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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were informed by the Royal Household through a letter that they remain non-working members of the royal family. The letter, sent by a senior Palace official on behalf of the King, confirmed they cannot use royal titles and are considered private citizens.
Key Facts
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet after moving from California.
A letter from the Royal Household clarified that they remain non-working royals.
They are not allowed to use the titles "His and Her Royal Highness."
The letter was sent by the Lord Chamberlain, a senior official at the Palace, on behalf of the King.
The couple said they were surprised not to be told about the letter before it was made public.
Royal sources claim Harry and Meghan knew about the letter before it was released.
The Home Office committee is meeting to consider taxpayer-funded security for the family in the UK.
The letter confirms Harry and Meghan are still considered private citizens despite living in the UK.
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Chris Rokos, one of the UK’s richest taxpayers, plans to move to Greece and open an office in Athens. Greece offers a special tax rule that lets wealthy foreigners pay a fixed annual tax on all money earned abroad.
Key Facts
Chris Rokos paid £330 million in UK taxes last year, ranking third on The Sunday Times list of top taxpayers.
He plans to move from the UK to Greece, where a flat yearly tax of €100,000 (£86,000) applies to foreign income for qualifying wealthy residents.
Rokos intends to open an office in Athens.
In March, he pledged £190 million to Cambridge University to create a new school of government.
Rokos studied mathematics at Oxford and previously attended a state primary school and Eton College on scholarship.
The UK government says it remains competitive for investment and talent despite Rokos’s move.
This decision comes before Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget, which may include tax changes.
Rokos’s representatives have not commented publicly on his reasons for moving.
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Two thieves broke into the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, early Tuesday and stole four paintings by artist Auguste Renoir, but dropped one while escaping. Police are searching for the suspects, and officials say the stolen artworks are worth about 9 million euros (10 million dollars).
Key Facts
The theft happened early on Tuesday morning at the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France.
Four paintings were taken, but one was dropped by the thieves as they ran away.
The stolen paintings are by famous French artist Auguste Renoir.
The estimated value of the stolen art is about 9 million euros, roughly 10 million U.S. dollars.
The museum's alarm went off at 5:48 a.m., and police arrived five minutes later.
Both local and national police are investigating the crime and searching for the criminals.
The mayor said the theft harms the town's history and culture.
There is a plan to improve security in museums to better protect valuable artworks.
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Members of the UK Parliament are concerned that low attendance might affect the vote on assisted dying laws this Friday. The bill, which aims to allow terminally ill people to choose assisted death in England and Wales, passed the Commons before but was blocked by the House of Lords.
Key Facts
The assisted dying bill is returning to the UK House of Commons for a second vote.
The bill was originally sponsored by Kim Leadbeater and is now supported by Labour MP Lauren Edwards.
The House of Lords blocked the bill earlier this year despite its approval in the Commons.
Some former ministers in the Lords opposed the bill, leading to concerns about unelected peers overriding elected MPs.
The bill passed the Commons last year by a small majority of 23 votes.
Some MPs worry that fewer members will be present to vote this time, making the outcome less certain.
The Parliament Act, which allows the Commons to bypass the Lords in some cases, might be used if the bill is blocked again.
Some prominent MPs and ministers have expressed support but also hesitation about forcing the bill through without Lords' approval.
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Oil prices are rising towards $100 a barrel after attacks on Saudi energy facilities by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. The attacks have disrupted oil production in the region, increasing concerns about inflation and economic stability worldwide.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price rose above $98 a barrel, the highest since July 24.
Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi energy sites, causing over 70 injuries.
Saudi Aramco’s refinery in Jizan was targeted in the attacks.
Iran warned of creating a restricted maritime zone in the Gulf if U.S. economic pressure continues.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed drastically from 130 to about 7 ships daily.
Higher oil prices are causing inflation concerns for global economies.
UK mortgage rates have increased recently due to bond market changes.
The Bank of England will be questioned on interest rates and inflation impact from the conflict.
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OpenAI has hired Jessica Schumer, daughter of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to lead its policy and partnership efforts in the U.S. Northeast. Senator Schumer supports expanding AI infrastructure like data centers but says these facilities should pay their fair share and not burden local communities with extra costs.
Key Facts
Jessica Schumer joined OpenAI to focus on state and local government policy, not federal policy or lobbying Congress.
She previously worked on policy and community engagement at Amazon in New York.
Senator Chuck Schumer promotes building more AI infrastructure, including power and data centers, to keep the U.S. competitive globally.
He wants large AI data center operators to cover infrastructure costs instead of passing them to utility customers.
Schumer advocates for stronger consumer protections and improvements to the electric grid to handle data center demands.
He emphasizes the need for clean energy sources to power AI data centers due to their high electricity use.
State lawmakers are increasingly shaping AI policies while federal rules are still in development.
OpenAI has recently expanded its policy team to address growing AI legislative activity at the state level.
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Billionaire hedge fund manager Chris Rokos plans to leave the UK and move to Greece, where he will open a new office. He is among several wealthy individuals leaving the UK due to recent tax changes affecting foreign income, capital gains, and inheritance.
Key Facts
Chris Rokos founded Rokos Capital Management in 2015 and is worth about $4 billion.
He paid around £330 million in UK taxes in 2025, ranking third in the Sunday Times list of top taxpayers.
Rokos plans to move to Greece, which offers a tax deal for wealthy investors involving a flat tax of €100,000 per year if they invest €500,000 within three years.
Rokos has donated £190 million to the University of Cambridge to create the Rokos School of Government.
Recent UK tax changes include taxing foreign income and gains after four years and taxing global assets for inheritance after 10 years for non-domiciled residents.
Other billionaires like Shravin Bharti Mittal, Nassef Sawiris, and Richard Gnodde have also left the UK for countries like Italy, the UAE, and Abu Dhabi.
Official data show a small decline (0.5%) in non-domiciled residents in the UK in the latest tax year.
Countries like Italy also offer low flat taxes to attract wealthy foreigners.
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Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Ruslan Kravchenko, resigned amid corruption allegations connected to illegal call centres, which he denies. At the same time, Russia resumed missile attacks on Kyiv, causing civilian damage and casualties.
Key Facts
Ruslan Kravchenko resigned as Ukraine’s prosecutor general due to corruption accusations.
Anti-corruption officers searched his offices as part of investigations into illegal call centres.
Kravchenko denied involvement and said his resignation was to avoid political conflict.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces a political crisis following recent government changes.
Russia launched missile strikes on Kyiv, harming residential areas and killing at least two people.
Other Ukrainian cities like Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia also reported attacks.
In southern France, four artworks by painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir were stolen in a museum he once lived in.
The theft occurred quickly and involved suspects fleeing after dropping one stolen painting; the works are valued at about €9 million.
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The UK government, led by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, will ban trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, calling them illegal. The US ambassador to Israel warned this could harm UK-US trade relations and lead to retaliations, including restrictions on British business in some US states.
Key Facts
The UK will stop trading with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which it considers illegal.
This move aims to support the possibility of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
Previous UK governments criticized the settlements but took little action.
The UK’s Labour party is taking a stronger stance compared to past policies.
The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, warned of possible consequences, such as damage to British business ties with US states like Florida.
About 25% of the medicines used in the UK come from Israel, which could be affected.
Some in the UK worry the policy might increase antisemitism or threaten security cooperation with Israel.
The announcement comes just before a key byelection in a London area with a strong pro-Palestinian voter base.
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Two thieves broke into the Renoir Museum in southern France and stole four artworks worth about €9 million. They were caught on video surveillance, but escaped after dropping one painting.
Key Facts
The theft happened at the Renoir Museum, located in painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s last home.
Four artworks were stolen, with one painting dropped by the thieves while fleeing.
The stolen artworks are valued at around €9 million (£7.7 million).
The museum alarm triggered at 5:48 am, and police arrived five minutes later.
The museum holds Renoir’s personal belongings and paintings, including portraits and landscapes.
This theft follows a larger robbery at the Louvre last year, where eight items valued at €88 million were stolen.
The four suspects from the Louvre robbery have been arrested, but the stolen items remain missing.
Europol reported an increase in violent art thefts in Europe, with thieves often recruited via social media.
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Russian forces launched a large missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and Odesa soon after U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff left the region. The attack followed a short pause agreed upon by Russia and Ukraine during talks in Moscow and Kyiv, which did not lead to any deal.
Key Facts
Russia and Ukraine agreed to stop attacks on each other’s capitals for three days during U.S. envoy visits.
The U.S. sent envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv for talks.
After the envoys left, Russia launched multiple missile and drone strikes on Ukraine.
The weapons used included anti-ship Oniks missiles, ballistic missiles (Iskander-M, S-400, KN-23), and 32 Kh-101 cruise missiles.
Russian drones included 166 attack drones.
Kyiv and Odesa were the main targets of the attack.
The attack on Kyiv caused at least two deaths, ten injuries, and large fires.
Fighting continued in other parts of Ukraine despite the limited ceasefire on capitals.
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UK teenagers did well in the international Pisa tests for reading, maths, and science, staying steady compared to previous years. However, the report shows a global drop in reading skills, especially in students who rush through texts, and highlights differences in performance across parts of the UK.
Key Facts
The Pisa tests happen every three years and assess 15-year-olds in many countries on skills like problem solving and critical thinking.
In 2025, 760,000 students in 91 countries took the test; in the UK, 15,566 students participated across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The UK ranked below top countries like Singapore and Estonia but above the US, Australia, and some European nations.
England's students scored better than those in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, reflecting differences in school systems.
The report warns about a global decline in reading ability, especially in understanding and evaluating complex information, which is important today.
The number of students who read quickly and answer incorrectly has almost doubled since 2018.
In response, some UK schools like Meadow Park encourage reading through book clubs and reduced phone use to improve focus.
England plans to offer more technical subjects to students from age 14, inspired by high-performing countries like Estonia.
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A global report shows Australian public school students lag about two and a half years behind independent school students in reading, math, and science. Despite this, Australia performs above the world average, but classroom disruptions and digital distractions remain major concerns.
Key Facts
The 2025 Pisa test assessed 15-year-olds’ literacy in 91 countries, including Australia.
Australian students in public schools scored about 50 points lower than those in independent schools, equal to 2.5 years of study.
Australia’s performance is still above the average of OECD countries but has declined over time in reading, math, and science.
Gender differences exist: girls perform better in reading, boys better in math, while science scores are similar by gender.
Classroom disruption is high, with 41% of Australian students reporting frequent noise and disorder, above the global average of 31%.
Digital distractions are common, with 39% saying peers get distracted by digital tools, compared to 28% globally.
Australia is among 58% of countries that ban smartphones in schools, but other devices still cause distractions.
The federal government will fully fund all public schools by 2034 in a new deal with states and territories.
The education minister calls for reducing screen time in schools, calling for a "digital detox" due to links between high screen use and lower student scores.
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England’s 15-year-old students scored higher in maths, reading, and science than most other countries in a global education survey. While many countries showed lower scores, England’s performance stayed strong, helping the UK rank in the top 10 worldwide.
Key Facts
The OECD tested 760,000 15-year-olds in 91 countries through the Pisa assessment.
England’s students improved most in science and scored notably well in reading.
England performed better in reading than Australia, the US, Finland, and France.
Only Singapore, Taiwan, and some regions of China had significantly better results than England.
Scores in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland were slightly lower than before.
The OECD reported that many countries are seeing declines in learning, especially in reading skills.
Reasons for the global drop include less reading for fun, digital distractions, and more school absences.
Officials in England want to build on these results by encouraging students to feel more connected and engaged in school.
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The UK is giving £100 million to help Ukraine strengthen its air defences this winter. This support includes military equipment like Patriot missiles, drones, and artillery to help Ukraine defend against Russian attacks.
Key Facts
The UK’s £100 million package includes Patriot missiles, large-calibre artillery rounds, drones, and defence interceptors.
Patriot missiles help stop aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles.
Ukraine’s supply of Patriot missiles has decreased, reducing its ability to intercept Russian attacks.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will co-lead a meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Ukraine defence support.
The UK recently shared blueprints for British parts used in a missile called Scalp, used to target Russia.
The UK and about 50 allied nations are coordinating to provide military help to Ukraine.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about working towards a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the war is likely to continue into winter despite talks.
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Warren Pickering, leader of Victoria's One Nation party, admitted to using illegal drugs in his 20s and losing his driver’s license several times due to drink driving. He denied claims of using crystal meth in front of children and is considering legal action against The Australian newspaper over those reports.
Key Facts
Warren Pickering admitted to using ecstasy, methamphetamine, speed, and marijuana as a young man.
He denied using or smoking crystal meth (ice) in front of children.
Pickering lost his driver’s license three times because of drink driving incidents.
He said his past actions hurt people he cared about and that he has since changed his life.
Pickering joined the Australian Defence Force, which gave him a sense of purpose.
The press conference excluded reporters from Guardian Australia and ABC, while The Australian was allowed to attend.
Pickering is seeking legal advice about possible defamation suits related to stories published about him.
James Ashby, One Nation’s national director, explained a note about "sexual deviance" mentioned in the media relates to Pickering’s open relationship and exploration of his sexuality.
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President Donald Trump said oil and gas prices would drop quickly if the U.S. wins the conflict with Iran. However, recent missile and drone attacks by the Houthi group on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities show ongoing risks to the region’s energy supply, making it harder to lower prices.
Key Facts
President Trump predicted gasoline prices will fall to $3 a gallon and eventually below $2 after a U.S. victory over Iran.
Oil prices rose sharply after the U.S. and Israel started a war to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons and threatening the region.
The average price of gas in the U.S. is over $4 a gallon, and diesel is close to $6.
Houthi forces attacked Saudi Arabian oil and civilian targets, causing fires and stopping operations temporarily.
Saudi Arabia is a major oil producer and relies on shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, which face security threats from Houthis.
A previous statement claimed Houthis were deterred from joining the Iran conflict by U.S. military power, but recent attacks call that into question.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration says oil prices will stay high until shipping routes and supply flows return to normal.
Brent crude oil prices increased after the latest Houthi strikes, reflecting ongoing instability in the region.
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Republicans are holding a special two-day convention in Dallas, organized by President Donald Trump, to energize voters before the midterm elections. This event is unusual because midterm conventions have not been held by Republicans before and will focus on showcasing Trump's record and supporting candidates running for office.
Key Facts
The convention in Dallas lasts two days and was planned by President Donald Trump.
This is the first midterm convention held by Republicans; Democrats did similar events in the 1970s and 1980s.
The event aims to boost voter enthusiasm and turnout for the midterm elections.
No presidential nominations will be made, as those were decided in earlier primaries.
The convention is open to the public, making it feel like a large rally.
Over 100 Republican House members and candidates are expected to attend, paying $25,000 each for tickets and lodging.
President Trump will speak on both days, with Vice President JD Vance also speaking.
Many other speakers include members of Trump’s Cabinet, party leaders, and candidates for key races.
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Jihadist groups remain a threat to Europe 25 years after the 9/11 attacks, but a new type of violent extremism is emerging among young people online. This new violence is not driven by political ideas but by a desire for violent thrills and online status, often involving youth who share content secretly on social media.
Key Facts
European police found about 4,340 web addresses linked to an online violent community called “The COM.”
Last year, 45 terrorist attacks took place in 10 EU countries, with six deaths and many arrests.
Jihadist groups caused over half of these attacks and made up more than 70% of arrests.
Around one-third of people arrested for terrorism in the EU were under 18, mostly boys.
Nihilistic violent extremism involves violence for its own sake, without political motives.
Examples include a 16-year-old in Finland stabbing classmates and sharing a video online.
These acts are connected to online groups that recruit and influence young people, often behind encrypted platforms.
One noted online violent group, 764, was founded by an American who is now in prison for child pornography and sex crimes.
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A school in the West Bank village of al-Mughayyir has been fenced with barbed wire as parents worry about their children's safety. This concern comes after a rise in attacks by Israeli settlers, including the killing of a 14-year-old student near the school.
Key Facts
The village of al-Mughayyir is located northeast of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settler outposts have been increasing around al-Mughayyir, isolating the village.
Israeli forces often set up a temporary checkpoint at the village entrance.
Six people, including three schoolchildren, have been killed in al-Mughayyir this year.
One victim was 14-year-old Aws al-Naasan, shot by a settler outside the school in April.
All Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are deemed illegal under international law.
Many settler outposts near al-Mughayyir are also illegal under Israeli law.
The fencing at the school was put up to protect children amid rising settler violence.
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