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Water treatment facilities in the U.S. are facing new challenges from cyber attacks, with hackers targeting critical infrastructure systems. These attacks have been linked to groups from countries like Iran, Russia, and China. A pilot program aims to help these facilities improve their cybersecurity with expert volunteers.
Key Facts
Chris Hughes works at water treatment facilities in Cavendish and Proctorsville, Vermont, dealing with various operational issues.
Cyber attacks on U.S. water systems are increasing, linked to hackers from Iran, Russia, and China.
Iranian hackers previously attacked a water plant in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, displaying anti-Israel messages.
A Texas water system overflow was attributed to Russian-associated hackers.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that cyberattacks on community water systems are growing worse.
A new pilot program connects water facility operators with cybersecurity experts to improve defenses.
U.S. water systems often operate with old infrastructure and limited resources.
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This article discusses the condition called "limerence," a strong romantic infatuation that can lead to emotional highs and lows. Neuroscientist Tom Bellamy explains how limerence can become unhealthy and provides guidance on overcoming it in his book "Smitten: Romantic Obsession, the Neuroscience of Limerence and How to Make Love Last."
Key Facts
"Limerence" is a term for intense romantic obsession with another person.
The concept was introduced by psychologist Dorothy Tennov in the 1970s.
Tom Bellamy is a neuroscientist who wrote a book on dealing with limerence.
Limerence can cause emotional highs when feelings are mutual but may lead to anxiety if not reciprocated.
Bellamy gives advice on identifying and breaking the cycle of limerence.
Symptoms of limerence include constant thoughts about the person and overlooking their negative traits.
People often develop unhealthy limerence for those who are unavailable or unsuitable for a relationship.
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A sixth grader named Ryan Betts-Ng from Oakland, California, created a podcast called "Monster Madness" for the NPR Student Podcast Challenge. Along with his younger brother Marshall, Ryan researched and presented stories about Bigfoot, adding sound effects and a lively presentation.
Key Facts
Ryan Betts-Ng is an 11-year-old student at Redwood Day School in Oakland, California.
He created a podcast named "Monster Madness" with help from his younger brother, Marshall.
The podcast features stories about Bigfoot, a legendary creature.
Ryan used research, creative writing, and original sound effects in the podcast.
The podcast entry was part of the 2025 NPR Student Podcast Challenge.
Judges found the podcast to be engaging and enthusiastic.
"Monster Madness" was a finalist in the middle school category of the challenge.
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NATO fighter jets were launched in response to a Russian attack on western Ukraine. This comes after Estonia reported a violation of its airspace by Russian aircraft. The situation has raised concerns about security on NATO's eastern border.
Key Facts
NATO and Polish aircraft were deployed after Russian strikes on western Ukraine.
Estonia accused Russia of entering its airspace with three MiG aircraft.
Article 4 of NATO's charter was activated twice in a month due to these tensions.
Polish forces put their air-defense systems on high alert during the Russian attack.
Ukraine's Air Force reported shooting down drones and missiles during the attack.
Russia denied entering Estonian airspace, stating its planes followed regulations.
Poland's forces ended their alert and returned to normal activities by Saturday morning.
Sanctions expert Brett Erickson noted that coordinated Western sanctions are necessary to deter further Russian actions.
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Amber Nichols, abandoned as a baby in South Korea and later adopted by a family in Seattle, Washington, spent years searching for her birth family. After decades without success, a text message from a DNA testing company revealed she had a full sibling. This discovery reignited her hope of connecting with her biological family.
Key Facts
Amber Nichols was abandoned at a police station in South Korea at 10 months old and later adopted by an American family.
Nichols' adoptive family in Seattle, Washington, consisted of parents who wanted a larger family after experiencing miscarriages and stillbirths.
Growing up, Nichols knew her story and learned that her adoption was seen as part of "God's divine plan" by her adoptive family.
Despite a happy childhood, Nichols felt different due to her heritage and had lingering questions about her birth mother.
A study in 2021 showed that adopted children can face emotional and behavioral challenges, even in positive environments.
Interested in finding her birth family, Nichols engaged in efforts through adoption agencies and DNA tests but initially had no success.
In May 2025, a news article led Nichols to a company that helps Korean adoptees connect with their birth families through DNA testing.
After contacting this company, Nichols received a text message confirming a full sibling match.
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An earthquake in Afghanistan's Kunar province destroyed homes and worsened the struggles of Afghan returnees who had recently relocated from Pakistan. Many Afghans, including Nawab Din and Sadat Khan, face challenges like homelessness and unemployment as they live in temporary shelters. Over four million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023.
Key Facts
The earthquake on August 31 in Kunar province killed about 2,200 people and destroyed over 5,000 homes.
Nawab Din, a farmer, returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan but now lives in a tent after the earthquake destroyed his home.
Sadat Khan, another returnee, also lost his home and struggles to find food and shelter for his family.
More than four million people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023.
The Pakistani government has been cracking down on undocumented foreign nationals, prompting many to return to Afghanistan.
The earthquake and ongoing economic hardships are part of multiple crises affecting these returnees.
Many villagers rely on rainfall for farming, but a water shortage is complicating their ability to grow crops.
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Liz Truss, the former UK Prime Minister, calls for the UK to have its own "MAGA moment," similar to the political movement led by Donald Trump in the US. Truss believes that Britain's political landscape is ready for significant changes, influenced by issues like anti-migrant protests and growing support for the right-wing Reform UK party. Truss expressed concerns about a "deep state" hindering conservative goals and compared internal Conservative Party disagreements to those in the US Republican Party.
Key Facts
Liz Truss was the UK's shortest-serving prime minister, serving 45 days in 2022.
Truss proposes a British equivalent of the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement.
There have been recent anti-migrant riots and protests in the UK.
The right-wing Reform UK party is gaining support, challenging traditional parties.
Truss claims a "deep state" in British politics obstructs conservative actions.
She compares some Conservative Party members to "Republicans in name only" in the US.
Truss suggests that the current Conservative Party leader might lack the needed approach to effect significant change.
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Portugal announced it will recognize the State of Palestine, joining other countries like Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. This decision is set to be officially made on Sunday before a conference at the United Nations General Assembly. The decision ends years of debate within Portugal and occurs amidst a tense backdrop in Gaza.
Key Facts
Portugal plans to officially recognize the State of Palestine.
The announcement comes before a United Nations conference on Palestinian statehood.
Portugal consulted its president and parliament to make this decision.
The decision ends almost 15 years of debate in Portugal.
Other countries like France, Australia, and the UK also plan to recognize Palestine.
Over 75% of UN members have already recognized Palestine as a state.
Portugal was one of the 145 countries that supported a UN proposal for Palestine's President to address the General Assembly via video.
Israel and the United States have criticized the move, with Israel threatening new settlements in response.
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Two men accused of spying for China had their charges dropped in the UK due to insufficient evidence. This decision has raised concerns about espionage risks in the UK Parliament. The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, expressed frustration and is considering a private legal action.
Key Facts
Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash faced accusations of spying for China but were not put on trial because of insufficient evidence.
They were charged under the Official Secrets Act, which involves laws about handling sensitive information.
The UK's Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue the case, a decision criticized by the Home Office.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, is worried that this situation leaves Parliament open to foreign spying.
The two men were initially arrested in March 2023 after a counter-terrorism police investigation.
They allegedly had access to several UK Conservative Members of Parliament.
China dismissed the accusations as baseless and called them "malicious slander".
The UK government insists that foreign interference in Parliament and democracy is unacceptable.
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A new global treaty aimed at protecting the world's oceans will become international law after Morocco’s ratification. The High Seas Treaty, finalized in 2023, sets rules to conserve marine life and plans to protect 30% of international waters by 2030. This treaty will officially take effect in January.
Key Facts
Morocco's ratification of the High Seas Treaty makes it legally binding.
The treaty aims to protect 30% of the world's high seas by 2030.
High seas cover more than two-thirds of the ocean and are currently only 1% protected.
Countries have the right to ship and fish in high seas; no single nation controls these waters.
The treaty encourages creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters.
It has been in development for over 20 years and required ratification by at least 60 nations.
Nearly 10% of marine species are at risk of extinction due to overfishing and pollution.
The treaty is seen as a key step for international cooperation in ocean conservation.
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U.S. forces conducted a strike on a vessel believed to be trafficking drugs, resulting in the deaths of three people. This was the third such strike in recent weeks, and it happened in international waters as per President Trump's statement. The vessel was in an area overseen by the U.S. Southern Command, which includes parts of South America and the Caribbean.
Key Facts
U.S. forces struck a vessel, killing three people on board.
President Trump said the strike targeted a drug-trafficking vessel.
This was the third strike on alleged drug boats in recent weeks.
The strike occurred in international waters.
The area of responsibility for this action falls under the U.S. Southern Command.
Previous strikes also targeted vessels allegedly connected to Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has criticized these strikes.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of these strikes in international waters.
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On September 20, three Russian fighter jets allegedly entered Estonia's airspace, prompting calls for NATO talks. Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks on Russian territories, while Russia reportedly captured new areas in Ukraine. The European Commission proposed new sanctions on Russia, aiming to increase pressure on the country.
Key Facts
Three Russian MiG-31 jets allegedly entered Estonia's airspace over the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes, according to Estonian officials.
Russia's air force denied violating airspace, stating their jets flew over neutral Baltic Sea waters.
NATO and European countries condemned the airspace violations and NATO scrambles aircraft in response.
Ukrainian forces attacked parts of Russia, resulting in two deaths reported by Russian sources.
Russia captured two villages in Ukraine's Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions, according to Russian media.
The European Commission proposed a 19th set of sanctions on Russia, focusing on limiting its exports.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Russia-Ukraine war.
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President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces struck a ship suspected of smuggling drugs, resulting in the deaths of three men on board. This marks the third claimed strike on drug trafficking vessels by the U.S. within the past month. The operation took place in international waters within the U.S. Southern Command's jurisdiction.
Key Facts
U.S. forces conducted a strike on a suspected drug smuggling ship.
The strike was ordered by President Donald Trump.
The operation led to the deaths of three men on the vessel.
This incident is the third of such U.S. actions against drug vessels in the same month.
The U.S. Southern Command, responsible for this area, covers 31 countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
The vessel was reportedly moving through a known drug trafficking route.
The operation occurred in international waters.
No U.S. personnel were harmed during the strike.
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Recent events highlight tensions between Russia and Estonia after Russian jets entered Estonian airspace, which Russia denies. The UK discusses policies on child benefits and digital IDs, while addressing issues involving China and security concerns. Additionally, UK domestic politics and international recognitions provoke various critical responses.
Key Facts
Three Russian fighter jets reportedly entered Estonia's airspace.
Russia claims the jets followed international airspace rules.
UK MP Bridget Phillipson criticizes the two-child benefit cap.
UK considers dropping charges in a spying case linked to China.
Kemi Badenoch criticizes UK's recognition of a Palestinian state.
Discussion in the UK includes a "one-in, one-out" asylum policy.
UK's Labour party may introduce digital IDs to address illegal migration.
Investigation in the Madeleine McCann case continues in Portugal.
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British supermodel David Gandy discusses his concerns about the future of the modeling industry due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). He is part of an effort to call on the UK government to protect people's rights against AI-generated human-like images, which he believes could harm the livelihoods of many in the fashion industry.
Key Facts
David Gandy is a well-known British male model, with a career spanning nearly 25 years.
He gained fame through a major campaign with the brand Dolce & Gabbana, which lasted 18 years.
Gandy and other models are urging the UK government to regulate AI in the fashion industry.
AI technology can now create images that look like real models, which Gandy sees as a threat.
He worries AI could harm jobs in the fashion industry, affecting photographers, make-up artists, and others.
Gandy is concerned about the impact of AI-created images on mental health, particularly for young people.
He emphasizes that there should be rules to govern the use of AI in fashion.
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A Kenyan athlete, Evans Kibet, claims he was tricked into joining the Russian army and is now a prisoner in Ukraine. In a video released by the Ukrainian army, Kibet pleads not to be sent back to Russia, expressing his desire to return to his family in Kenya. The situation highlights the complex circumstances under which foreign nationals reportedly become involved in the conflict.
Key Facts
Evans Kibet is a Kenyan athlete captured by Ukrainian forces; he claims he was deceived into joining the Russian army.
Kibet appeared in a video, pleading for his life and expressing fear of returning to Russia.
He wishes to go back to Kenya to see his 16-year-old daughter.
The Ukrainian military stated that the interview was done with Kibet's consent, but this has not been independently confirmed.
Kibet's family in Kenya was shocked and distressed after seeing the video.
Kibet grew up in western Kenya and competed in lesser-known road races in Europe and Asia.
He reportedly faced financial difficulties and saw a trip to Russia as an opportunity to race.
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A statue honoring Queen Elizabeth II will be created as part of her national memorial in London's St James's Park. Sculptor Martin Jennings, who will create the statue, aims to capture her "grandeur and dignity." The final design will be unveiled in 2026.
Key Facts
Martin Jennings is the sculptor chosen to create the statue of Queen Elizabeth II.
The statue will be part of a memorial in St James's Park, London.
The final design of the memorial will be revealed in 2026.
Jennings wishes to portray the queen's "grandeur and dignity."
The Royal Family's approval is sought for the statue design.
A budget between £23 million and £46 million is estimated for the memorial.
The memorial will include a statue of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and a bridge inspired by her wedding tiara.
The anti-monarchy group Republic suggests the Royal Family should pay for the memorial themselves.
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Russia has launched the Intervision Song Contest as an alternative to Eurovision, from which it was banned in 2022. The event aims to foster international cultural collaboration and includes participants from 23 countries that align with Russia politically and economically. The contest reflects Russia's efforts to maintain international influence despite tensions related to its invasion of Ukraine.
Key Facts
Intervision is Russia's alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, with less focus on flashy performances.
The contest was initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and aims to promote international cultural cooperation.
Russia was excluded from Eurovision in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Intervision invites participation from 23 countries, reflecting Russia's political alliances, including countries from the BRICS group and other international organizations.
The United States was initially set to participate, but its representative, Brandon Howard, withdrew due to personal reasons.
Australian-Greek singer Vassy, based in Los Angeles, replaced the U.S. participant at Intervision.
Russian officials emphasize the cultural importance of the event, despite others suggesting it has political motives.
Russia promotes the inclusion of allies from continents like Asia, Africa, and Latin America in the contest.
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Actor Cillian Murphy says he is not like his Peaky Blinders character, Tommy Shelby, whom he described as a "psychopathic gangster." Murphy is promoting his new film "Steve," which explores themes of education and personal struggles, set in a reform school in the 1990s. A Peaky Blinders film will also be released soon, with details still under wraps.
Key Facts
Cillian Murphy plays Tommy Shelby in the TV show "Peaky Blinders."
Murphy stated he is not similar to his character, Tommy Shelby.
A Peaky Blinders movie is set to come out, but details on the storyline are not yet revealed.
Murphy stars in "Steve," a film about a reform school headteacher dealing with challenges.
The movie "Steve" addresses topics like education and men's mental health.
Murphy recently won an Oscar for his role in the film "Oppenheimer."
Murphy mentioned that long-form TV allowed him to grow older with his character, Shelby.
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A viral true story from Indonesia about a man having an affair with his mother-in-law inspired a popular film called "Norma." The film gained attention in Indonesia and other countries for its dramatic plot and its basis in real events. The trend of adapting social media scandals into films is becoming common in Indonesia.
Key Facts
"Norma" is a film about a husband having an affair with his mother-in-law, based on a true story from Indonesia.
The real story became widely known after Norma Risma shared it in a viral TikTok video in 2022.
The movie debuted in Indonesian theaters in March and on Netflix in August, reaching audiences in Malaysia and Singapore too.
Adapting viral social media stories into films is a successful formula in Indonesia.
Indonesia's social and religious norms consider adultery taboo and legally punishable.
The new criminal code in Indonesia will outlaw sex outside marriage next year.
Films about home scandals attract attention partly due to the country's conservative culture.
The film "Norma" highlights cultural curiosity about personal scandals amid religious conservatism.
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