These attacks continue to influence young people's view of the world and important events.
Key Facts
The September 11, 2001 attacks targeted the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.
Generation Z includes those born after or just before 2001.
Older generations' memories of 9/11 impact how Gen Z understands the event.
The attacks have had a lasting effect on the lives and mindset of Gen Z.
The article highlights the significance of 9/11 anniversaries for young people today.
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Diesel prices in the U.S. have reached a record high of over $6 a gallon, largely affecting transportation costs nationwide. Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels took control of the critical Red Sea port city of Mokha, raising concerns about threats to global shipping routes, particularly the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key passage for oil exports.
Key Facts
The U.S. national average price for diesel fuel is now $6.05 per gallon, up more than 60% from last year.
Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Red Sea port city of Mokha on Thursday.
Mokha’s location is near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important route for global shipping and oil exports.
Iran supports the Houthis and called for an end to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen.
Saudi airstrikes targeted the Mokha airport shortly after the Houthis took the city.
Iran’s government expressed readiness to support negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Experts believe the Houthis’ control of Mokha could strengthen Iran’s position in talks with the U.S. and impact global oil prices.
The conflict in Yemen is part of a broader regional struggle involving Iran and Saudi Arabia.
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Six Nigerian men suspected of running online romance scams will be sent from South Africa to the United States to face charges. They are accused of tricking over 100 American women and stealing about $6 million through fake relationships on the internet.
Key Facts
South African police arrested six Nigerians in 2021 who are now being handed over to FBI agents.
The group allegedly targeted more than 100 women in the U.S., including pensioners and businesspeople.
They are accused of using fake online relationships to steal over 100 million rand (about $6 million).
The men are believed to be members of Black Axe, a Nigerian crime gang involved in fraud, human trafficking, and violence.
They will face charges of wire fraud (fraud using electronic communication) and money laundering in the U.S.
Black Axe operates in Africa, Europe, and North America, and recruits mainly university-educated Nigerians.
The FBI and Interpol have been conducting global operations since 2019, arresting many connected to Black Axe.
Recently, Interpol's raids in South Africa led to 39 arrests and the freezing of over 250 bank accounts tied to scams.
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Leaders from 11 Brics countries, including India, China, and Russia, met in Delhi to discuss various global issues amid tensions caused by President Donald Trump's policies. Although Trump’s actions have affected global energy markets and trade, the Brics group is unlikely to strongly criticize the US because its members have differing interests.
Key Facts
The Brics summit in Delhi includes 11 countries such as India, China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, UAE, and Iran.
Saudi Arabia is attending the summit as an invited member.
President Trump's trade policies and threats, including tariffs, have influenced global markets.
Brics leaders are expected to avoid openly criticizing the US in their joint statement.
India is close to a trade deal with the US and does not want to upset Washington.
There are internal divisions in Brics about how much to challenge US policies.
Brics aims to reduce dependence on the US dollar, which Trump has opposed.
The New Development Bank and a $100 billion reserve fund are key achievements of Brics.
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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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