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A record number of students in England are retaking their GCSE exams, particularly in Maths and English. Many students aged 17 and older are redoing these exams because they didn't pass the first time. This trend is causing concern among educators and affecting colleges that have to support the resits.
Key Facts
A record 23.4% of students retaking GCSE Maths and English exams are aged 17 and older.
Students must retake these exams if they don't pass at age 16 while continuing their further courses.
Only 20.9% of English and 17.1% of Maths retakes for 17-year-olds or older resulted in a passing grade.
Educators refer to the situation as a "resit crisis" due to the growing number of repeated attempts.
Concerns are raised about the emotional impact on students and the logistical strain on colleges.
Updated guidance from the Department for Education suggests resits should only happen when students and schools agree they are ready.
There are criticisms that the current GCSE curriculum might be too demanding for students.
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Lebanon has started a plan to take weapons away from Palestinian groups in its refugee camps. This plan began with the Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut, where weapons were handed over to the Lebanese army. The goal is to have all weapons controlled by the state.
Key Facts
Lebanon is disarming Palestinian groups in its refugee camps, starting with Burj al-Barajneh in Beirut.
The Lebanese army is receiving the weapons as part of a broader disarmament campaign.
This initiative follows a US-backed agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, aiming to restrict arms to state forces.
Lebanon's government has tasked the army with creating a plan to consolidate all weapons under state control by the end of the year.
The decision to disarm was made in a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Palestinian factions have controlled parts of Lebanon's 12 refugee camps for decades, often without state authority.
Palestinian groups in these camps include Fatah, Hamas, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
The initiative follows ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon that have challenged groups like Hezbollah.
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Israel has started a ground operation in Gaza City while Hamas agrees to a ceasefire arranged by Egypt and Qatar. Palestinians in Gaza are moving south where temporary camps are being set up, but there is not enough aid.
Key Facts
Israel began a ground push into Gaza City.
Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
Palestinians are relocating to the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Tent camps are being established for displaced Palestinians.
There is a shortage of aid in these camps.
The situation is part of a larger plan by Israel, though details are not specified.
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Millie Bobby Brown and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, have announced they adopted a baby girl. The couple shared this news on Instagram, noting their excitement about starting this new chapter as parents. They did not share their daughter's name.
Key Facts
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi adopted a baby girl.
Millie Bobby Brown is known for her role in "Stranger Things."
The couple got married in May 2024.
Jake Bongiovi is the son of rock singer Jon Bon Jovi.
Brown recently completed filming for the final season of "Stranger Things."
She also finished filming a third "Enola Holmes" movie in June.
The name of their adopted daughter has not been disclosed.
The couple expressed their desire for privacy as they begin parenthood.
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The UK government is working on reducing illegal immigration and reforming the asylum system. They aim to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by 2029 and disrupt people-smuggling gangs. However, asylum seekers staying in hotels have increased, and results on reducing small boat crossings remain unclear.
Key Facts
The UK government plans to stop using hotels for asylum seekers by 2029.
In June 2025, there were 32,059 asylum seekers in hotels, which is an increase from June 2024.
Asylum hotel usage costs the government £5.7 million per day in 2024-25.
The number of people crossing into the UK on small boats rose by 45% in 2025 compared to the same time in 2024.
The UK government wants to disrupt people-smuggling gangs but hasn't made clear how it will measure this goal.
France, under an agreement with the UK, has prevented 33,468 people from crossing in small boats between July 2024 and August 2025.
There is a UK-French pilot exchange scheme for asylum seekers called "one in, one out."
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An autopsy found that the death of French streamer Raphaël Graven was not caused by trauma or third-party involvement. The possible causes of death are medical or toxicological, with further tests pending. Graven, known as Jean Pormanove online, passed away in his home near Nice, with ongoing investigations into the events surrounding his death.
Key Facts
Raphaël Graven, a French streamer known online as Jean Pormanove, died in his home.
An autopsy determined his death was not due to trauma or third-party involvement.
Medical examiners found no traumatic injuries, only some bruises and healed lesions.
The probable causes of death are medical or toxicological, with additional tests ordered.
Graven had a potential heart issue and was being treated for a thyroid problem.
Local reports mentioned possible violence and sleep deprivation during his live streams.
Authorities continue to investigate, interviewing witnesses and reviewing seized equipment and videos.
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Plans for a meeting between Ukraine's President Zelensky and Russia's President Putin are facing difficulties. Possible locations for this summit have been suggested, but both sides have conditions that are hard to agree on. Negotiations are ongoing, but a meeting seems unlikely soon.
Key Facts
Presidents Zelensky of Ukraine and Putin of Russia might meet for talks, but plans are not progressing well.
Locations like Geneva, Vienna, Budapest, and Istanbul have been suggested for the meeting.
The U.S. President mentioned starting arrangements, but different interpretations exist between the U.S. and Russia.
Germany's Chancellor mentioned a possible meeting in two weeks but noted uncertainty about Putin's participation.
Russia's conditions for the meeting involve security guarantees, which Ukraine previously rejected in 2022.
Ukraine wants Western security guarantees for any talks, which Russia opposes.
Hungary expressed readiness to host the meeting if needed with short notice.
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Coastal flooding is expected to continue in North Carolina even though Hurricane Erin is moving away. The hurricane has already caused wind damage and erosion along the coast.
Key Facts
Hurricane Erin is moving away from North Carolina.
Flooding is still expected to continue in the coastal areas.
The hurricane has caused wind damage.
There is significant erosion on the North Carolina coast.
The state is assessing the full impact of the hurricane.
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Hamas is struggling to maintain its position in the ongoing conflict with Israel, facing military pressures and diplomatic challenges. As pressures mount, Hamas aims to end the war while preserving its control. Key to its strategy is holding onto Israeli hostages as leverage.
Key Facts
Hamas is under heavy military pressure from Israel.
Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, was killed by Israeli forces.
Israel plans to launch a military offensive in Gaza City.
The Arab League has urged Hamas to relinquish its weapons.
Civilians in Gaza face severe hardships, including food shortages.
Hamas agreed to a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar.
Hamas is trying to keep Israeli hostages to gain negotiation leverage.
The group believes prolonging the conflict might eventually work in its favor.
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Israel approved a controversial settlement plan known as E1. This plan aims to connect settlements in East Jerusalem with an area in the West Bank. The move makes it harder to establish a Palestinian state, separating East Jerusalem from the West Bank.
Key Facts
Israel approved a settlement plan called E1.
The E1 plan links settlements in East Jerusalem with the Maale Adumim area in the West Bank.
The plan would separate East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.
European countries like Ireland, France, Norway, and Spain have expressed concerns over the plan.
The E1 plan would make it difficult to establish a contiguous Palestinian state.
Israel started working on the E1 plan in 1994.
Recent support from the US has encouraged Israel to move forward with the plan.
The E1 plan impacts Palestinian communities, including Bedouins, in the area.
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Chris Brain, a former priest and leader of the Nine O'Clock Service, was found guilty of indecent assaults after using his influence to manipulate and abuse members of his congregation. His services, held in Sheffield during the 1980s and 1990s, mixed modern music with religious practices, attracting many young people. Despite his success, Brain's control over his followers was reportedly abusive, including financial manipulations.
Key Facts
Chris Brain led the Nine O'Clock Service from 1984 to 1995 in Sheffield.
The service attracted hundreds of young people with its nightclub-style worship.
Brain was found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault.
He was found not guilty of 15 other charges, with 5 charges unresolved.
The congregation was once as large as 400 people.
Brain's leadership style was described in court as "overbearing".
Some congregation members claimed they felt manipulated into financial commitments.
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Over 600,000 teenagers recently received their GCSE results across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with pass rates showing slight falls and some variations among the nations. There is a notable increase in older students resitting exams, particularly in English and maths. Meanwhile, regional disparities in pass rates have slightly diminished, but some inequalities remain.
Key Facts
Over 600,000 teenagers received their GCSE results this year.
Overall, the GCSE pass rate fell to 67.4% from 67.6% last year in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
England saw the pass rate decrease, while Wales and Northern Ireland experienced slight increases.
Top grades, marked as 7/A or above, increased slightly from 21.8% to 21.9%.
Nearly 25% of maths and English GCSEs were taken by people aged 17 and older.
Only 20.9% of English entries and 17.1% of maths entries from older students passed with a grade 4 or higher in England.
London had the highest regional pass rate, while the West Midlands had the lowest, with the regional performance gap reducing from last year.
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The UK and 26 other countries have urged Israel to let independent foreign journalists enter Gaza, condemning attacks on media workers. They emphasize the need for press freedom and the protection of journalists in light of humanitarian issues. Currently, Israel limits media access to Gaza due to security reasons, but ongoing conflict has made reporting dangerous and difficult.
Key Facts
The UK, along with 26 other countries, signed a statement urging Israel to allow foreign journalists into Gaza.
Countries involved include France, Germany, Australia, and Japan.
Since the beginning of the conflict nearly two years ago, at least 192 journalists, mostly Palestinian, have been killed.
International journalists cannot independently enter Gaza; some are allowed under controlled conditions by Israel.
The statement condemns the deliberate targeting of journalists and urges for attacks to be investigated.
Four Al Jazeera journalists were killed in a recent Israeli strike, with Israel claiming one was part of a Hamas cell, a claim contested by Al Jazeera and without provided evidence.
Despite the ban on foreign media, local journalists continue to report using social media and international networks.
Human rights groups warn of severe humanitarian needs in Gaza, with threats of starvation, as aid access is restricted.
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Russia claims Ukraine is not looking for a long-term peace agreement while both nations prepare for possible further conflict. Russian and Ukrainian leaders have discussed possible conditions for future peace talks, including involvement from the US and European nations. Ukraine seeks security assurances from allies while Russia resists European military involvement in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Russia says Ukraine is not working towards a long-term peace deal.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated the issue has to be addressed by senior officials first.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is open to talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, given security guarantees.
Both Russia and Ukraine are preparing for more military actions.
Former US President Donald Trump is trying to facilitate peace talks.
Ukraine wants security guarantees from allies within 7 to 10 days.
The UK and France are leading efforts to form a military coalition to back these guarantees.
Russia opposes the deployment of European troops in Ukraine.
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New data shows that the number of asylum seekers using hotels in the UK has slightly increased, but remains lower than the peak in early 2023. The UK also saw a record 111,000 asylum applications in the year up to June. Although the rate of small boats crossing the Channel increased, the government has been processing asylum claims more quickly to manage accommodation needs.
Key Facts
As of the latest data, slightly more asylum seekers are staying in hotels compared to when the current government took power.
The number of hotel stays by asylum seekers is lower than the highest point in early 2023.
The UK received a record 111,000 asylum applications in the year leading up to June.
Small boat arrivals on UK shores went up by 38% compared to the same period last year.
The government is processing asylum claims more quickly to reduce the backlog.
Efforts to find alternative accommodations for asylum seekers, such as regular housing, have not yet increased.
There is an ongoing political debate about the government's handling of small boat crossings.
The appeal process for asylum cases is facing delays, with courts as a current bottleneck.
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Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn will not participate in this year's Strictly Come Dancing because of medical reasons. He was recently announced as a contestant and expressed excitement about the challenge.
Key Facts
Kristian Nairn, known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones, withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing.
Nairn cited unexpected medical reasons for his withdrawal.
He was announced just days ago as a contestant for the show.
Nairn is also known for his role in the TV show Our Flag Means Death.
He expressed disappointment for not participating and thanked his supporters.
Strictly Come Dancing's executive producer expressed regret over his departure and wished him well.
The show will announce his replacement on The One Show.
Nairn is a Northern Irish actor and also works as a house music DJ.
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Israeli military forces have increased their assault on Gaza City, leading to the death of at least 40 people across the territory. The attacks are part of an operation targeting the main urban area, potentially displacing around one million Palestinians. As violence intensifies, many Palestinians are fleeing their homes in search of safety.
Key Facts
Israel has intensified air strikes on Gaza City, targeting densely populated areas.
At least 40 Palestinians have been reported killed since the recent escalation began.
In the Sabra neighborhood, six people, including four children, were killed.
Five people died in a drone strike northwest of Khan Younis.
Three individuals were killed near an aid center in northern Rafah.
Shelling in Jabalia al-Balad resulted in four deaths and ten injuries.
Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing in response to the military offensive.
Israel has called up 60,000 reservists for the operation.
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A recent study shows that light pollution extends the active days of birds globally by about 50 minutes on average. Researchers used data from bird calls and light pollution to find that birds start singing earlier and continue later into the evening because of artificial light.
Key Facts
Light pollution causes birds around the world to have longer active days.
Birds start their daily activities about 20 minutes earlier and end about 30 minutes later.
The study analyzed bird calls from over 500 species across multiple continents.
Data was collected using BirdWeather devices, installed by birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The study combined bird activity data with satellite information on light pollution.
Some birds, like American Robins, respond strongly to light pollution by singing hours before sunrise.
Birds with larger eyes for their body size were more affected by light pollution.
Birds that nest in enclosed spaces showed less sensitivity to artificial light.
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The 2025 Hutchins Forum, hosted by Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Henry Louis Gates Jr., will take place on August 21 at 5 p.m. EDT. The event, titled ‘What Went Wrong… and What’s Next?’, features several panelists discussing key topics.
Key Facts
The Hutchins Forum is scheduled for August 21 at 5 p.m. EDT.
Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Henry Louis Gates Jr. are hosting the event.
The forum's title is ‘What Went Wrong… and What’s Next?’
Panelists include Jonathan Capehart, Astead Herndon, Sherrilyn Ifill, David Shor, and Laurence Tribe.
Yamiche Alcindor will be a respondent.
Viewers can watch the event live online.
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The global talks for a treaty to reduce plastic pollution ended without an agreement. Despite this, the U.S. is making its own efforts to study and reduce microplastics, including proposed laws and cultural changes. Actions in culture, business, and policy can still help reduce plastic use.
Key Facts
Global talks on a plastic reduction treaty failed to reach an agreement.
U.S. lawmakers introduced the Microplastics Safety Act to study microplastics and health.
The bill has bipartisan support in U.S. Congress.
Plastic production and use are increasing every year.
Cultural changes like using reusable items can reduce plastic exposure.
Some businesses offer plastic-free shopping options, but it's not widespread.
Many Americans want to reduce single-use plastics, leading to local bans and new laws.
The petrochemical industry opposes stricter plastic regulations.
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