Scotch whisky producers in Scotland have paused production because demand has dropped worldwide after years of strong growth. Large companies like Diageo and smaller ones like GlenWyvis Distillery are facing financial difficulties, with some distilleries pausing or reducing output due to a large stockpile of unsold whisky, sometimes called a "whisky loch."
Key Facts
Demand for Scotch whisky has slowed globally after a 15-year boom helped by the pandemic.
Diageo, which makes about one-third of Scotch whisky worldwide, is expanding storage but has paused some production.
GlenWyvis Distillery in the Highlands is appointing administrators, indicating financial trouble.
Workers at Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery have gone on strike due to potential job cuts.
Scotch whisky must be aged at least three years in Scotland, making production planning difficult.
US tariffs introduced in 2025 caused a 15% drop in exports to America, one of Scotch’s biggest markets.
Sales have also fallen in France and other countries, though exports to India have recently increased.
Many drink companies hold large amounts of unsold aged spirits, contributing to the supply glut.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This article explains how digital tools and apps can help people enjoy more offline, or "analogue," activities while reducing screen time. Examples include apps for identifying birds by their songs and fitness tools to explore new walking or running trails.
Key Facts
Some people want to spend less time on screens and more time on real-world activities.
The Merlin app helps users identify birds by recording their songs and using location data.
Using the Merlin app encourages users to spend time outside and listen carefully to nature.
Fitness apps like Strava use heatmaps to help users find safe and interesting new trails for walking or running.
Video tutorials from brands like Wool and the Gang help people learn crafts such as knitting without needing in-person classes.
These digital tools support analogue hobbies by offering guidance while letting users focus on physical activities rather than screens.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This week, U.S. officials and tech leaders gathered in Washington, DC and San Francisco to discuss the progress and risks of artificial intelligence (AI). While companies like OpenAI showcased new AI products, government leaders debated if and how to regulate the technology to keep it safe.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials met with AI industry leaders to celebrate AI advances and discuss regulation.
OpenAI’s annual DevDay event in San Francisco featured new AI product launches but postponed the release of its most powerful model due to safety concerns.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other executives spoke in both cities, balancing promoting innovation with addressing security issues.
Lawmakers from both parties are frustrated by AI companies’ mixed responses to potential regulations and want clearer cooperation.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna criticized OpenAI for backing out of a congressional hearing and supports stronger rules, including a proposed “kill switch” for AI.
OpenAI says it has engaged cooperatively with lawmakers and is reassessing earlier assumptions because AI capabilities have advanced quickly.
The U.S. government debates how to regulate AI to avoid risks while remaining competitive with global players like China.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
RAF Fairford, a key U.S. airbase in the UK, hosts important military aircraft like bombers and refueling tankers that support U.S. operations, including the war against Iran. The recent arrest of five men suspected of planning an attack near the base highlights the vulnerability of these tankers, which are crucial for refueling aircraft on long missions.
Key Facts
RAF Fairford is a UK airbase used by the U.S. military for bombers and aerial tankers.
Aerial tankers, like the KC-135, refuel aircraft mid-flight, enabling long-range missions.
No confirmed links exist between Iran and the five men arrested for plotting an attack at RAF Fairford.
Tankers are easier to damage on the ground than when flying, making them a strategic target.
The U.S. military depends heavily on tankers for global air operations, including those against Iran.
Protecting these tankers is becoming an increasing security challenge.
Experts warn that damaging tankers on the ground could severely impact U.S. airpower.
RAF Fairford’s role has grown due to Iranian threats against U.S. bases in the Middle East.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Old Farmer's Almanac has shared its long-term weather forecast for October 2026 across the United States. It predicts cooler and wetter conditions in some regions, while others may see warmer or drier weather, using a mix of solar science, climate data, and weather patterns like El Niño.
Key Facts
The Almanac focuses on broad weather trends, not daily changes.
It claims about 80% accuracy in predicting seasonal temperatures and rainfall.
For October 2026, the eastern U.S. may have cooler-than-average weather.
NOAA forecasts warmer-than-average temperatures for parts of the central and eastern U.S., differing from the Almanac.
The Northeast is expected to start sunny and cool, with rain mid-month and mild, sunny weather later.
The Southeast may have early rain, then sunnier weather, followed by more rain later in October.
Florida’s temperatures are likely to be slightly above average, with showers varying by region.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac uses information from solar science, climate studies, and large weather events to make predictions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Family and friends of British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes say they have not been able to contact or visit him for several months. There are claims that he has been moved between care homes under different names after a dispute in the family involving his second wife.
Key Facts
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is an 82-year-old British explorer.
His relatives and friends have not seen or heard from him for months.
His former sister-in-law said no one knows where he currently is.
Reports say he may have been admitted to care homes under fake names.
A family disagreement involves his second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes.
His stepson wants to change who controls his power of attorney to protect Sir Ranulph’s interests.
Louise Millington-Cotes has not responded to the accusations or BBC inquiries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The 81st United Nations General Assembly focused on key global issues such as artificial intelligence, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted four major global challenges: AI, climate change, wars, and inequality, emphasizing the importance of power and cooperation under the UN Charter.
Key Facts
The UNGA discussions emphasized AI, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the US-Israel war on Iran as main concerns.
UN Secretary-General Guterres, in his final speech, identified AI, climate change, wars, and inequality as critical tests for the world’s future.
Many countries, including France, Canada, and the UK, called for Palestinian sovereignty amid continued conflict and settlement expansion by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israeli forces would keep fighting Hamas and Iran.
The US-led Board of Peace proposed $2.4 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction but excluded the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
Dozens of delegates walked out during Netanyahu’s speech in protest.
President Donald Trump defended his military actions in Venezuela, claimed benefits from a large oil deal, and declared that Iran’s nuclear program had been destroyed during a recent conflict.
Trump reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and highlighted the sinking of Iranian navy ships.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police arrested 17 people in early morning raids across several areas in England as part of a police investigation into a suspected organised crime group. The arrests are connected to crimes including money laundering, fraud, and violence, and the operation involved cooperation between the police, tax authorities, and financial regulators.
Key Facts
17 people were arrested during dawn raids at 24 properties in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk.
More than 800 police officers took part in the operation.
The arrested group is suspected of leading or participating in serious organised crime and financial crimes.
Crimes involved include money laundering, cheating public revenue, false accounting, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
A police officer was stabbed in the leg during the raids but his injury is not life-threatening.
The investigation involves the Metropolitan Police, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The FCA disrupted seven businesses and is pursuing around 30 more related to the case.
Among those arrested were 15 men aged 26 to 65 and two women aged 31 and 41.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Four U.S. service members were injured during an accident on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower near Virginia. Two pilots ejected safely, and one injured person was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Key Facts
The accident happened around 6:18 p.m. EDT during aircraft landing operations.
It occurred aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
Two Navy pilots ejected from their aircraft and were rescued promptly.
Four people aboard the ship were injured and received medical care.
One injured service member was taken to a Norfolk, Virginia hospital.
The Navy has not specified the type of aircraft involved.
The personnel involved belong to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.
The term "mishap" is used by the military to describe incidents involving injuries or damage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham, the new UK Labour leader, said he is open to reviewing the "triple lock" pension policy to help fund a national social care service. He plans to have an honest conversation with the public about difficult issues like social care funding, while some Labour leaders say they still support the triple lock.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham might consider ending the pension triple lock to pay for social care.
The triple lock guarantees pensions rise each year by the highest of inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%.
The Labour party’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said the party still supports the triple lock.
Unite union leader Sharon Graham said dropping the triple lock could harm Labour politically and hurt pensioners.
Burnham wants to have open talks with the public about the costs of solving major problems like social care.
Burnham replaced Keir Starmer as Labour leader and promises a serious new approach and new policies.
He plans to address tough issues including energy costs and youth inactivity in his speech.
Government sources say the prime minister might review the policy but not fully scrap it yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fighting has increased in northern Ethiopia between the federal government and Tigrayan rebel forces. Government troops and allies claimed control of the strategic town Alamata, while Tigrayan forces also took other towns in neighboring regions, making the conflict more widespread.
Key Facts
The federal government and its allies captured Alamata, a key town near the Tigray-Amhara border.
The fighting involves the Tigray Peace Force aligned with the government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The TPLF launched an offensive last week, taking control of three airports and advancing into Afar and Amhara regions.
Eritrean forces are reported to be involved in fighting in the Afar region, but Eritrea has not officially confirmed this.
Government forces are pushing toward Mekelle, the capital of Tigray.
Fighting has caused a humanitarian crisis with many casualties and displacement.
The renewed conflict breaks the Pretoria peace deal signed in November 2022.
The war threatens important supply routes, especially those bringing imports through Djibouti.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Five British men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of planning an attack but have since been released on bail while police continue investigating. US officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed concern and suspect foreign involvement, possibly linked to Iran.
Key Facts
Five British men, all in their 20s from London, were arrested near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase housing US bombers.
They were found with suspicious material in vans, initially believed to be explosives, but no explosives were found after further checks.
The men were released on bail, subject to strict conditions, as police continue their investigation.
A farmer spotted the men wearing balaclavas near the base, which led to their arrest.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a foreign actor was clearly involved, though no detailed evidence has been made public.
An Iranian connection is being investigated as part of the suspected plot.
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said police decisions on bail are operational and should be trusted.
President Donald Trump expressed surprise and concern about the suspects’ release on bail.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States and Iran are holding indirect talks through mediators to try to reach an agreement. However, both sides disagree on key points, and experts say a deal is unlikely before the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are communicating indirectly through third parties.
There are major disagreements about the terms of a possible agreement.
The U.S. plans to continue economic pressure on Iran during talks.
Experts believe a diplomatic deal probably will not happen before the midterm elections.
The talks aim to address ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thousands of drivers in the Philippines stopped working for two days to protest rising fuel prices. The government sent police officers and buses to help commuters, while transport groups blamed the war between the US-Israel and Iran for the price increases.
Key Facts
Around 70,000 drivers and operators joined the strike organized by the transport union Piston.
Protesters want fuel prices lowered to 55 pesos (about $0.88) per liter, the price before the war started in February.
The government deployed over 8,600 police officers and buses to assist commuters during the strike.
The Department of Transportation offered free rides to passengers during the protest.
Rising fuel prices are linked to the war in the Middle East, which disrupted oil shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
The Philippines depends heavily on imported oil, causing inflation and higher costs for transport and goods.
Another transport group called Manibela held a strike earlier and demanded tax relief on fuel.
The country declared a national energy emergency in March due to rising prices, the first in the world to do so.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A private Indian university, Lovely Professional University (LPU), suspended classes after rumors spread that a female student had been raped on campus. The police have registered a case but have not found any proof or identified a victim or suspect, while protests caused violence and property damage.
Key Facts
LPU is one of India’s largest private universities, located in Punjab with thousands of students from India and abroad.
An unverified claim about a female student being raped in or near a hostel triggered protests on and off campus.
Police have not found evidence of an attack, no victim has come forward, and CCTV footage shows no signs of the incident.
Despite lack of evidence, police registered a rape case against an unknown person after student demands.
Protests turned violent with police cars torched, stones thrown, and damage to university property.
Students and staff described fear and confusion, with many leaving campus or staying locked in their rooms.
Key exams were postponed, and university authorities called the social media claims false.
Police formed a special investigation team to look into the matter but have not confirmed the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has banned the wearing of full-face coverings like the burqa and niqab in schools to promote gender equality. Muslim community leaders in Milan criticize the ban, saying it targets a small group and distorts the image of Islam.
Key Facts
Italy's Prime Minister Meloni announced a ban on face-covering garments in schools.
The ban mainly affects a small number of students (around 500 to 600) who wear full-face coverings.
Muslim leaders in Milan say the ban creates a "false problem" and misrepresents Islam.
The ban aims to ensure students attend school with uncovered faces for identification and equality reasons.
The ban does not explicitly name burqas or niqabs but forbids any full-face covering that prevents identifying the person.
Some critics compare the ban and protests against face coverings to historical colonial actions.
Italian law already restricts items that hide personal identity in public unless for valid reasons.
Legal experts say Parliament will review if the ban respects religious freedom and is proportional to its goals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Burkina Faso’s military government opened its first gold refinery to process more gold within the country instead of exporting raw gold. The refinery aims to increase government control over gold mining and reduce illegal gold trade that may fund armed groups.
Key Facts
The new gold refinery, Raffinor-BF, is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital.
The refinery can initially process 164 tonnes of gold per year, with plans to increase to 515 tonnes.
Burkina Faso is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, but much gold mining happens informally and unregulated.
The government launched a state-owned mining company two years ago and requires foreign firms to give the state a 15% share and train local workers.
The military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, took power in a 2022 coup and promotes national control of natural resources.
Illegal gold trading is alleged to finance Islamist insurgents linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
The refinery cost about $19 million and was financed by the government with private sector partners.
The government suspended exports of artisanal gold in 2024 to regulate the sector better.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to homes and vehicles. The violence happened as a Palestinian family tried to return to their home after a court decision, but settlers and Israeli forces blocked them and caused damage.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers set fire to two homes belonging to the Tubasi family in Jalud village.
The Tubasi family was trying to return to their home after being displaced for nearly two months.
Israeli forces arrived and reportedly protected the settlers and forced the Palestinian family to leave again.
Over 100 settlers rioted, blocking roads, burning tires, and throwing stones at Israeli security forces.
Other attacks by settlers took place in nearby villages, including assaulting a Palestinian elderly woman and damaging homes.
The violence caused fear and panic among Palestinian residents.
The International Committee of the Red Cross called for an end to the violence and for all parties to respect humanitarian law.
US Ambassador to Israel called violent settlers “terrorists” and warned about the negative impact on Israel’s image.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new vape and phone repair shop has opened next to the Mackintosh Tearooms in Glasgow, a historic building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Local people and heritage groups are concerned about fire risks because a recent fire in a vape shop destroyed another historic building nearby.
Key Facts
The Mackintosh Tearooms is a protected, historic building in Glasgow city center.
A vape shop fire six months ago destroyed the Union Corner building, also historic.
Another fire in 2018 heavily damaged the Glasgow School of Art, designed by Mackintosh.
After the vape shop fire, checks found many vape shops did not fully follow fire safety rules.
Heritage groups want the local council and Scottish government to stop vape shops opening near historic sites.
Glasgow city council said the new shop had been approved as a regular shop and there are no special vape shop licenses.
A local politician called for banning vape shops in historic buildings to prevent fire risks.
The council asked the Scottish government for tighter rules after the fire, but planning control remains with local authorities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article describes how the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) helps the United States stay ahead in important military and technology fields by investing in key industries like drones, satellites, and semiconductors. It says President Donald Trump expanded OSC’s work to protect U.S. interests and reduce reliance on other countries, especially China.
Key Facts
The OSC supports U.S. defense and economy by funding companies that make essential technologies.
President Trump increased OSC’s activity after it was less active under the Biden administration.
The OSC helps build U.S. production capacity in areas such as semiconductors, satellites, software, drones, and rare earth minerals.
Rare earth minerals are important for military equipment like fighter jets and drones, and China currently controls most of their processing.
OSC makes loans and investments that help private companies expand, with the goal of repaying taxpayers.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg and OSC director David Lorch have driven major projects at OSC.
One example is a $150 million loan to MP Materials to increase rare earth mineral processing in California.
Another is an $820 million commitment to help build American drone manufacturing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
