Congress extended the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to keep flood coverage for millions of homeowners this winter. This action comes as the U.S. faces a very strong El Niño, which could bring heavy rain and flooding, especially in southern states like California, the Southwest, and the Gulf Coast.
Key Facts
Congress approved an extension of the NFIP to prevent it from ending this winter.
El Niño is a climate pattern causing warmer Pacific Ocean waters and usually wetter weather in parts of the U.S.
The World Meteorological Organization says this El Niño will be one of the strongest ever recorded.
Areas expecting more rain and flood risk include California, the southern U.S., the Rockies, southern Plains, Gulf Coast, and Florida.
Heavy rain can cause flooding in places with mountains and steep slopes, like Arizona and New Mexico.
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, making NFIP important for many families.
Only about 2.4% of U.S. homes have federal flood insurance, while 8.4% face a high risk of flooding.
Development in areas like South Florida reduces natural soil absorption, increasing flooding problems.
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The sea near Ko Lan island in Thailand has turned bright green because of a large growth of plankton, tiny water organisms. While this change is keeping tourists away from the water, scientists are more worried about the dropping oxygen levels below the surface.
Key Facts
The water near Ko Lan island in Thailand has turned green.
This green color is caused by a plankton bloom, which is a rapid increase of tiny sea plants and animals.
Tourists are avoiding swimming because of the unusual color.
Scientists are concerned about decreasing oxygen levels under the water.
Low oxygen in the water can harm marine life.
The situation suggests environmental changes affecting the sea near the island.
Plankton blooms can happen naturally but may be linked to water conditions like temperature or pollution.
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Pope Leo XIV urged the Catholic Church to work with artists to protect human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). He said AI cannot replace the unique human qualities found in art and warned that technology should not harm human dignity.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV said AI-generated art lacks the "spark of humanity" that true human art has.
He called for a partnership between the Church and artists to protect human creativity.
The pope emphasized a deep difference between human-made art and AI-made work, which is based on calculations from many existing images.
In his first encyclical, he warned about the risk of technology dominating humanity and said it needs to be controlled.
The Vatican created a commission on AI in May to guide the Church's approach to the technology.
Recently, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the threat of a future dominated by machines and said AI researchers' warnings should be taken seriously.
Previous Pope Francis also expressed concerns that AI might reduce humans to mere data.
The Church is concerned about maintaining human dignity as AI technology advances.
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Many Brazilians who support far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro are moving to Paraguay because they are worried that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will win the upcoming Brazilian election. Paraguay is attracting these Brazilians as a place with lower taxes and political refuge, with a sharp rise in residence permits issued to Brazilians in recent years.
Key Facts
Paraguay issued a record 40,600 residence permits to foreigners in 2025, with 23,500 going to Brazilians.
In the first three months of 2026, Paraguay granted 9,200 residence permits to Brazilians.
Many of these Brazilians support Jair Bolsonaro and his far-right son Flavio Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro supporters fear that Lula’s re-election will worsen Brazil’s economic crisis.
Paraguay is seen by these Brazilians as a tax haven with lower taxes than Brazil.
The Friendship Bridge between Brazil and Paraguay is busy with people crossing to settle in Paraguay.
Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for an attempted coup.
Brazil’s presidential elections are scheduled for October 4 and 25, 2026.
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The US economy added only 29,000 jobs in September, which is much less than the 90,000 jobs expected by economists. This slower job growth and revisions showing fewer jobs created in July and August have affected wages, the US dollar, and bond yields.
Key Facts
US nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,000 jobs in September, lower than the expected 90,000.
July and August job numbers were revised down, showing fewer jobs created and even a loss of jobs in July.
Wage growth slowed to 3.0% annually in September, down from 3.1% in August.
The slowdown in jobs and wages may be linked to policy changes affecting 350,000 migrants' work authorization.
The US dollar dropped against the Japanese yen and the British pound after the report.
US Treasury bond prices rose, causing yields to fall from recent multi-year highs.
Wall Street stock futures suggested a rise, reflecting less worry about future interest rate increases.
Analysts say the weak jobs report presents a challenge for the Federal Reserve in managing inflation and employment.
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The Supreme Court will hear a case about whether state courts can allow lawsuits against oil companies for damages caused by climate change. These lawsuits, brought by cities and states, claim oil companies misled the public about climate risks and seek money to help cover climate-related costs.
Key Facts
The case involves lawsuits against Exxon and Suncor filed by Boulder city and county in 2018.
Many other states, like California, New York, and Massachusetts, have similar climate-related lawsuits active.
Oil companies argue that federal law should stop these state lawsuits because climate change is a global and interstate issue.
The Supreme Court may decide if it can even hear the case now, as Boulder’s case is still allowed in state court.
President Trump’s administration supports oil companies, arguing federal law protects them from these claims.
Justice Samuel Alito is not participating in this case because he recused himself.
A decision against the oil companies could also affect state laws that make fossil fuel companies pay for climate damages.
This case is part of a larger fight between industry and climate advocates about how to address climate change through the courts.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked allied countries to increase sanctions on Russia after Russian drone attacks caused traffic jams and damaged bridges in Kyiv. Russia launched over 100 drones across Ukraine, and Ukraine also attacked targets inside Russia.
Key Facts
Multiple Russian drone strikes hit Kyiv, causing key bridges to close and traffic problems.
One person died due to the drone attacks.
Zelenskyy said Russia uses foreign parts in its drones and missiles, mostly from Europe, the US, China, and Japan.
He urged countries to stop allowing these parts to reach Russia to reduce attacks.
The EU is working on harsher sanctions against Russia, and President Donald Trump signed a broad sanctions law targeting Russian banks and defense sectors.
Russian strikes also hit other cities in Ukraine, wounding at least four people.
Ukraine’s military attacked sites in Russia, including an oil facility and airfields.
Russia said its drone strikes targeted military-related locations and some damage occurred from drone debris on the Black Sea coast.
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Police divers found the body of a person who went missing after a medical helicopter crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Catalina Island, California. Three people have died, including the pilot and a nurse, while two others are recovering in the hospital.
Key Facts
The medical helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Catalina Island near Los Angeles.
The crash happened while transporting a woman and her son from the island to the mainland for medical care.
The woman had an allergic reaction, and her son was acting as a language interpreter.
The helicopter carried five people, including the pilot, two medical crew members, the woman, and her son.
Authorities have recovered three bodies; two people remain hospitalized with injuries.
The helicopter wreckage is about 200 feet underwater.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
A memorial service was held on Catalina Island for the victims.
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The US added only 29,000 jobs in September, which is much lower than expected and shows a slowdown in hiring. The unemployment rate slightly increased to 4.2%, and earlier job numbers for the summer were revised down. Inflation and higher interest rates continue to affect the economy.
Key Facts
US employers added 29,000 jobs in September, well below the forecast of about 70,000.
The unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2%.
Job numbers for July and August were revised down by a total of 60,000 jobs.
The labor market shrank by 10,000 jobs in July after changes to data, but August saw strong growth with 133,000 jobs added.
Job openings and hires stayed mostly steady in August, showing slow hiring and firing.
Inflation remains high, partly due to rising energy prices linked to the US-Israel war on Iran.
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates last month for the first time in three years to control inflation.
Mortgage rates surged to 7.28%, the highest in three years, and the 10-year treasury yield hit a 24-year high, increasing loan costs.
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French students have been protesting for nearly two weeks, initially in a poor area near Paris, and the movement has now spread across France. Many schools and universities have been closed due to blockades and violence, causing damage worth millions and injuries to teachers, police, and students. The students want more money for schools, including more teachers and better facilities, but the government plans budget cuts instead.
Key Facts
The protests started in the Seine-Saint-Denis area and spread nationwide.
Hundreds of high schools (lycées) were blockaded, and around 400 schools closed to protect people.
Violence included fires damaging school buildings, costing millions of euros.
About 65 school staff and 300 police/firefighters were reported injured.
Around 2,000 people, mostly minors, have been arrested.
Students say many have been injured by police, including two with serious eye injuries.
The main demands are more funding for schools, smaller classes, and better facilities.
The government plans to reduce state spending by removing €54 billion in the next budget.
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A FlyDubai flight captain, Smit Machchha, was stabbed by another pilot while flying with 173 passengers on board. He later spoke in a video call with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened mid-flight on a FlyDubai plane.
Captain Smit Machchha was injured by a co-pilot.
There were 173 other people on the plane during the incident.
Captain Machchha discussed the event in a video call with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
The incident was reported by CBS News with footage showing a fight for control of the plane.
The event raised concerns about safety and security on commercial flights.
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The U.S. economy added only 29,000 jobs in September, much lower than expected and a big drop from previous months. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2 percent, showing a slowdown in hiring before the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
September job growth was 29,000, far below the expected 90,000 jobs.
August jobs were revised down from 162,000 to 133,000.
July jobs were revised from 21,000 to a loss of 10,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to 4.2% in September.
The job market slowdown contrasts with a strong hiring surge reported in August.
The Labor Department report is a key indicator of the U.S. economy’s health.
President Trump praised the strong August jobs report but the September report shows a weakening economy.
The report may influence voter views in the midterm elections.
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Employers in the U.S. added 29,000 jobs in September, which was fewer than expected. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2%, while layoffs dropped significantly compared to last year.
Key Facts
U.S. employers added 29,000 jobs in September, below the forecast of 90,000.
The unemployment rate increased to 4.2% in September from 4.1% in August.
Layoffs have decreased by 40% compared to the same period last year.
September saw the lowest monthly layoffs in four years, down 20% from a year ago.
Wage growth has been slower than inflation for five months in a row.
Inflation rose 3.4% in August, mainly due to higher energy prices.
The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates to help reduce inflation to its 2% target.
A stable job market gives the Federal Reserve more flexibility to increase rates if needed.
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A Flydubai plane flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv was nearly lost after the copilot stabbed the captain and caused the plane to descend rapidly. The injured captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to stop the attacker and regain control, preventing a crash.
Key Facts
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 took off from Dubai at 7:05 am, heading to Tel Aviv.
About two hours into the flight, the plane began a steep descent, falling more than 17,000 feet in minutes.
The Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, was stabbed by the copilot during the incident.
Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door from inside.
Passengers and crew entered the cockpit, subdued the copilot, and regained control of the plane.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised an Israeli passenger for helping to stop the attacker and help level the plane.
Passengers described chaos, loss of electricity, and severe turbulence during the incident.
The plane’s rudder was damaged during the rapid descent, exceeding the aircraft’s designed limits.
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Democratic candidate Sharice Davids says that current Republican policies on healthcare and farming have let down rural areas. This situation is encouraging new Democrats to run for office in states such as Iowa and North Carolina.
Key Facts
Sharice Davids is a Democratic candidate.
She says Republican policies related to healthcare and farming hurt rural communities.
Rural areas are places far from big cities, often with farming as a main job.
This feeling of being let down has led to new Democratic candidates running for positions in rural states.
Iowa and North Carolina are examples of states where new Democratic leaders want to be elected.
The article focuses on political changes affecting rural America.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are addressing an investigation into a woman’s rape allegations at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024. The governor appointed the attorney general as a special prosecutor to oversee the case.
Key Facts
The alleged incident took place at a fraternity house at Cornell University.
The allegations involve a woman claiming she was raped by several men.
Governor Hochul described the case as “horrifying.”
Attorney General Letitia James was named special prosecutor to lead the investigation.
The officials planned to give public remarks on the situation on Friday morning.
The case has caused growing public concern and attention in New York.
Both officials are members of the Democratic Party.
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A new free repair shop will open in Oxford's Jericho neighborhood at St Barnabas CE Primary School on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help fix bikes, electrical items, computers, and clothes for free, with donations accepted to cover costs and support future events.
Key Facts
The first Jericho Repair Shop event will be held at St Barnabas CE Primary School in Oxford on Saturday.
Repairs will include bicycles, electrical devices, computers, and sewing/mending clothes.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. British Summer Time (BST).
Donations are welcome and will help pay for rent and advertising.
Organiser John Mair was inspired by a similar repair shop in Wolvercote.
The goal is to reduce waste by fixing items instead of throwing them away.
If enough people attend, the repair shop plans to run monthly on the first Saturday.
The event aims to create a community hub and promote sustainability in the neighborhood.
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K-pop groups Stray Kids and BTS have decided not to participate in the 2027 Grammy Awards because a new category for Asian pop music has been added. They and some fans are concerned this category might separate Asian music from other main categories and limit recognition.
Key Facts
Stray Kids and BTS are two of the biggest K-pop groups in the world.
Both groups will not submit their music for Grammy consideration in 2027.
The Recording Academy introduced a new Grammy category specifically for Asian pop music.
The new category aims to honor Asian pop music performances mainly recognized in Asia.
Some artists worry the new category will isolate Asian music from the main Grammy awards.
BTS and Stray Kids are voting members of the Recording Academy, giving weight to their boycott.
The new category requires nominated songs to use an Asian language, which affects groups like BTS and Blackpink who sing mainly in English.
Grammy officials say they will keep talking with the Asian music community to improve the award.
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