Leading climate scientists who helped Greater Manchester set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2038 are asking Prime Minister Andy Burnham to stop new oil drilling in the North Sea. They warn that approving new oil projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank would go against the UK’s climate promises and harm global efforts to limit warming.
Key Facts
Scientists from the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester authored a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The letter opposes new oil drilling in the North Sea, specifically the Jackdaw and Rosebank oilfields.
Jackdaw and Rosebank projects were paused due to legal requirements for a more detailed environmental impact assessment.
Burnham, as mayor of Greater Manchester, helped create a plan for the city to become carbon neutral by 2038.
The scientists say allowing new drilling breaks the climate principles Burnham supported and the UK’s international commitments.
Global carbon emissions need to drop by about 8% every year to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
Burning new fossil fuels from these fields would increase emissions and worsen climate change effects like heatwaves and wildfires.
The scientists warn that approving drilling would signal that the UK is stepping back from its climate responsibilities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 100 retired NASA astronauts formed a group called Astronauts for America to promote support for the U.S. Constitution and democracy. They will run the Vote for Freedom campaign, visiting many college campuses to encourage young voters to participate in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
The group includes 108 former NASA astronauts with diverse political views.
They want to restore trust in the U.S. Constitution and democratic institutions.
Astronaut Cady Coleman describes the experience of viewing America from space as united without divisions.
The campaign launches around the 2026 semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the U.S.
The Vote for Freedom campaign will tour about 60 colleges, mostly in swing states.
They focus on encouraging first-time and young voters to use their right to vote.
Notable members include Charles Bolden and Bill Nelson, both former NASA administrators.
Rusty Schweickart, who flew on Apollo 9, is the oldest member at 90 years old.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in Miami and face serious charges including rape, assault, and sex trafficking. They were previously under house arrest in Romania but left the country with help from the Trump administration. The article discusses how Tate’s misogynistic views align with many on the American right and why Democrats have not strongly challenged this.
Key Facts
Andrew Tate is accused of rape, strangulation, assault, sex trafficking, and possession of illegal content.
Tate and his brother were arrested in Miami but had earlier legal troubles in Romania.
The Trump administration helped the Tate brothers leave Romanian house arrest and return to the U.S.
Tate and his brother hold dual citizenship with the UK and await extradition there.
The Tate brothers have built their public image by making sexist and hateful remarks about women.
Investigations found evidence of alleged serious crimes and police failures to act properly.
Tate’s views on male dominance resonate strongly with many supporters of President Trump and the MAGA movement.
Democrats have not focused much on holding the Trump movement accountable for embracing figures like Tate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Francisco Longoria was stopped by masked agents from ICE and CBP while driving in Southern California. When he tried to leave, agents shot at his truck; later, Longoria was arrested and charged but the charges were dropped. He and his family have filed a lawsuit against the government for using excessive force and racial profiling.
Key Facts
On August 16, Francisco Longoria was delivering a party item in San Bernardino, California, when ICE and CBP agents stopped his truck.
The agents wore masks and did not show a warrant or identify themselves clearly.
Longoria did not immediately comply, and an agent smashed his window and struck him in the face.
Longoria tried to drive away, and an agent fired three shots at his truck, hitting the passenger side.
Longoria was later charged with a felony for allegedly using his truck as a weapon, but the case was dropped.
The family has filed a lawsuit claiming excessive use of force, violation of agency policies, and racial profiling.
The lawsuit also states officers broke a court order against targeting people based on race or language.
The incident occurred during the Trump administration’s immigration raids in Southern California, a largely Latino city.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses how claims about voter fraud often change and are treated differently depending on the source. It points out that some media, like CNN, label large-scale voter fraud claims as conspiracy theories but may overlook actual cases of voter fraud.
Key Facts
Allegations of voter fraud are often called conspiracy theories by some media outlets.
The standards for what counts as voter fraud seem to change over time.
Some real examples of voter fraud exist but may not get wide attention.
Media responses to voter fraud claims can vary depending on who reports them.
The article suggests that discussions around voter fraud lack consistency.
Voter fraud is a key topic in U.S. election discussions and politics.
The issue affects public trust in election results and the voting process.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two Dutch men have been banned from returning to Indonesia after organizing a running event in Bali without permission. The event also faced criticism for reportedly excluding Indonesian locals while accepting foreigners.
Key Facts
Indonesian immigration banned two Dutch nationals for holding an illegal run event in Bali.
The event was organized without the required permits.
The run club, Entourage Bali, was accused of rejecting Indonesian applicants but accepting foreigners.
The two Dutch men left Bali for Singapore before the ban was announced.
Bali's governor promised strict action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Entourage Bali said their run clubs are open to everyone, including Indonesians, and cited technical issues for some rejections.
Indonesians made up about 25% of participants in the club's events.
Indonesian authorities criticized the club as acting like a “state within a state” because of its exclusive nature.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Federal wildlife officials are investigating a video that shows a person kicking a protected sea lion at a California beach. The agency confirmed the investigation but gave no further details, while local authorities and animal welfare groups expressed concern about animal harassment.
Key Facts
A video shows a person kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is investigating the incident.
Sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, making harassment illegal with fines up to $36,000 and possible prison time.
People are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from sea lions to avoid disturbing them.
NOAA has only four enforcement officers for all of California and relies on local park rangers and volunteers for help.
The person in the video has not been publicly identified.
San Diego’s mayor called the act animal cruelty and asked local law enforcement to review the footage.
Animal groups report that some sea lion pups have died in the area, possibly because their mothers were scared away by people.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine's military attacked and destroyed a Russian S-400 air defense launcher and radar system in Crimea using drones. The S-400, also called Triumf, is a powerful missile defense system that Russia uses to protect its military assets in the region.
Key Facts
Ukraine targeted and destroyed a Russian S-400 missile launcher and radar in Crimea.
The S-400 system fires interceptor missiles to shoot down threats like drones, jets, or missiles.
The S-400 is considered one of Russia’s most advanced air defense systems, similar to the U.S. Patriot system.
Russia claimed to have intercepted 133 Ukrainian drones in one recent attack period, including over Crimea.
Russia took control of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and uses it as a military base.
Ukraine is trying to isolate Crimea by attacking supply routes and military targets with drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine can strike Russian targets far inside Russia, forcing Russia to move many air defenses to protect key cities and infrastructure.
The Crimean Bridge links Russia to Crimea and is a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Daniel Adongo, a former NFL player from Kenya, was deported from the United States last month after overstaying his visa and facing multiple arrests and prison time. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) called him a "dangerous individual" and carried out his removal on June 20.
Key Facts
Daniel Adongo is a 37-year-old Kenyan who played as a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts from 2013 to 2015.
He overstayed his U.S. visa starting in 2016, one year after his NFL career ended.
ICE ordered Adongo to leave the U.S. on March 23 and deported him on June 20.
ICE described Adongo as a threat to the community due to multiple arrests over 10 years, including felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct.
Adongo has not commented on the allegations, and his deportation destination is unknown.
After his NFL career, Adongo spent time in a psychiatric hospital and was ruled incompetent to stand trial in 2017.
In 2020, he was convicted of criminal mischief with damage and sentenced to almost one year in prison.
ICE cited the Laken Riley Act, a law signed by President Trump in January 2025 that holds undocumented immigrants accused of theft or violent crimes in prison while awaiting trial.
More than 40 Kenyans have been arrested by ICE in recent years, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States has stopped its bombing strikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of attacks, although a naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing amid tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route currently closed by Iran.
Key Facts
The US paused air strikes on Iran after 13 nights of attacks, but the naval blockade of Iranian ports remains.
Retaliatory attacks by Iran on US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan have also stopped.
The Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway, remains closed due to disagreements over shipping control.
Iran and Oman have discussed a shared management plan for the Strait, but its acceptance by the US and Gulf countries is unclear.
A recent US-Iran agreement aimed to keep the Strait open for 60 days, but conflicts over shipping routes led to renewed violence.
The situation has impacted other regional waterways, including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, where attacks have slowed ship traffic.
A Ukrainian strike on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea killed at least one Iranian sailor, further increasing tensions.
Global oil prices dropped by about 4 percent after the ceasefire in missile exchanges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. and Iran have paused fighting after nearly two weeks of conflict, allowing for talks through Oman about reopening the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. While Iran denies direct talks with the U.S., both sides appear to be working toward easing tensions, and the U.S. is sending more military resources to the region.
Key Facts
Iran says it is not negotiating directly with the U.S. but is in talks with Oman about managing ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and Iran claims control over it.
Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has paused after nearly two weeks of escalation.
The U.S. plans to monitor the situation but continues to send more military assets to the region.
The pause in fighting is described by U.S. officials as creating space for diplomacy.
Oil prices dropped around 7% following the pause, easing concerns in global markets.
Stock markets in Europe and the U.S. rose due to the decreased risk of conflict.
Iran reportedly fired warning shots at ships trying to use a U.S.-designated route through the strait but has not fully blocked maritime traffic.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A shooting occurred at the Bite of Seattle food festival, killing three people and injuring four others, including a toddler. Police have arrested one suspect and are searching for a second, but say there is no current threat to the public.
Key Facts
The shooting happened around 6 p.m. on Sunday at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle festival.
Three people died: two men aged 19 and 44, and one woman aged 56.
Four people were injured, including a 2-year-old boy, all hospitalized in stable condition.
Police believe the two suspects were shooting at each other.
One suspect was arrested at the scene; the second suspect is still being searched for.
Dozens of officers were providing security at the event, some witnessed the shooting.
The event is an annual three-day festival attracting many vendors and performers.
Attendees reported chaos and sought shelter when the shooting started.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is visiting a General Motors facility in Michigan to promote his economic policies, including his use of tariffs. He recently imposed steep tariffs on Canadian goods, which could impact Michigan's auto industry and economy as the state prepares for its August primary elections.
Key Facts
President Trump is visiting a General Motors site in Milford, Michigan.
He will defend his tariff policies that affect many Michigan businesses.
New tariffs impose up to 50% duties on many Canadian products, including cars.
The tariffs have raised concerns among Michigan automakers and industry groups.
Michigan is an important swing state that Trump won in 2024 after losing it in 2020.
Early voting is underway for Michigan’s August 4 primary elections.
The state’s political races include a Republican governor contest and a competitive Democratic Senate primary.
Michigan’s economy relies heavily on auto manufacturing, which is influenced by trade policies with Canada.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration wants to remove a 50-year-old radiation safety rule called ALARA, which requires organizations to keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably possible. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed replacing ALARA with a new approach that aims to reduce confusion but may allow faster action on building small reactors.
Key Facts
ALARA stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable," a rule to minimize radiation exposure even below legal limits.
The rule applies to places like nuclear power plants, hospitals, universities, and research labs that use radioactive materials.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposed changing ALARA to a “graded approach” to make rules clearer.
The change would not alter current legal limits on radiation exposure for workers or the public.
The new approach could help companies building smaller nuclear reactors move faster.
Some critics worry that removing ALARA might allow higher radiation doses in some situations.
The proposal was published on July 15 and is open for public comments until August 31.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Elmer Saflor, an artist from the Philippines, has sued Memes Apps, a company that runs AI meme generator platforms, for using his copyrighted comic "Running Away Balloon" in ads without his permission. He claims the company sells subscriptions that allow users to create ads using his work, raising questions about copyright rules for AI-powered meme creation.
Key Facts
Elmer Saflor is the creator of the "Running Away Balloon" comic, which became a popular meme in 2017.
Memes Apps operates platforms called Memes.ai and Memes AI Studio that use AI to create memes and ads.
Saflor filed a lawsuit accusing Memes Apps of copyright violation by selling access to his comic as a meme template without permission.
He filed the suit to force the company to show how his comic was used and to address legal questions about AI and copyright.
A recent court case ruled that using memes in ads requires permission, supporting Saflor’s position.
The lawsuit targets the meme generator company instead of individual advertisers, which could create complex legal issues.
Memes Apps offers subscription plans costing $40 to $199 per month for access to meme templates.
It is unclear if advertisers have actually used Saflor’s comic in ads generated through these platforms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two people died after being rescued from the sea at Fistral beach in Newquay, Cornwall. Emergency services responded quickly, but a man and a woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Another man died at West Wittering beach in Sussex, where two men were pulled from the water.
Key Facts
A man and a woman died after being pulled from the sea at Fistral beach, Newquay.
Emergency teams involved included coastguards, a rescue helicopter, lifeboat crews, paramedics, and police.
The incidents happened on Sunday, July 26, 2024.
In West Sussex, two men were rescued from the sea at West Wittering; one died and the other went to the hospital.
Police are preparing reports for the coroners and have informed the victims’ families.
These incidents happened just before the Boardmasters festival, a popular five-day event for music, surfing, and skateboarding in Newquay.
Water safety experts warned about the dangers of swimming outdoors after several summer deaths.
The RNLI advises people to swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches and, if stuck in water, to float calmly and call for help.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A portrait of singer Charli XCX taken by photographer Harley Weir was added to the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Charli’s new album, Music, Fashion, Film, has been popular and critically praised, and she is also involved in several upcoming film projects.
Key Facts
The portrait was taken in 2023 and is linked to Charli’s 2024 album, Brat.
The National Portrait Gallery displayed the photo in its History Makers Now space.
The gallery’s purchase was funded by the Bukhman Foundation.
Charli’s album Music, Fashion, Film was released recently and is doing well in the UK charts.
She released three extra songs as B-sides available on iTunes.
Charli has acted in several films and will appear in more, including a film by director Takashi Miike.
She will headline the Reading and Leeds festivals and tour North America later this year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A US private equity firm, TPG, has bought Optum UK, the company that manages electronic patient records for most GP practices in England, for about $400 million. This has raised concerns about sensitive NHS patient data being controlled by a private company without much public oversight.
Key Facts
TPG, a US investment firm, bought Optum UK, which controls the electronic patient record system used by most English GP practices.
The deal is worth approximately $400 million (£300 million).
Optum UK manages the electronic health records of millions of NHS patients.
Doctors, campaigners, MPs, and human rights groups say the sale happened with little public scrutiny.
Critics worry about patient privacy and data security under private equity ownership.
TPG has faced previous criticism over hospitals it backs in Africa, accused of pushing patients into debt.
TPG denies prioritizing profits over patient care and says it has improved healthcare quality and patient rights.
There are calls for the UK government to explain safeguards for data and consider supporting British technology companies instead.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The price of oil dropped by more than 9% on Monday after the US and Iran stopped attacks for a few days to allow talks to continue. This pause has eased fears about disruption to important shipping routes and global energy supplies, leading to lower oil prices.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price fell below $88 per barrel, down from over $100 last week.
The US ambassador to the UN confirmed a pause in attacks on Iran for two nights to support negotiations.
Iran also announced it stopped retaliatory attacks in the region during this pause.
The conflict caused the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments.
An earlier June deal between the US and Iran had reopened the Strait, dropping oil prices to around $70 per barrel.
The ceasefire broke down earlier this month, causing oil prices to climb again.
Additional attacks by Yemeni Houthis on oil tankers caused concern over other export routes.
Higher oil prices have increased the cost of fuel and other goods, contributing to higher inflation worldwide.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
