The Green Party of England and Wales is often called “watermelons” because they appear environmentally focused but hold socialist beliefs inside. Zack Polanski became leader last year, and many new members attracted to left-wing politics have joined the party, continuing a tradition that started in the 1970s. Supporters say the party combines environmental protection with wider social policies, while critics claim the party has shifted away from its core green focus.
Key Facts
“Watermelon” is a nickname for Greens who are green on the outside but socialist inside.
Zack Polanski became leader of the Green Party of England and Wales in 2023.
About 160,000 people joined the party since Polanski’s leadership, many drawn by left-wing ideas.
The socialist tendencies in the party date back to the early 1970s.
Polanski won the leadership election with 85% of the vote across the party.
The party is trusted by 34% of voters as the best for environmental issues according to recent polling.
Green party policies, like the wealth tax, are decided collectively by members, not just the leader.
The party combines environmental goals with broader social and economic reforms.
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Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart problem that affects how the heart beats. It can cause serious issues like stroke or heart failure. Dr. Jon LaPook explains important information about AFib to help people understand the condition.
Key Facts
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat disorder.
It affects millions of people worldwide.
AFib can increase the risk of stroke.
It can also lead to heart failure if untreated.
The condition causes the heart's upper chambers to beat irregularly.
Treatment and management can help reduce serious risks.
Dr. Jon LaPook provides expert information about AFib.
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The UK is re-examining its plan to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after President Donald Trump called the deal "terrible" at the United Nations. The deal involves the UK giving sovereignty to Mauritius while paying to lease a military base shared with the US on the islands.
Key Facts
The UK agreed to give sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The UK would pay about £101 million ($136 million) yearly to lease back a military base there.
The base is used jointly by the UK and the United States.
President Donald Trump criticized the deal at the UN General Assembly, calling it "terrible."
The UK’s Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting, said the deal must be reviewed because the US does not support it.
The Chagos Islands are strategically important in the Indian Ocean.
The agreement between the UK and Mauritius has been delayed or stalled partly due to this situation.
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Brad Pitt stars in a new movie called "Heart of the Beast," where he and his dog explore the wilderness of Alaska. The film is featured as part of the latest cinema releases in France.
Key Facts
The film is titled "Heart of the Beast."
Brad Pitt travels into the Alaskan wilderness in the movie.
Brad Pitt’s dog stars alongside him in the film.
The movie is part of this week's new cinema releases in France.
Other films mentioned include "Primetime" starring Robert Pattinson and "The Scarecrows' Wedding."
The article is from arts24 and focuses on culture and cinema.
The content is related to new film shows and movie reviews.
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A strong El Niño weather pattern this year could cause up to 451,000 extra deaths worldwide by February 2027 due to extreme heat. The number of very hot days is expected to increase by 44%, with countries like Nigeria, Indonesia, and Sudan likely to face severe impacts.
Key Facts
Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab made the death estimate.
The study covers a six-month period, from now until February 2027.
Extreme heat from this “super El Niño” will raise very hot days by 44%.
Nigeria, Indonesia, and Sudan are among the hardest-hit countries.
The effects of this El Niño may last longer than the six months studied.
El Niño is a climate pattern that causes changes in ocean and air temperatures worldwide.
The increased heat can lead to health problems and higher death rates.
Chloe Brimicombe, a climate scientist at Oxford, provided additional information on the phenomenon.
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The United States once led the world in rare earth element production but lost its edge to China, which now controls most of the processing. Rare earth elements are key for many technologies, including military equipment, and China’s control gives it political power through export restrictions.
Key Facts
Rare earth elements are 17 metals important for electronics, magnets, and military gear.
China processes about 91% of the world’s rare earth minerals, even though it mines about 60%.
The US was a world leader until the late 1980s but stopped most domestic processing due to environmental problems and competition from China.
China used export controls on rare earths in 2025 but suspended them until November 2026, showing its influence.
The US imports more than two-thirds of the rare earths it needs, despite having mines.
Rebuilding the US supply chain takes many years because China has more experience, technology, and engineers.
Efforts to restart mining and processing in the US, like at California’s Mountain Pass mine, began around 2017 but progress is slow.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations, threatening to destroy Iran or make a deal with it after the U.S. election. Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad responded by discussing the impact of Trump's actions on Iran and its people.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech at the United Nations.
He threatened to either annihilate Iran or negotiate a deal after the U.S. election.
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-American activist and journalist.
Alinejad shared her views on President Trump's policies in the Middle East.
She also talked about the challenges faced by ordinary Iranian people.
The article refers to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Trump’s statement presents two very different options for dealing with Iran.
The discussion reflects larger issues in Middle East politics.
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CNN's correspondent in France, Melissa Bell, discusses how American influence is being seen in France and Europe. She explains the impact of this influence and what it might mean for the 2027 French presidential election.
Key Facts
Melissa Bell wrote a book called "Sous l'influence americaine" about American interference in France and Europe.
The discussion focuses on how the U.S. affects politics and society in France and the wider continent.
The topic is linked to the upcoming 2027 French presidential election.
American involvement influences political campaigns and public opinion in France.
The report is part of a program called "Entre Nous" produced by Amanda Alexander, Marina Pajovic, and Georgina Robertson.
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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told the United Nations that the Golan Heights will remain part of Syria, rejecting recent recognition of Israeli control by Colombia. He also condemned Israeli military actions against Syria and expressed hope for peaceful solutions between the two countries.
Key Facts
The Golan Heights is a region captured by Israel from Syria in 1967.
Colombia’s government recently recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, joining the United States, which did so in 1981.
The United Nations considers the Golan Heights Syrian land under Israeli military occupation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the Israeli occupation "totally unacceptable."
President al-Sharaa said Israel has carried out 500 air strikes, over 1,200 incursions, and 300 detentions in Syria.
Despite conflicts, al-Sharaa mentioned that Syria and Israel have resolved nearly 90% of issues needed for a security agreement.
He invited efforts for a just and peaceful resolution that respects the rights of all involved.
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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told the United Nations that the Golan Heights will remain Syrian despite Israel's occupation and recent recognition of Israeli control by Colombia. He also condemned repeated Israeli military strikes on Syria and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution.
Key Facts
The Golan Heights is a region Syria lost to Israel in 1967 and is currently occupied by Israel.
Colombia recently recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, joining the United States.
The United Nations and its Secretary-General consider the Golan Heights Syrian territory under Israeli occupation.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa criticized more than 500 Israeli airstrikes and over 1,200 incursions into Syria.
Al-Sharaa said attempts to violate Syria’s sovereignty in the Golan Heights go against international law.
Despite the conflict, Syria aims for a peaceful agreement with Israel and says almost 90% of security issues have been settled in talks.
The Golan Heights is strategically important and remains a key topic in Middle East diplomacy.
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President Donald Trump plans to meet with China's leader Xi Jinping. This meeting happens as more people are asking for rules to control artificial intelligence (AI). An AI expert from MIT, Max Tegmark, has shared his views on the upcoming meeting.
Key Facts
President Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The meeting is taking place during increasing calls for AI regulation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that can perform tasks that usually need human intelligence.
Some experts and leaders are worried about the risks of AI if it is not controlled.
Max Tegmark, an AI expert from MIT, has commented on the meeting between Trump and Xi.
President Trump has said that the threat from AI is not very serious.
The discussions may include how to manage AI development between the two countries.
The meeting was reported by CBS News.
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In Rome, a group called Priests Against Genocide held a demonstration. They carried a burial shroud with the names of 300 children who died during ceasefires in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon.
Key Facts
The group is named Priests Against Genocide.
They organized a protest in Rome.
They displayed a burial shroud as part of their demonstration.
The shroud had the names of 300 children written on it.
These children died during ceasefire periods in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon.
The demonstration highlights the impact of conflicts in these regions on children.
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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, stated that countries cannot legally charge ships fees to pass through international straits. This comment comes as Iran moves forward with a bill that could impose tolls on ships using the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global shipping.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is an important international waterway used by many ships.
Iran is considering a bill to charge fees, or tolls, for ships passing through this strait.
Arsenio Dominguez is the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He said it is not legal under international law to charge fees for using international straits.
Before the current conflict, ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz was working smoothly without such fees.
The IMO is an agency that sets rules and standards for shipping worldwide.
The statement reflects concerns about new charges affecting international shipping routes.
This situation involves international law and global maritime trade.
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World leaders are gathering in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly. The main topics of discussion this year include the war in Iran, climate change, and how to control the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Key Facts
The 81st UN General Assembly is taking place at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
World leaders are meeting to discuss important global issues.
The war in Iran is a key topic of concern.
Climate change will be a major focus during the discussions.
Leaders will also talk about regulating artificial intelligence (AI).
The meeting is considered the largest diplomatic gathering in the world.
UN Secretary General António Guterres is addressing the assembly.
The discussions aim to find international solutions to these pressing challenges.
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Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa criticized Israel’s attacks and occupation in Syria since October 7. He suggested that President Donald Trump should give New Jersey to Israel instead of the Golan Heights.
Key Facts
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke about Israel’s actions in Syria during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He said Israel has been attacking and occupying parts of Syria since October 7.
Al-Sharaa criticized these actions as violations against Syria.
He proposed that President Donald Trump should give the state of New Jersey to Israel.
This suggestion was made instead of giving Israel control over the Golan Heights, a region Syria currently contests.
The Golan Heights is a strategic area that Israel took control of from Syria in 1967.
The statement reflects ongoing tensions between Syria and Israel.
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A baby named Duncan Wilder Thorstein Traill Suarez Ford was born last week on North Ronaldsay, the most northerly island of Orkney, marking the first birth there in over 30 years. The family, who live partly in Costa Rica, celebrated the event with local traditions, including raising a flag and sharing whisky with islanders.
Key Facts
Duncan was born on September 15, 2026, on North Ronaldsay island in Orkney.
This is the first baby born on the island since August 1992.
The parents, Jorge Suarez and Alice Traill Ford, split their time between Costa Rica and Orkney.
Duncan was born in Holland House, a family home built by Alice’s ancestors in 1727.
The island is accessible only by a 20-minute plane ride or a nearly 3-hour ferry trip from Kirkwall.
To celebrate the birth, the family raised a flag, shared whisky, and gave islanders bottles with four-leaf clovers and local shells called Groatie Buckies.
Alice named the baby after her grandfather Duncan, a former local leader, to continue his legacy.
The family plans to return to Costa Rica but intends for Duncan to visit North Ronaldsay regularly.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly and made strong remarks against Iran. He also highlighted a productive meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials. Additionally, he is planning to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech at the U.N. General Assembly.
In his speech, he threatened to "annihilate" Iran.
Despite the threat, he mentioned a useful meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials.
The U.S. plans to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House soon.
The reports were covered by CBS News.
The events show ongoing diplomatic efforts alongside tough language.
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Scotland saw an 11% rise in drug-related deaths in 2025, reaching 1,133 deaths, with powerful synthetic opioids called nitazenes playing a big role. These synthetic drugs are made in labs, are very strong, and often mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk to users.
Key Facts
Drug-related deaths in Scotland increased by 116 to 1,133 in 2025.
Opiates and opioids caused 78% of these deaths.
Deaths involving nitazenes, a strong synthetic opioid, rose from 76 in 2024 to 247 in 2025.
Nitazenes are lab-made and can be hundreds of times stronger than traditional opioids like heroin.
Drug deaths are 15 times higher in Scotland’s poorest areas compared to wealthier ones.
The average age of those who died was 46, with a 19% rise in male deaths.
The Scottish government is starting new drug-checking services to test substances and reduce harm.
Factors like poverty, trauma, and mental health issues contribute to these deaths beyond just drug use.
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The United Nations General Assembly is in its second day in New York, featuring important speeches from leaders including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The event also includes discussions on artificial intelligence with experts speaking to the UN Security Council.
Key Facts
The UN General Assembly is being held in New York.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled to speak.
Experts on artificial intelligence (AI) will address the UN Security Council.
The event covers multiple global issues including Middle East conflicts and AI developments.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for reforms of the Security Council.
President Donald Trump gave a speech warning Iran but mentioned ongoing talks.
The assembly attracts global leaders discussing current political and security challenges.
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