Prime Minister Andy Burnham said his party will not form a partnership with the Green Party while it defines Zionism as a form of racism. The Green Party passed a motion to that effect, which Burnham called wrong and antisemitic. Labour currently cooperates with Greens in some local councils but opposes the new policy at the national level.
Key Facts
The Green Party passed a motion calling Zionism an ideology supporting a Jewish state that excludes or dominates non-Jewish people.
This motion was backed by a small number of Green Party members—about 1,022 out of 230,000 total members.
Labour leader Andy Burnham condemned the motion as antisemitic and said Labour will not partner with a party holding this view nationally.
The Green Party leader Zack Polanski called the motion "imperfect" but stated the displacement of Palestinians is tied to racist ideology.
Israeli government denies accusations that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
Labour and Greens currently work together in coalitions in several local councils, but it is unclear if Burnham’s rejection applies locally or only nationally.
Some Green Party members want changes to party rules after the motion’s adoption, criticizing how it was voted on by such a small fraction of members.
Supporters of the motion say it opposes all forms of racism and discrimination without exemptions.
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A recent Gallup survey shows that Americans trust their fellow citizens to make democratic decisions less than ever before in over 50 years. This lack of trust is shared similarly among Democrats, Republicans, and independents, and is lower than the trust people have in local or state governments.
Key Facts
Only 51% of U.S. adults trust other Americans to make democratic decisions, the lowest since Gallup started measuring in 1974.
Trust in fellow Americans was much higher in the past, with 86% in 1976 and around 78% in the early 2000s.
Distrust is similar across political parties: 53% of Democrats, 51% of Republicans, and 49% of independents trust voters.
More Americans trust their local government (67%) and state government (55%) than fellow citizens’ democratic judgment (51%).
Only 42% trust politicians who hold or seek public office, and just 33% trust the news media.
Confidence in U.S. institutions such as Congress, the presidency, and banks is also at historic lows.
The survey was conducted by Gallup from September 1 to 17, 2026, with 1,000 adults participating and a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
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Scientists have identified a new species of dinosaur called Invictibellatrix amberina from a fossil found 100 years ago but only recently studied. This dinosaur was a long-clawed predator related to the Tyrannosaurus rex and lived about 120 million years ago.
Key Facts
Invictibellatrix amberina is a new dinosaur species discovered from a fossil in a British museum.
The fossil was found in 1924 on the Isle of Wight, England, and stayed unnoticed until now.
This dinosaur was a two-legged meat-eater with long arms and big curved claws for hunting.
It was about 10 to 13 feet long and almost 5 feet tall, with feathers on its body.
Invictibellatrix lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 120 million years ago.
Scientists used a CT scan to examine the fossil and compare it to other similar dinosaurs.
The name Invictibellatrix means "unconquered female warrior," named to inspire strength against bullying and oppression.
This dinosaur would have been dangerous to humans if they lived at the same time, even more so than a T. rex.
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Georgia saw a record number of people vote early on the first day of midterm elections, with over 188,000 ballots cast. This is about 50,000 more than the first day of early voting in 2022, with a large portion of this increase coming from Black voters.
Key Facts
More than 188,000 people voted early in Georgia on the first day of midterm early voting.
This number is about 50,000 higher than the first day of early voting in 2022.
The Georgia secretary of state’s office provided these voting figures.
Black voters made up a significant part of the increase in early votes.
The turnout sets a new record for Georgia midterm early voting on Day 1.
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Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said he knew about a sexual assault report from a student in November 2024 but did not follow up with her afterward. The university is facing criticism and calls for his resignation as a lawsuit alleges members of a fraternity sexually assaulted the student.
Key Facts
A student, called "Jane Doe" in court papers, said she was sexually assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024.
The student reported the assault to Cornell University police in November 2024.
Two fraternity members were expelled, two suspended, and one barred from campus; others got lighter punishments.
None of the accused have criminal charges; the district attorney declined charges due to lack of evidence but will reopen the investigation.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor for the case.
President Kotlikoff apologized and said he was sorry the student experienced the assault.
Kotlikoff did not know the student had dropped out until a lawsuit was filed last month.
Cornell will suspend fraternity parties for the rest of the academic year and add sexual assault investigators to its police force.
Cornell’s faculty senate may hold a vote of no confidence in Kotlikoff.
A special independent review of the handling of the case is being led by Sally Yates, a former deputy attorney general.
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Pollsters have many methods to predict election results, but they cannot accurately predict the difference between what people say they will do and their actual actions on Election Day. This gap could significantly affect the makeup of Congress.
Key Facts
Pollsters use various tools to estimate election outcomes.
Predicting true voter behavior is challenging.
People’s stated intentions often differ from their real votes.
This difference can change the results of elections.
Changes in voter behavior could affect control of Congress.
Election outcomes may be less predictable than polls suggest.
Understanding voter actions is key to accurate forecasts.
This issue is a concern for political analysts and campaigns.
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Kenya has confirmed a second Ebola case involving a relative of the first patient, a businessman who died after traveling from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new patient was already in quarantine when he became ill, and health officials say there is no sign of wider community spread.
Key Facts
The second Ebola case in Kenya is a 39-year-old man closely related to the first patient.
The first patient, a 40-year-old businessman, died after traveling from DR Congo through Uganda to Kenya.
The new patient fell ill after being in quarantine, helping reduce further spread.
Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids like blood or vomit.
The incubation period for Ebola can be 2 to 21 days, meaning symptoms may take weeks to appear.
Kenyan health officials have identified and quarantined 108 people who were in contact with the first patient.
More than 4,000 people have died from Ebola in DR Congo in 2024, one of the deadliest outbreaks.
The current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is caused by the Bundibugyo species, which has no approved vaccine or treatment yet.
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Students in Tirana, Albania, have been protesting for several days against poor university conditions and government corruption. During the protests, demonstrators set fire to the Education Ministry building, leading to police arrests and clashes involving tear gas and water cannons.
Key Facts
Protesters broke into the Albanian Education Ministry and started a fire inside the building.
The protests began over university conditions, high tuition fees, and demands for better support for young people.
The movement started after opposition to a resort project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Police arrested 16 people due to violence during the protests.
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds throwing rocks and bricks.
Protesters blocked streets using fencing they tore down near the ministry.
The protests are part of a longer series called the "Flamingo Revolution," which highlights broader frustrations with corruption and lack of opportunity for youth.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu condemned the violence but acknowledged the right to protest.
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At least two Iranian security officers were killed in attacks near the critical Chabahar port close to the Pakistan border. These incidents are part of ongoing violence involving armed groups that Iran calls terrorists supported from outside the country.
Key Facts
Two Iranian security officials died in separate attacks in the Mehrestan district, near the Pakistan border.
One victim was a woman officer in the Basij paramilitary force, part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
Another officer was killed when gunmen attacked a police vehicle in the same area.
Military helicopters have been seen over Iranshahr, signaling continued tension in the region.
The Chabahar port area, located in Sistan-Baluchestan province, has experienced multiple attacks recently.
Iran’s government claims that armed groups responsible are financed and supported from outside Iran.
In July, U.S. forces conducted air strikes on infrastructure near Chabahar port.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said it killed some attackers and found a Starlink device and weapons in a hideout near Chabahar.
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Yemen's Houthi rebels struck several Saudi Arabian targets, including the headquarters of Saudi oil company Aramco and Riyadh airport. The Houthis said they will continue attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities as retaliation for Saudi strikes on Yemen.
Key Facts
The Houthis targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and a refinery in Riyadh with missiles and drones.
The attack on Aramco’s headquarters caused a fire but operations continued, with some employees working from home.
Riyadh airport was also attacked recently, killing 13 people.
The Houthis claim their attacks are retaliation for Saudi support of forces fighting in Yemen’s war.
Saudi Arabia's military intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh.
The conflict is affecting Saudi Arabia’s plans to diversify its economy away from oil.
The Houthis warned civilians and workers to evacuate Saudi airports and oil facilities.
Saudi authorities issued and then lifted an aerial threat alert in Riyadh; the cause of loud explosions is unclear.
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Sir Trevor Phillips, a British broadcaster recently joined to CBS News, urged his colleagues to ignore external critics who question their editorial work. He encouraged a strong stance to maintain journalistic independence amid concerns over new leadership and accusations of political bias.
Key Facts
Sir Trevor Phillips joined CBS News as senior global affairs correspondent after leaving Sky News.
Phillips spoke at a tense CBS London bureau meeting defending editorial oversight.
Foreign editor Shayndi Raice warned staff that ignoring editors could lead to firing.
Phillips said critics told him joining CBS would damage his career.
Paramount Global, CBS’s parent, was bought by David Ellison’s Skydance Media in 2025.
Ellison’s leadership faces claims of shifting CBS toward a more conservative editorial line.
Phillips stressed the importance of journalists supporting each other and staying objective.
He advised staff to tell critics to “just fuck off and let us do our jobs” to resist outside pressure.
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The article discusses how the U.S. currently approaches aging too much like a disease, focusing mainly on treatment after problems start instead of preventing decline by supporting strength, connection, and activity. It calls for changes in policy and community life to help older adults stay active, connected, and independent longer.
Key Facts
Over 61 million Americans are 65 or older, with numbers expected to rise to more than 78 million by 2040.
Physical inactivity among adults 65+ with fair or better health improved from 31.7% in 2023 to 26.5% in 2024.
Problems like drug deaths, excessive drinking, suicide, and food insecurity are increasing among older adults.
Movement, connection, and purpose are important parts of healthy aging, not just medical treatment.
Small local networks and in-person contact help older people stay supported and engaged.
Programs that build strength and balance can help even people in their 80s and 90s maintain independence.
Medicare and health systems should invest more in prevention, community classes, and social activities, not only crisis care.
Public spaces and policies should support accessibility and opportunities for all ages to connect.
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A report by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China says the UK’s approach to China lacks clear direction and senior experts with real experience. The report recommends better coordination, clear limits on sensitive issues, and warns that cooperation on climate change requires accepting some dependence on China.
Key Facts
The UK’s China policy is described as unclear and weak by the report.
Senior UK officials working with China often do not speak Mandarin or have lived in China.
British experts on China exist but their knowledge is not effectively used.
The report urges clearer limits on areas like critical infrastructure, new technologies, and human rights.
Cooperation on fighting climate change with China is necessary but involves trade-offs like accepting supply chains with forced labor risks.
The report suggests improved government coordination and stronger use of national security tools.
Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, pose new risks like disinformation and surveillance.
Some experts say real understanding of China requires more lived experience, which is currently hard to obtain.
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Social Security benefits in the United States will increase by 3.6 percent starting in 2027, one of the largest increases in recent years. This change will raise average monthly payments by $75 and will affect about 72 million recipients, including older adults and people with disabilities.
Key Facts
The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% increase in benefits for 2027.
This increase is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for urban workers.
The average monthly benefit will go up by $75 for recipients.
About 72 million people will receive the new benefit increase starting in January 2027.
The maximum income taxed for Social Security will rise to $192,300 in 2027, up from $184,500 in 2026.
Social Security provides financial support mainly to older adults, disabled people, and survivors of deceased workers.
The adjustment responds to inflation, partly caused by high energy prices due to conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
Many older adults believe the increase may not fully match the rise in living costs.
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Ukrainian drones have been less effective after new limits were set on using Starlink satellite connections made by the U.S. Meanwhile, Ukraine did not get early warnings about recent Russian missile attacks on Kyiv, raising concerns about a drop in intelligence sharing with Western allies. Ukrainian officials worry that U.S. support may be weakening after President Trump made a deal to import Russian diesel fuel.
Key Facts
Ukraine uses Starlink terminals from the U.S. to communicate with drones and military systems.
SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, imposed a speed limit on Starlink terminals on Ukrainian drones, slowing them down.
Slower drones have become easier targets for Russian forces.
Kyiv did not receive early warnings about the first Russian ballistic missile attack in a recent strike.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says this lack of warning may mean less intelligence sharing from Western countries, including the U.S.
President Trump has stated the U.S. is still sharing intelligence with Ukraine and denies stopping help.
Trump made a deal to import Russian diesel fuel, which some Ukrainians see as undermining support against Russia.
Russia continues bombing Ukraine’s power infrastructure despite Trump calling for a ceasefire.
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The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living raise in 2027 for nearly 72 million Social Security recipients and 7.3 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. This increase, averaging about $75 more per month, aims to help keep up with rising prices as inflation remains high in the United States.
Key Facts
Social Security benefits will increase by 3.6% starting January 2027.
About 72 million Social Security recipients will get higher payments.
Around 7.3 million SSI recipients will see increased payments from December 31, 2026.
Inflation in the US rose to 3.7% in September 2026, the highest since May 2023.
Prices for gasoline, fuel oil, and air travel have increased significantly.
The cost-of-living raise may not fully cover rising expenses like healthcare and housing, especially for seniors.
A Pew Research survey found 44% of Americans struggled to afford basic needs in the past year.
Economic inequality is a concern for 61% of Americans, with more Democrats expressing this view than Republicans.
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A United Nations official warned that parts of Asia and Africa could face a food shortage if Iran and the United States do not agree soon on a plan to safely move fertiliser through the Strait of Hormuz. The plan involves a UN-run center in Oman to coordinate and monitor fertiliser shipments, which are important for farming in many countries.
Key Facts
A UN Under-Secretary-General said rapid agreement is needed before the planting season starts to avoid major impacts on farming.
The proposed plan involves a UN-staffed coordination center in Oman to oversee fertiliser shipments and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait is key for the movement of fertiliser materials like urea and sulphur, with about one-third of global urea shipments passing through before recent disruptions.
Conflicts between Iran and the US in the Strait of Hormuz have seriously reduced fertiliser shipping.
The UN’s fertiliser transport plan can be started quickly if both countries agree soon.
The plan includes UN monitors working with local officials to track ships and inspect cargo when needed.
The ongoing political disagreements between Iran and the US have delayed the plan’s approval.
Fertiliser shortages could lead to higher food prices and lower crop yields, especially in vulnerable regions like South Asia and parts of Africa.
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Fox News has predicted that the Democratic Party will win control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the November midterm elections. This is the first time during this election cycle that Fox News has forecasted a Democratic victory in either the House or the Senate. The prediction is based on improved Democratic candidates and a less effective Republican plan to redraw voting district boundaries.
Key Facts
Fox News expects Democrats to win the U.S. House in the November 2024 midterms.
This is the first Fox News prediction favoring Democrats in this election cycle.
Democratic candidates have improved in quality compared to before.
Republicans' efforts to redraw voting districts may not succeed as planned.
Winning the House means Democrats would control this part of Congress.
The prediction focuses on the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans.
Midterm elections happen halfway through a president’s term.
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A person of interest has been identified in a sexual assault investigation at a University of Chicago fraternity house. The individual is not a student and has been banned from campus while police continue their investigation.
Key Facts
The incident happened early Sunday morning at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house in Chicago’s Hyde Park.
A woman reported being assaulted during a party.
Someone intervened during the assault, and the suspect fled the scene.
The person of interest was identified using witness statements, university security cameras, and license plate readers.
The university shared evidence with Chicago police.
The person of interest is not connected to the university as a student or staff member.
No formal charges have been filed yet, so the person’s identity is not public.
The fraternity chapter has been told to pause events while the investigation continues.
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Palantir and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have ended their legal dispute over a contract with the Metropolitan Police that was previously blocked. They both withdrew accusations against each other, and a new process for awarding the contract will begin.
Key Facts
Palantir sued Mopac (Mayor’s Office of Policing and Crime) after Khan blocked a £50 million, two-year AI contract for police intelligence work.
The contract involved a system called unified operational analytics (UOA).
Khan said public money should go only to companies that share London’s values.
Palantir’s UK and Europe head said politics was interfering with public safety concerns.
Mopac said the decision to block the contract was based on legal and procurement rules, not Palantir’s values or ethics.
Palantir and Mopac agreed to treat each other fairly if Palantir bids again in the new procurement process.
Both sides will pay their own legal costs, and no damages or liability were admitted.
Palantir is also facing controversy over a £330 million NHS medical data contract.
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