New research suggests that genetic differences on the X chromosome may help explain why autism is diagnosed about four times more often in boys than in girls. Scientists studied families and found genetic variants that mothers can carry without effects, but which may increase the chance of autism in their sons.
Key Facts
Autism is diagnosed roughly four times more often in boys than girls.
The study focused on genetic differences passed from healthy mothers to their autistic sons.
Researchers studied the X chromosome because males have one X and females have two.
Mothers may be protected from gene variants by their second X chromosome, while sons are more vulnerable.
The study analyzed genetic data from over 8,000 families and identified 22 rare gene variants linked to autism.
Autism affects communication, social behavior, and interaction.
Experts caution that autism is complex and not caused by a single genetic factor.
Girls with autism may be underdiagnosed due to different behavior patterns or less obvious symptoms.
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John Healey, the UK Chancellor, plans to use his first budget to provide financial relief to consumers and businesses while following Labour’s budget rules. He intends to announce more energy support and maintain the spending limits from the previous government’s plans.
Key Facts
Healey wants to give Britain “breathing space” amid rising costs through his upcoming budget.
The UK government has already reduced VAT on electricity bills.
Further energy support is expected in the budget on 28 October, before energy prices rise in January.
Healey will stick to spending plans set by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves and expects departments to manage within existing budgets.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) praised the UK’s plan to reduce its deficit.
Healey has not confirmed plans to raise taxes on banks or capital gains tax.
He aims to avoid speculation about budget details to prevent negative effects on pensions and business investments.
Healey is preparing additional support for Ukraine, including military, diplomatic, and economic aid.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he feels betrayed by President Donald Trump after Starlink internet service was limited for fast-moving Ukrainian drones. This reduction affected Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian drone attacks near Kyiv. Separately, legal and political developments involving President Trump’s administration have raised questions about human rights groups, Israel’s cooperation on peace initiatives, and his new press secretary’s legal credentials.
Key Facts
Ukraine uses Starlink, a satellite internet system made by SpaceX and managed by the US government, to control drones in its war with Russia.
Starlink’s service was restricted for terminals moving faster than 100 mph, disrupting Ukraine’s drone operations and air defense.
President Zelenskyy expressed feeling betrayed by President Trump over this Starlink limitation.
A US judge blocked Trump administration sanctions on two human rights groups helping the International Criminal Court’s investigation of Gaza war crimes.
Israel has delayed a military outpost project that was part of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
Katie Zacharia is President Trump’s new press secretary; questions have arisen about her claim to be a licensed US lawyer.
Cornell University’s president admitted knowing about a reported sexual assault but did not follow up or know the student involved had left until a lawsuit was filed.
A separate sexual assault allegation was reported at a Chicago fraternity recently.
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Ukraine is facing increased Russian missile attacks that cause deaths and damage. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said NATO’s early-warning satellite intelligence has stopped being shared, making it harder to respond in time, but the U.S. denies this. There is tension as President Donald Trump has called for an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia during the conflict.
Key Facts
Russian missiles have struck Ukraine repeatedly, killing at least 15 people this week and injuring many more.
Ukraine relies on NATO satellites to detect missile launches early, giving about 10 minutes to warn people.
President Zelenskyy said intelligence data from satellites is no longer being shared, but the U.S. denies stopping it.
Without satellite data, Ukraine’s air defenses and drones have less time and accuracy to respond.
President Trump called for an energy ceasefire to stop attacks on oil and power sites in both countries.
Ukraine was surprised by Trump’s ceasefire announcement, and Russia continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy targets.
Analysts say Trump wants peace talks to push Ukraine toward compromises favorable to Russia.
Kyiv had paused attacks on Russian refineries for three days but resumed drone strikes recently.
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President Donald Trump has said he will not attack Iran before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3 but hinted the conflict might end afterward. Meanwhile, Iran has increased attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, while the U.S. military has sent more forces to the region.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian counterattacks in the Gulf and nearby areas.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz early in the conflict; this route carries about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas.
Oil prices rose from about $72 per barrel before the conflict to nearly $120 earlier this year; prices were around $104 recently.
A ceasefire in June failed over control of the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran has increased attacks on ships in the strait, using new tactics against vessels it sees as breaking its rules.
The U.S. has at least three aircraft carrier strike groups in or heading to the Gulf and about 50,000 troops at bases in the Middle East.
The U.S. is likely to continue its naval blockade and escorting commercial ships through the strait, balancing protection and avoiding open conflict.
Drones are increasingly used by the U.S. for intelligence and attacks, which is less expensive than using aircraft.
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France is facing high poverty and growing hunger. Oxfam France says tax laws have helped rich people more and made inequality worse. They are asking courts to check if the government is breaking rules on fair taxes.
Key Facts
Poverty in France is at its highest level in many years.
Hunger is increasing in the country.
Oxfam France is a group that supports people in need and fights inequality.
Oxfam challenges the tax system in France, saying it favors the rich.
They want the courts to see if the government is failing its legal duties about fair taxes.
France is dealing with financial problems and debates about its budget.
Experts say tax laws have been changed over time to help wealthy people more.
This court case might make tax fairness a legal issue for years.
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Sergei Sokolov, the editor-in-chief of the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was detained after authorities searched his home. He was taken to Moscow's Investigative Committee for questioning.
Key Facts
Sergei Sokolov leads Novaya Gazeta, an independent newspaper in Russia.
He was detained following a search of his home by Russian authorities on October 15, 2026.
Sokolov was taken to the Investigative Committee in Moscow for questioning.
Novaya Gazeta is labeled a "foreign agent" by Russian authorities, a classification that targets independent media.
The newspaper has faced difficulties since Russia's 2022 military actions in Ukraine and increased censorship.
Many independent Russian journalists have gone into exile due to strict government controls.
The newspaper lost contact with Sokolov just before an editorial meeting on the day of his detention.
A lawyer was sent to assist Sokolov after his detention.
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A man died after being thrown from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, causing the ride and similar ones to close. The park plans to reopen soon, but the ride will stay closed while investigators look into what happened and whether safety rules were followed.
Key Facts
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster on October 12.
Goliath is made by Bolliger & Mabillard and uses a clamshell lap belt restraint system.
Investigators have not confirmed if a mechanical failure caused the accident.
Safety expert Brian Avery said restraints usually keep riders safe but can fail if the fit or rider position is wrong.
There is no federal safety regulation for amusement park rides; states control oversight.
In Georgia, the state’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire inspects rides annually.
The ride was inspected before the park season started, and a full investigation is now ongoing.
Six Flags has not announced when the Goliath ride will reopen.
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The article shares a personal story of someone who faced religious persecution in Iran. They express feeling ignored by the global community while their government controlled their life. The US offered them a chance to start a new life and pursue their dreams.
Key Facts
The person experienced religious persecution in Iran.
Their government controlled important decisions about their life.
They felt the international community did not pay enough attention to their situation.
The United States provided an opportunity for them to live freely.
The article reflects on the contrast between life in Iran and the American dream.
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A severe drought has been declared in parts of southern England due to very low rainfall and high water use after the hottest summer on record. Key reservoirs in the affected areas have very low water levels, but the government says water supplies for customers will not be interrupted.
Key Facts
The drought affects parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, and West Sussex.
The Environment Agency declared the drought after reviewing water resources and conditions.
Wimbleball Reservoir is at 14.9% capacity, and other reservoirs like Roadford, Burrator, Colliford, and Stithians also have low water levels.
Colliford and Wimbleball are classified as having exceptionally low water levels.
The government has told water companies to monitor reservoir and river levels every day.
There will be stricter checks to make sure businesses only take allowed amounts of water from natural sources.
The government plans these actions to protect water supplies before any disruption happens.
Despite the drought, the government says customer water supply will continue without interruption.
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The BBC News channel has started a trial to stream live on YouTube in the UK and the US. This move aims to make trusted news easier to access on popular digital platforms where many people, especially younger viewers, get their news.
Key Facts
The BBC News channel went live on YouTube on Thursday for UK and US viewers.
The BBC already offers its news channel on YouTube in countries like Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland.
The channel covers national and international news, politics, business, technology, culture, and sports.
This step is part of the BBC’s plan to reach more digital and younger audiences who use platforms like YouTube regularly.
BBC officials said people expect news on the platforms they use daily and at convenient times.
Watching BBC News live on YouTube in the UK still requires a TV licence, though it may be hard to enforce this currently.
YouTube is the UK’s second most-watched media service, especially popular among younger viewers on smart TVs.
The BBC plans to produce new content designed specifically for YouTube and will show ads for viewers outside the UK to generate extra funds.
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Ukraine has experienced slowdowns in the Starlink satellite internet system, which it uses for military communications and logistics. Elon Musk said any restrictions on Starlink's speed or usage are controlled by the US military and President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Starlink is a satellite internet system used by Ukraine for battlefield communications and logistics.
Ukraine has reported slowdowns in the performance of Starlink.
Elon Musk stated that any limits on Starlink's speed or usage are decided by the US military.
Ultimately, President Donald Trump has the final authority over these decisions.
The system in Ukraine is sometimes called Starshield, a version tailored for security needs.
This issue relates to military support and operational control during the conflict involving Ukraine.
Musk’s comments were reported on October 15, 2026.
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Syrian authorities arrested Ali Kayali, also known as Mihrac Ural, for his suspected role in the 2013 mass killing of civilians in Baniyas and nearby Bayda. Kayali was caught while trying to cross the border, according to Syrian state media.
Key Facts
Ali Kayali, also called Mihrac Ural, was arrested by Syrian intelligence officials.
He is suspected of involvement in mass killings of civilians in the city of Baniyas and the village of Bayda in 2013.
Kayali led an armed group that supported then-president Bashar al-Assad.
The arrests were reported by the Syrian state news agency SANA.
Kayali was caught at or near a border while attempting to cross.
The events took place in western Syria, in coastal areas.
The mass killings happened during the ongoing Syrian conflict.
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Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made their first public visit together in the UK since their return. They attended a charity event at the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham and plan to visit two more locations in the city.
Key Facts
Harry and Meghan arrived in Nottingham for their first joint event since coming back to the UK.
They visited the Community Recording Studio charity on Thursday.
The couple will visit two additional places in Nottingham during their trip.
Nottingham is significant because it was the site of their first public appearance as a couple after announcing their engagement in 2017.
Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the royal family.
The visit attracted cheers from local crowds.
The engagement is part of their ongoing public activities after stepping back from royal duties.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky said he feels betrayed by the United States after reports of Starlink internet restrictions in Ukraine. These restrictions could affect Ukraine’s security and put civilians at risk amid the ongoing war with Russia. Some European politicians and media discuss changes in support for Ukraine, while U.S. officials say the issues were technical and not political.
Key Facts
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed feelings of betrayal toward the U.S. over Starlink internet restrictions.
Starlink disruptions in Ukraine received wide coverage in European and U.S. media.
The Times reported that these restrictions may harm Ukraine’s security.
French media called the situation “American abandonment,” citing reduced U.S. intelligence warnings about Russian attacks.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated she supports Ukraine.
A U.S. official said the Starlink issues were due to technical problems, not decisions made by President Trump’s administration.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the relationship between President Trump and Zelensky has worsened since September.
Some European countries, like Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt region, have political groups opposing financial and military aid to Ukraine.
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Hilary Swank has announced she is pregnant with her third child at age 52. This news was shared through a social media video that revealed her baby bump, and experts say pregnancy at this age is very rare and carries medical risks.
Key Facts
Hilary Swank is 52 years old and pregnant with her third child.
She previously had twins, a daughter and a son, at age 48.
Swank shared the news with a social media video showing a glowing baby bump.
Doctors say pregnancy at 52 is rare and considered high risk.
Most women around 52 are going through menopause, which usually ends natural pregnancies.
Swank likely is being closely monitored by medical specialists due to her age.
Risks for older pregnant women include high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes, and more chances of a cesarean birth.
Swank has spoken before about choosing to focus deeply on motherhood after pursuing acting earlier in life.
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A Mexican man who lived in the U.S. for many years says immigration officers deported him to Mexico without a proper court order or chance to defend himself. His lawyers have asked a federal judge to help him return to the U.S., while the Department of Homeland Security says he agreed to leave voluntarily.
Key Facts
Ernesto Zuniga Hilario lived near Lometa, Texas, for almost 20 years before his detention.
He was arrested by ICE in Texas in September after a traffic stop.
Zuniga Hilario says he never received a legal removal order and refused to leave voluntarily.
ICE claims he signed a voluntary departure form and left the U.S. on September 16.
Zuniga Hilario is married to a lawful permanent resident and has four children who are U.S. citizens.
His lawyers filed a legal petition asking a judge to help him return to the U.S.
Immigration officers held him at a detention center in Texas before deporting him.
This case reflects long-standing disputes over deportations without proper court approval.
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The article discusses the concept of "climate overshoot," where global temperatures temporarily rise above a target level before possibly cooling down later. The author emphasizes the need to train new researchers to study the long-term effects of this temperature rise on communities, economies, and environments, because cooling later will not erase the damage done during the warmer period.
Key Facts
Climate overshoot means global temperatures exceed a safe limit temporarily before returning to normal or cooler levels.
Even if temperatures cool down later, damage during the hotter time may be irreversible or last a long time.
The United Nations Environment Programme is focusing on this issue in a meeting scheduled for September 2026.
Coastal communities and others need detailed information on risks for planning infrastructure and safety, not just average global temperatures.
Understanding overshoot involves studying environmental science, economics, and social factors together.
Current climate research covers risks up to 1.5 degrees Celsius warming but needs to expand for overshoot scenarios.
Young scientists and researchers require sustained opportunities to study these new challenges.
Research in this area will help decision-makers focus their efforts better on protecting people and resources.
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Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić personally led efforts to change the protected status of a historic building in Belgrade for a proposed Trump Tower project. This has led to criminal charges against several Serbian officials for abuse of power, linked to a wider investigation into the Trumps' global business activities.
Key Facts
President Aleksandar Vučić held a meeting to discuss removing protections from the General Staff building in Belgrade.
The building is a historic site and symbol of resistance during World War II and the 1999 NATO bombing.
The plan was to allow a $500 million hotel and residential tower development linked to Donald Trump Jr. and Jared Kushner.
Several senior Serbian officials, including Vučić’s culture minister, face abuse of power charges related to this case.
Kushner’s company halted the Belgrade project after charges were announced in December 2023.
Vučić called the prosecutors corrupt and promised to hold those responsible for delaying the investment accountable.
The project and charges come ahead of the Serbian presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2024.
Representatives of Trump and Kushner denied involvement in changing the building’s status or a pay-to-play scheme.
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Young people, especially those in Gen Z, often order food delivery frequently but feel guilty about the cost and think of it as a luxury they can’t always afford. Delivery apps like DoorDash and Grubhub grew popular during the pandemic, but users sometimes hide how much money they spend on these services. Authorities are looking into fees charged by delivery apps, and companies face fines for worker payment issues.
Key Facts
Many Gen Z individuals order food delivery about five times a month, twice as often as older generations.
Food delivery is seen as an affordable way to treat oneself, despite the extra fees that add up.
Some people feel embarrassed or guilty about how much they spend on delivery and may lie about it to friends or family.
Delivery apps became widely used during the pandemic and are now part of everyday life for many Americans.
The Federal Trade Commission is considering rules about hidden fees and price changes on delivery apps.
DoorDash was fined $131.5 million in New York City for underpaying delivery workers, the largest settlement of its kind there.
Rising grocery prices are making cooking at home as expensive as ordering food for some people.
Delivery companies say all fees are clearly shown before orders are placed, and customers can adjust orders to fit their budget.
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