Architects and engineers are exploring underground homes as a way to address housing shortages, urban growth, and climate change. Underground houses can keep steady temperatures year-round and protect against extreme weather, but they also come with engineering challenges and other risks.
Key Facts
Earth-sheltered homes are a traditional building method that existed before modern insulation.
Examples of underground homes include projects in China, Arizona, and the Australian mining town Coober Pedy, where many people live underground.
These homes use soil and earth as natural insulation, helping keep them warm in winter and cool in summer.
Underground housing can lower energy costs and provide better protection from wildfires, strong winds, and heat.
A stable soil temperature a few feet below ground helps avoid big temperature changes inside the home.
Experts say underground homes face significant engineering and construction challenges.
Urban underground space can support important environmental benefits like energy storage and habitat formation.
The main obstacle may not be technical but other risks related to building underground.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates to discuss claims about being warned of a Hamas attack planned for October 7, 2023. Netanyahu confirmed the visit but denied asking the UAE leader to deny receiving any warnings.
Key Facts
Netanyahu traveled secretly to the UAE over a recent weekend.
The visit aimed to address claims about a warning before the Hamas attack.
The Hamas attack occurred on October 7, 2023, targeting southern Israel.
Netanyahu confirmed the secret trip publicly.
He denies requesting the UAE leader to deny any warnings.
Israeli media reported on the secret visit before Netanyahu’s confirmation.
The discussion involved tensions related to intelligence and security.
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The UK-France “one in one out” deal to return small boat migrants between the two countries is expected to end on Thursday. The two governments have not agreed on extending or expanding the deal, which has sent back over 1,400 people but has faced challenges and was meant as a pilot program.
Key Facts
The “one in one out” deal helps return migrants who cross the English Channel by small boats between the UK and France.
More than 1,400 people have been returned to France under this agreement.
The deal was planned to expire in April but was extended to October 1 to reduce crossings during summer.
France wants the deal to be part of a wider Europe-wide agreement rather than a bilateral one with the UK.
The UK government finds it hard to increase returns due to limits like detention space and operational difficulties.
The deal costs about £56,000 for each person returned to France.
Between January and September, 19,135 people crossed from France to the UK by small boat, down 42% from the previous year.
The deal was announced in July 2025 by UK opposition leader Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
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Talks are ongoing between nationalist and unionist groups in Northern Ireland about the Drumcree parade. The nationalist group opposes the parade on their road and has started a new legal challenge, while talks with the Northern Ireland secretary are continuing but face difficulties.
Key Facts
The Drumcree parade has caused a long-running dispute between nationalist and unionist communities.
The nationalist Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition wants to stop the parade on their road and has launched a new legal challenge.
The Parades Commission allowed the parade for the first time in almost 30 years to go down Garvaghy Road.
Leaders from both groups met with Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant to discuss mediation.
Negotiations have not made much progress, and the nationalist side says mediation talks are “dead in the water.”
The Orange Order has tried to march but has been stopped by nationalist protesters.
The Irish government leaders have criticized the decision allowing the parade and are involved in efforts to ease tensions.
Police have not broken up protests on Garvaghy Road to avoid violence.
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Some large US food and farming companies are paying social media influencers to challenge claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s Make America Healthy Again (Maha) campaign. These companies want to protect their reputation and fight ideas they see as threatening, like criticisms of pesticides, processed foods, and farming methods.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr is now secretary of health and human services and leads the Make America Healthy Again (Maha) campaign.
Maha connects concerns about food safety with some false claims about vaccines and other health issues.
A recent poll showed about 40% of US adults support some Maha ideas, and many want more regulation on pesticides and food chemicals.
The food industry created the “Growing a Healthier America” (Gaha) campaign to respond to Maha’s influence.
Gaha pays social media influencers to share messages that support current farming practices and to build trust in the food industry.
The campaign focuses on topics like seed oils, pesticides, high-fructose corn syrup, organic and regenerative farming, and dairy products.
At least six influencers are part of Gaha, reaching over 2.6 million people online through posts on TikTok, Instagram, and blogs.
The Center for Food Integrity leads Gaha, aiming to stop misinformation and prevent new regulations on agriculture.
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During President Donald Trump’s second term, federal immigration officers carried out large immigration raids in several Democratic cities, leading to protests and violence, including the deaths of two US citizens. After public outcry, the administration changed leadership and shifted to less visible but still strong immigration enforcement methods.
Key Facts
Federal agents conducted major immigration raids in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Minneapolis.
Two US citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were killed by federal agents during enforcement actions in Minneapolis in January 2026.
The raids drew protests and accusations of militarized tactics by federal officers.
President Trump replaced the aggressive border official Gregory Bovino with immigration veteran Tom Homan after the Minneapolis incidents.
Kristi Noem, then Secretary of Homeland Security, was fired amid scandals and her false statements about the shootings.
Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as the new Secretary of Homeland Security in March 2026 and aimed to lessen headline-making enforcement incidents.
Despite a move away from public raids, immigration enforcement remains aggressive but less visible.
Local police forces have been empowered to support immigration enforcement on the streets.
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A new study explains that insects do much more than just serve as food for many animals like birds and mammals. Insects also help protect species, keep environments clean, provide shelter, and play a key role in natural processes like breaking down dead plants.
Key Facts
Around 75% of land and freshwater vertebrates eat insects and other invertebrates.
Some animals use insects for non-food purposes, such as chimpanzees using insects to treat wounds.
More than 200 bird species use ants to remove parasites and maintain their feathers.
Birds, reptiles, and mammals often live in termite mounds or ant nests, which provide safe and stable places to rest.
Insects like dung beetles help clean up animal waste, which reduces parasites and disease spread.
Some animals, like sloths, have mutual relationships with insects that help both survive.
Insects help decompose about 30% of dead leaves and wood, influencing the global carbon cycle.
Changes to land use are causing big disruptions to insect populations, which could harm ecosystems.
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Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate, faces numerous accusations including financial and sexual scandals. Despite facing impeachment and legal troubles, religious conservative supporters have continued to back him, highlighting his role in Christian identity politics.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton is a Republican Texas Attorney General running for U.S. Senate.
He faces 20 articles of impeachment related to alleged bribery, corruption, and interference with federal investigations.
Paxton allegedly helped a campaign contributor, Nate Paul, who was involved in financial fraud allegations.
In 2023, the Texas House impeached Paxton, but the Senate acquitted him by a narrow vote.
Paxton pleaded guilty in 2015 to securities fraud-related charges, receiving community service and restitution requirements.
His wife, Texas State Senator Angela Paxton, supported his career but filed for divorce in 2025.
Paxton publicly emphasizes Christian identity politics, using it to deflect attention from his legal issues.
The political rise of Paxton is linked to the religious right’s long-term efforts to influence Texas politics.
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Federal regulators are being asked to stop White House ads promoting President Donald Trump, as critics say using public funds for these ads breaks federal law. The White House says the ads are public service announcements and denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Public Citizen, an advocacy group, asked the FCC and FTC to block White House ads promoting President Trump.
Federal law bans using government money for political campaigning or self-promotion.
Trump is not officially a candidate for the midterm elections, but his ads imply he is.
The White House calls the ads “public service announcements” and has created a website to defend them.
The ads have been shown on major TV channels, costing more than $1 million so far.
Some ads were funded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Past DHS ads promoting a government official also caused controversy and led to firings.
The ads have appeared during popular shows and sports events nationwide.
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Fake and AI-generated images are spreading quickly on social media, causing concern about their impact on elections and political trust. Politicians and experts warn that deepfake images can mislead voters and spread false information just before important votes.
Key Facts
An AI-created fake image of Georgia mayor Bianca Motley Broom kissing a man who was not her husband spread widely on Facebook.
71% of people surveyed worry about AI deepfakes and false information affecting elections.
Many respondents are also concerned about AI being used to create sexualized images of women and children.
The White House has used digitally altered images on social media in political contexts.
Fake images of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani linked to Jeffrey Epstein circulated but were debunked using a Google tool.
Senator Raphael Warnock reported deepfake images of himself circulating online with false health and family details.
Some U.S. senators are discussing laws to control AI technology to prevent misuse in politics.
A proposed bill to regulate AI and create a "kill switch" for rogue AI was blocked by Senator Rand Paul, who called it premature.
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The Trump administration has not used billions of dollars that Congress set aside for health programs. These funds could expire soon at the end of the fiscal year, which some lawmakers say is against the law and challenges Congress’s authority.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration has not spent billions allocated by Congress for health programs.
The funds are at risk of expiring once the fiscal year ends on Wednesday.
Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers claim this move is illegal.
This situation tests whether Congress will push back against the administration’s decision.
The money was intended to support various healthcare initiatives.
The issue involves government spending rules and deadlines.
The debate highlights tensions between the executive branch and Congress over budget control.
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Republicans in Congress are disagreeing with President Trump on many important issues. They hope distancing themselves from him will help prevent big losses in the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
Republicans in both the House and Senate are breaking away from President Trump on several topics.
This shift is uncommon because the GOP has mostly supported Trump closely before.
The party is worried about losing many seats in the midterm elections, known as a "blue wave."
The GOP believes separating from Trump’s positions might improve their chances with voters.
These disagreements cover sensitive and key political issues affecting the country.
The divisions show internal struggles within the Republican Party right now.
Some Republicans think Trump’s popularity could hurt the party’s overall success.
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has lost 80 pounds in two years by using a medication called GLP-1 to treat his diabetes. His noticeable weight loss has sparked conversations about how people view presidential candidates' appearances.
Key Facts
JB Pritzker is the Democratic governor of Illinois.
He has lost 80 pounds over the past two years.
He used a medication called GLP-1, often prescribed to help control diabetes, to support his weight loss.
Pritzker is considering running for president in 2028.
His weight loss has become very visible recently.
This change has led to discussions about how much a president's looks matter to voters.
GLP-1 medications are typically used to manage blood sugar in people with diabetes.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune is trying to help three Republican senators—Jon Husted, Pete Ricketts, and Dan Sullivan—who are facing political challenges. He plans to hold votes on two bills about growing AI data centers and stock trading rules for Congress members.
Key Facts
John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader and a Republican from South Dakota.
The three senators he is helping are Jon Husted (Ohio), Pete Ricketts (Nebraska), and Dan Sullivan (Alaska).
All three senators are currently facing political difficulties or challenges.
Two bills are scheduled for votes on Wednesday.
One bill deals with the expansion of AI-driven data centers, which are facilities used to store and process large amounts of data for artificial intelligence.
The other bill focuses on stock trading rules for members of Congress, likely aiming to increase transparency or limit conflicts of interest.
This effort is seen as a way to support the senators by addressing issues important to their states or voter concerns.
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A Cornell University student gave a detailed statement to campus police in 2024 about an incident at a fraternity house that year, describing the experience as feeling like coercion. The district attorney decided not to press charges in 2024, saying the student’s account showed some consent, though the case was reopened recently.
Key Facts
The student gave a six-page sworn statement in November 2024 about the October 2024 incident at the Chi Phi fraternity house.
She described multiple times when she said no to sexual acts, but felt pressured and intoxicated during the events.
The student called the situation coercive because she felt unable to say no due to her heavy intoxication.
In her statement, she explained taking more ketamine (a drug) hoping that if she passed out, the men could be charged with rape.
The district attorney in Tompkins County said the student did not withdraw consent during the encounter, leading to no charges in 2024.
The men's behavior reportedly stopped when she expressed discomfort, according to the district attorney.
The student’s statement was first obtained and reported by ABC News in 2026.
The case has been reopened for further investigation as of late 2026.
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Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri was named Morocco’s first woman prime minister by the king after her party won the recent parliamentary elections. She previously served as the mayor of Marrakesh and has been a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) since 2008.
Key Facts
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is Morocco’s first female prime minister.
The king appointed her after her centre-right party, PAM, won the parliamentary elections.
El Mansouri joined PAM in 2008.
She was the first woman mayor of Marrakesh, first elected in 2009.
She lost the mayor position after six years but regained it in 2021.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) is a centre-right political party in Morocco.
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Ethiopia has one of the oldest Jewish communities called Beta Israel. Many were airlifted to Israel in the 1970s-1990s, but a few thousand still live in difficult conditions in Ethiopia, hoping for visas to join their families in Israel.
Key Facts
Beta Israel is an ancient Jewish community in Ethiopia, possibly descended from the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.
Thousands were airlifted to Israel during Operations Solomon and Moses between the 1970s and 1990s.
Around a few thousand Ethiopian Jews remain in Ethiopia today.
These remaining community members face poor living conditions and social exclusion.
Many have sold property to live closer to Israeli consulates and embassy locations.
They are still waiting for clear answers about obtaining visas to move to Israel.
The Ethiopian Jewish community’s situation remains uncertain after more than 30 years.
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Denys Kostev, a Ukrainian orphan, was forcibly moved from his home in Kherson to a camp in Russian-occupied Crimea during the war. To survive, he appeared in pro-Russian videos but has now escaped to Kyiv and is preparing to fight for Ukraine.
Key Facts
Denys Kostev was 18 and living in an orphanage in Kherson when Russia invaded Ukraine.
He made videos supporting Russia to avoid punishment while in occupied Crimea.
Kostev was forced to stay at a summer camp in Crimea with other orphans, where they were isolated and exposed to Russian propaganda.
Around 4,000 children were taken from orphanages in Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine.
Ukraine reports nearly 20,000 children have been moved to Russia and claims they are being "brainwashed."
The Russian government says the children were moved for their safety and denies illegal abductions.
Human rights groups call the alleged abductions and re-education of Ukrainian children a serious crime during the war.
More than 2,600 children have been returned to Ukraine so far.
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President Donald Trump and leaders of major AI companies signed a new voluntary AI agreement called the "Joint Commitment on Frontier Responsibilities." The document contains a spelling error that calls Trump "President of the Unites States," and Trump also signed an order to rename "artificial intelligence" as "super intelligence."
Key Facts
The AI agreement was signed by President Trump and CEOs from Google, Anthropic, Meta, OpenAI, XAI, and NVIDIA.
The agreement outlines four layers of controls and audits to ensure AI technologies work safely.
Companies will have internal teams and independent outside auditors to monitor AI models.
The agreement is voluntary and not legally binding but might lead to future laws or regulations.
The document misspells "United States" as "Unites States," which was noted and shared on social media.
President Trump issued an executive order to replace the terms "artificial intelligence" and "AI" with "super intelligence" or "SI."
Trump believes the new term better reflects the power and potential of AI technologies.
This AI agreement was signed following a White House meeting with senior industry leaders.
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Singapore has started a new dating service called FirstDate for government workers aged 21 to 35. This service uses a Nobel Prize-winning algorithm to match users one date at a time, aiming to help increase the country's very low birth rate.
Key Facts
FirstDate is a matchmaking service for Singapore government employees between 21 and 35 years old.
It uses the Gale-Shapley Stable Marriage algorithm to pair people based on their preferences.
Users sign in with their national digital ID and complete a survey about their interests and values.
The service aims to reduce "swipe fatigue" by offering one match at a time.
Singapore's birth rate dropped to below 30,000 babies in 2025, a historic low in 60 years.
Some people criticized the program for excluding non-government workers and setting an age limit.
Similar government-led matchmaking programs existed in Singapore before but were phased out.
Tokyo also launched an AI-powered dating app to address its declining birth rate, resulting in 265 marriages.
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