The White House announced that President Donald Trump is canceling over $800 million in government funds using a method called "pocket rescission," which lets the president try to cancel money near the end of the fiscal year without full approval from Congress. Senator Susan Collins criticized the move, saying it breaks the law because Congress must approve funding changes.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump used the Impoundment Control Act to rescind more than $800 million in funds from several federal programs.
This "pocket rescission" method was also used by Trump in 2025 to cut billions from foreign aid programs.
The Supreme Court allowed the previous rescission to continue temporarily but has not made a final decision on its legality.
Pocket rescissions let the president ask Congress to cancel funding close to the fiscal year's end, but Congress has only 45 days to respond.
The funds being rescinded affect agencies like Health and Human Services, Education, Housing and Urban Development, and Justice.
The administration claims some of the canceled funds supported programs for undocumented immigrants or refugees.
Senator Susan Collins called the rescission illegal and said the White House did not warn Congress before withholding the funds.
Collins plans to work with other lawmakers to stop these actions and protect Congress’s control over spending.
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Meals on Wheels Jersey delivers hot meals to about 100 people four days a week. Rising fuel costs make it harder for them to find new volunteer drivers since volunteers have to pay for their own fuel.
Key Facts
Meals on Wheels Jersey helps people who cannot cook by delivering meals.
The group received £38,000 from the Jersey Community Foundation to support its work.
About 100 people receive meals each week, delivered four days a week.
The organization is run completely by volunteers, with no paid staff.
Fuel costs are making it difficult to recruit new volunteer drivers.
Volunteers often drive long distances, sometimes twice across the island daily.
Most volunteers are retired people, some with limited pensions.
People who get the meals pay £5, which covers the cost of the food.
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Heavy rains have caused serious flooding in Bangkok, Thailand. The city’s governor has officially declared the area a disaster zone due to the damage and danger from the floods.
Key Facts
Bangkok has experienced nearly 300 millimeters (about 11.8 inches) of rain over several days.
Floodwaters have covered many roads, making travel difficult and stranding some vehicles.
More rain is expected to fall in the coming days, possibly worsening the flooding.
The governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, declared the city a disaster-affected area.
Videos show the extent of flooding, with streets submerged under water.
The situation is ongoing and being monitored by local authorities.
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Keeleigh John, who received a double organ transplant as a child, is now pregnant despite doctors previously saying it was unlikely she could have children. She credits her donor’s family for saving her life and allowing her to create new life. Keeleigh also promotes organ donation and competes in transplant sports events.
Key Facts
Keeleigh John from Somerset had liver and kidney transplants at age 12 due to kidney failure.
Doctors told her family pregnancy would likely not be possible after the surgery.
She found out she was pregnant after recovering from sepsis this year and is currently 14 weeks along with a healthy baby.
Keeleigh competes in transplant sports including shot put, archery, and discus, winning gold medals.
She advocates for the NHS Organ Donor Register, encouraging people to both accept and donate organs.
NHS data shows organ donations have dropped by 9% compared to last year, while waiting lists for transplants are at a record high.
Keeleigh plans to compete in the 2027 World Transplant Games and hopes to bring her baby.
Her family expressed deep gratitude to the donor family for making her survival and pregnancy possible.
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At the United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron gave very different speeches about the future of the world. Trump focused on U.S. power and threats against Iran, while Macron defended international law, fairness, and cooperation among countries.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about U.S. military and economic strength and threatened harsh action in the war with Iran.
President Macron criticized ideas that might makes right and defended a world ruled by international rules and fairness.
Macron pointed out that Western countries often apply double standards to different regions, like Europe versus the Middle East or Africa.
Macron has supported European independence in security and politics, saying Europe should not fully rely on the U.S. for defense.
Macron’s calls for European reforms have mostly failed due to opposition and political challenges within Europe.
The current international order guided by rules has been breaking down since Trump took office in early 2021.
Macron’s recent domestic political troubles in France have limited his influence internationally.
This speech was Macron’s last at the UN before he steps down as French president next spring.
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President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran during a speech at the United Nations but is facing challenges at home. His influence is weakening due to low approval ratings, legal setbacks, and reduced support within the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to “annihilate” Iran in a United Nations speech.
Trump criticized CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, despite the network being allowed to cover him again after a court decision.
His approval ratings have dropped to historic lows amid inflation, rising fuel costs, and the ongoing war in Iran.
Federal courts and the Supreme Court have blocked some of Trump’s policy efforts, including restrictions on mail-in ballots and access for certain news outlets.
Some Republican candidates are distancing themselves from Trump fearing his influence may hurt their election chances.
Republican strategist Rick Wilson compared the situation within Republicans to animals sensing danger but unsure how to respond to Trump’s presence.
Trump has faced multiple criminal cases and assassination attempts but continues to maintain strong personal confidence.
The 2024 midterm elections are seen as critical, with concerns that Trump’s unpopularity could lead to losses for Republicans in Congress.
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CNN was removed from the group of reporters traveling with President Donald Trump on a trip to Tennessee, despite a judge’s order to restore their White House access. Last week, President Trump banned CNN and two other news outlets from the White House, but a court ruled that the ban was likely against the law and temporarily allowed them back.
Key Facts
President Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access last week, citing negative coverage.
A judge temporarily restored access for these outlets, saying the ban was probably unconstitutional.
CNN was scheduled to travel with the president on Saturday as part of the press pool but was excluded in the final White House schedule.
The press pool is a rotating team of reporters who travel with the president due to limited space.
Instead of CNN, a pro-Trump outlet called Lindell TV was included in the press pool.
Major U.S. TV networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, and NBC, protested the White House’s restrictions on the media.
CNN declined to comment on the removal, and the White House did not respond to requests for comments.
The judge’s order to reinstate access was meant to protect the public’s right to independent information about the government.
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Families in Gaza are living in damaged and unsafe buildings after many homes were destroyed during the recent war with Israel. Many people cannot leave these dangerous places because there are few options for safe shelter and rebuilding is very slow and expensive.
Key Facts
The war between Israel and Gaza caused heavy damage to homes in Gaza.
Over 370,000 housing units, or about 77% of Gaza's homes, are damaged or destroyed.
Rebuilding Gaza’s homes will cost more than $71 billion over the next ten years.
Some buildings in Gaza are unstable and have partially collapsed, causing deaths.
Residents, like Masada Abu Jarad, live in partly ruined homes and have no safe places to move.
Local authorities and aid groups have warned people to leave dangerous buildings.
Many families have been forced to move several times because their homes were destroyed.
The ongoing conflict and restrictions have stopped proper rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
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U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says less support for Israel in the U.S. is because many people lack knowledge of the Bible. He also blames false information and dislike for religious beliefs. Polls show that many Americans have a negative view of Israel, and some accuse Israel of serious crimes, which Israel and its leaders deny.
Key Facts
Mike Huckabee is the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
He believes declining support in the U.S. for Israel is due to “biblical illiteracy” (not knowing the Bible).
Huckabee also blames false information and hatred of religious beliefs for changing views.
He denies claims that Israel committed genocide or practices apartheid.
A Pew Research poll found 65% of white evangelicals have a positive view of Israel, but 60% of all U.S. adults view Israel negatively.
An AP-NORC poll showed more Americans believe Israel committed genocide in Gaza than do not, with many unsure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized new New York officials who are critical of Israel and said some Jewish residents feel unsafe.
New York politician Zohran Mamdani opposes hatred but supports international legal action against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.
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The White House did not allow CNN reporters to travel with President Donald Trump on Air Force One for a trip to Tennessee. This comes after recent tensions between the White House and some news organizations over their coverage of the administration.
Key Facts
CNN was scheduled to travel with President Trump to Tennessee but was removed from the media list.
No other news outlet was listed as a replacement for CNN on the trip.
Last week, President Trump banned CNN, Politico, and MS NOW reporters from the White House, accusing them of false reporting.
The banned media groups are considering legal action, citing their free speech and press rights.
Other major networks paused coverage of the president in support of the banned outlets.
A federal judge ruled the ban on news outlets was likely unconstitutional and ordered the White House to allow them back in.
Despite the ruling, some reporters were still denied entry at certain White House events, such as a state dinner for Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Regular TV coverage from the White House resumed after reporters were allowed back inside.
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A former cabinet minister under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Peter Kyle, said Andy Burnham's government is not acting quickly enough to improve the economy. Kyle suggested the government should be willing to make tough short-term decisions to boost long-term economic growth.
Key Facts
Peter Kyle served as business secretary and science secretary under Keir Starmer’s government.
Kyle was removed from Burnham’s cabinet two months ago but spoke about the government’s economic plans.
Kyle believes the government needs to act faster to increase economic growth and prosperity.
He suggested delaying some workers' rights changes to help economic growth in the short term.
Kyle proposed creating a “tax growth test” to see how taxes affect the economy.
The Employment Rights Act passed in 2025 but some measures will start next year.
Chancellor John Healey will present his first Budget on October 28, amid concerns about rising debt and slow growth.
Andy Burnham plans to focus on devolving powers to local areas to encourage growth across regions.
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Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said the party must bring progressive voters back together to win the next UK election. She highlighted the need to unite those who have drifted to smaller left-leaning parties and offered plans to expand anti-harassment education in schools.
Key Facts
Lucy Powell is Labour’s deputy leader and won the position 12 months ago.
Labour aims to reunite progressive voters, including those who have supported Reform UK, the Greens, SNP, or Plaid Cymru.
Labour’s poll ratings have improved, making the next election competitive.
Powell believes Labour needs to clearly show its values to win back voters who have lost faith.
Labour plans to expand anti-harassment work in schools to better address misogyny and online abuse.
Schools will be asked to include healthy relationships and a sense of belonging throughout their culture, not just in lessons.
Labour is prepared to speak more openly about workers’ rights and free childcare hours.
The next UK general election is expected in 2029, according to the prime minister.
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Some schoolchildren in Derbyshire face paying higher bus fares because discounted travel passes are only available through smartphone apps. Parents who choose not to give their children smartphones say this forces them to pay much more to travel, and bus companies are working on physical cards to fix the issue.
Key Facts
A discount scheme by Derbyshire county council requires students to use a smartphone app to get cheaper bus fares.
Children without smartphones must pay up to £546 more a year for school bus travel.
The b_line card limits bus fares to £1.50 per ride for under-19s but must be registered via an app to get the discount.
Trentbarton bus company said their ticket machines cannot read council-issued cards yet but are developing a physical card for those without smartphones.
Some parents choose "brick phones" (basic phones without apps) to limit children's screen time.
Campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood highlights that app-only discounts disadvantage families who delay giving smartphones to children.
A new law bans phones in English schools but does not cover phone use while traveling or bus fare discounts.
Other bus companies like Stagecoach also require smartphone apps for their best youth discounts.
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A large leak of confidential files from the Curaçao Gaming Authority revealed details about many offshore online casinos. The documents expose how some casinos are linked to British and Georgian owners and suggest illegal practices targeting gamblers, especially in the UK.
Key Facts
The leak includes tens of thousands of confidential files from Curaçao’s gambling regulator.
Curaçao hosts more than 8,000 online casinos, making it a major hub for gambling firms.
Some casinos, like the crypto-focused Stake.com and Santeda network, are named in the leak.
Santeda casinos reportedly targeted vulnerable UK gamblers without proper licenses.
Upgaming, a Georgian-owned company, appears connected to Santeda in the leaked data.
Loans of over €15 million were made between Santeda and a Luxembourg company linked to Upgaming owners.
Oddsbet, once owned by Robert Bostock from the UK, was focused on high-stakes gamblers and linked to cryptocurrency investments.
The Curaçao Gaming Authority confirmed unauthorized access to its database by a hacker.
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Researchers in France studied how drones could deliver defibrillators faster to people having heart attacks outside hospitals. They found that using drones alongside fixed defibrillators could cover nearly all cases within a few minutes, potentially improving response times and saving more lives.
Key Facts
In the UK, there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year.
Survival chances drop 10% for every minute without CPR or defibrillation.
The study analyzed 28,349 cardiac arrests in Greater Paris from 2011 to 2024.
Only 30% of cases were within 500 meters of a fixed defibrillator.
Adding many more fixed defibrillators would be expensive and difficult to achieve full coverage.
Using up to 200 drone bases, combined with a few extra fixed defibrillators, could cover more than 99% of cases within about 4 km.
Drones could deliver defibrillators faster than ground retrieval in most cases, reaching victims within five minutes.
Many fixed defibrillators are hard to access because they are inside private buildings or closed outside business hours.
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Andy Burnham is preparing for challenges after the Labour party conference, including economic difficulties, international tensions from the war in Iran, and political contests at home. Key issues ahead include managing the national budget, improving relations with the European Union, competing with the Green party in a by-election, and decisions on oil and gas drilling.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Labour leader making his first speech at the party conference in Liverpool.
The UK faces economic pressures due to the Iran war raising energy prices and causing inflation.
The government’s budget announcement is due on 28 October, with limited ability to increase spending or cut taxes.
Energy prices could rise significantly in January, with a decision on fuel duty freeze expected by year-end.
Talks on improving trade ties with the European Union are expected in early November, following Brexit-related challenges.
A key election on 8 October in Holborn and St Pancras will test Labour’s ability to win back voters from the Green party.
The government is considering new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea but has delayed decisions on two projects.
Some Labour members want wealth taxes to help public finances, but promises have been made not to raise income tax or VAT.
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Lonnie Bunch, the Smithsonian Institution’s outgoing secretary, defended the museum against political criticism from President Donald Trump’s administration. Bunch emphasized the importance of presenting all parts of American history, including slavery, to understand the country fully.
Key Facts
Lonnie Bunch is stepping down as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at the end of the year.
Bunch received a standing ovation while speaking at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
President Trump’s administration criticized the Smithsonian, calling it biased and ordered a review of museum content.
Trump has complained the Smithsonian focuses too much on negative history like slavery and not enough on success or the future.
Bunch said slavery is essential to understanding America’s history and should be openly discussed.
He stressed museums should base their displays on independent research, not political pressure.
The White House accused cultural institutions of trying to rewrite U.S. history and placed warning signs outside the National Museum of American History.
Bunch called the African American museum a “beacon of possibility” that will endure despite political challenges.
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New reports reveal conflicts within India’s Election Commission about changes to the voter list that removed over 13 million names, mostly affecting poorer and minority groups. Two commissioners opposed the chief commissioner’s decisions, raising doubts about the fairness of elections in the world’s largest democracy.
Key Facts
India’s Election Commission manages elections for over 1.4 billion people.
The commission has three members: Chief Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
Since June 2025, the commission removed more than 13 million names from voter lists.
Critics say these removals mostly affected vulnerable groups like poor people and minorities.
Sandhu and Joshi objected at least 14 times to Kumar’s decisions, calling some actions illegal and unauthorized.
Opposition parties say changes help Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party and challenge the commission’s independence.
The Supreme Court approved the voter list revisions despite opposition concerns.
Voting rights in India also affect eligibility for government welfare programs.
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Heavy rain over two days has caused serious flooding in Bangkok, Thailand. Authorities have issued red alerts in the hardest-hit areas to warn people of the danger and manage the situation.
Key Facts
Bangkok experienced continuous heavy rain for 48 hours.
The rain caused widespread flooding across the city.
Traffic was severely disrupted due to the floods.
Thai authorities issued red alerts for areas most affected by the flooding.
The alerts aim to help people stay safe and respond quickly to emergencies.
Floodwaters have impacted daily life and transportation in Bangkok.
Officials are monitoring the situation closely to provide assistance and manage risks.
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Bangkok declared a flood disaster after nearly 300 millimeters of rain fell in less than two days, causing canals to overflow and streets to flood. The city governor said the situation is stabilizing and urged people to stay home while officials work to drain the water.
Key Facts
More than 300 millimeters of rain fell in Bangkok in under 48 hours.
Canals overflowed, flooding streets, homes, shops, and restaurants.
The flood disaster was declared across all 50 districts of Bangkok.
Around 980 people are staying in temporary shelters; 36 bed-ridden individuals were moved to hospitals.
Bangkok’s canals are full, limiting drainage capacity; pumping stations are working at maximum.
The governor said if no more rain falls, floodwaters will take 2-3 days to drain.
Officials are working with nearby provinces to help drain water out of the city.
Roads are flooded, causing transport disruptions, but food shortages are not expected.
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