Romi Loffler, a 21-year-old student with Rett Syndrome who spells by blinking, was not allowed by Scotland's exam authority to take her National 5 history exam with needed adjustments. Her family requested that she could answer one question at a time over several weeks and use a pre-agreed list of words, but this was denied, even though similar accommodations were made in England for students using eye-gaze technology.
Key Facts
Romi has Rett Syndrome, a condition that makes speaking and moving difficult.
She spells by blinking, taking about 30 minutes to write one sentence.
Romi passed National 4 history last year and aimed to pass National 5 this year.
Qualifications Scotland rejected her family’s request to let her take the exam gradually with special help.
Similar adjustments were allowed in England for students taking GCSE exams using eye-gaze technology.
Romi’s family wanted her to answer one question at a time and use a "bank" of words to avoid spelling everything out.
Qualification Scotland worried Romi might get an unfair advantage but did not consider her physical challenges.
Romi and her family believe the exam system should adapt to give disabled students fair chances to show their knowledge.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Latin American organized crime groups are now active in at least 16 European countries, working closely with local mafia groups. These criminal networks are involved in increased cocaine trafficking and have expanded their presence beyond traditional entry points into Europe.
Key Facts
Criminal groups from countries like Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and the US operate in Europe.
Cocaine seizures in Europe increased by 471% between 2014 and 2024.
Latin American gangs such as the Sinaloa cartel, Jalisco New Generation cartel, PCC, and others are confirmed to have European operations.
Their activity is prominent in Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, with presence also in Germany, Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and possibly more.
Some networks operate labs producing cocaine derivatives and methamphetamine in European countries including France, Poland, and Germany.
Brazilian intelligence data suggests the PCC operates in 16 European countries, including the UK, Ireland, Sweden, and Turkey.
Europol and Interpol have recognized the increasing influence and mobile operations of Latin American criminal groups in Europe.
The rise in these groups marks a new level beyond their previously known footholds in Europe since the 1980s.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Leaders of India’s Cockroach Janta Party were detained after entering a restricted protest area at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. They demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over a disputed voter list revision, which opponents say favors Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party.
Key Facts
Cockroach Janta Party leaders climbed police barricades to enter Jantar Mantar and chant slogans.
They called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign over changes to voter rolls.
Police detained these leaders and increased security throughout Delhi to limit protests.
The government removed Jantar Mantar’s status as an official protest site and designated three alternative locations.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, also protested and challenged the voter list revision in court.
The voter list revision led to tens of millions of names being removed.
Critics say the revision could exclude eligible voters and make it harder to prove voting rights.
Authorities detained thousands of protesters and some journalists during recent demonstrations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Year 12 students in New South Wales, Australia, took their final school English exam, focusing on human strength and vulnerability in different texts. Students shared mixed feelings about the exam, with some feeling confident and others worried about answering the question fully.
Key Facts
About 75,000 students across New South Wales sat their HSC (Higher School Certificate) exams, including an English test on human strength and vulnerability.
Students could choose to write about works by Tim Winton, George Orwell, or Malala Yousafzai.
Some students felt nervous before the exam but satisfied after finishing, while others found the question difficult to fully address.
A popular preparation method for some students involved listening to David Bowie’s song "Heroes."
Teachers at Canley Vale High School worked hard to support students and encourage their engagement with reading.
Fantasy books and Japanese manga have become popular reading choices among students at that school.
The HSC is seen as an important milestone marking the end of high school and preparing students for the future.
The principal of Canley Vale High described the exam as a key moment reflecting the students' years of study and growth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man waiting in line to attend President Donald Trump's rally in Ohio criticized Trump and his supporters on camera before the broadcast cut away. The man said he registered as a Republican to vote against Vice President J.D. Vance and try to reduce support for Trump-backed candidates.
Key Facts
The man wore a "Forrest Gump '24" t-shirt and said he was not a Trump fan.
He told Real America's Voice he came to the rally to hear Trump's statements directly.
The man previously was an independent voter but registered as a Republican for strategic reasons.
His goal was to vote against candidates supported by Trump, including Vice President J.D. Vance.
During the interview, the broadcast cut away abruptly before he finished speaking.
The rally took place in Youngstown, Ohio, ahead of a close Senate race between Republican Jon Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown.
The event occurred a few weeks before the upcoming midterm elections.
The story is ongoing and may have updates later.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its forecast for UK economic growth in 2024 and advises the UK government to continue its efforts to reduce public debt. The IMF also recommends that any government support for rising energy costs should be temporary and targeted to avoid bigger economic problems.
Key Facts
The IMF raised the UK’s growth forecast for 2024 to 1.3%, up 0.3% from earlier estimates.
Growth is strong partly due to the rise of AI-related businesses in the UK.
The IMF expects growth to slow slightly to 1.2% in 2027 because of higher energy prices and rising interest rates.
The UK is recognized by the IMF for having a clear plan to reduce its budget deficit among G7 countries.
The IMF warns against broad government subsidies and advises support should be temporary and focused.
UK inflation is predicted to be 3.3% in 2024 and 2.8% in 2027, above the Bank of England’s 2% target.
The Bank of England and other central banks are expected to raise interest rates to manage inflation.
Chancellor John Healey is under pressure to include energy bill support in his upcoming budget.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Eric Trump defended philanthropist Susan Dell after people criticized her appearance on social media. He said the focus should be on the large amount of money she and her husband, Michael Dell, donated to help children.
Key Facts
Susan and Michael Dell donated $6.25 billion to a program benefiting children.
Eric Trump called the online attacks on Susan Dell "vicious" and "disgusting."
A meme comparing old and new pictures of Susan Dell sparked criticism.
Eric Trump said people should pay attention to the charitable work, not appearances.
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is well-known for its philanthropy in the U.S.
Eric Trump thanked Susan Dell publicly for her contributions to charity.
The story is still developing and may have updates later.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said the country and region have faced unusual challenges during the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He highlighted Qatar’s strong state institutions and stressed the importance of Gulf security, peaceful conflict resolution, and protecting key energy and shipping routes.
Key Facts
Qatar’s Emir addressed the Shura Council about the effects of the regional conflict on the country.
The conflict began on February 28 and involves the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
Iran attacked Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas facility in March, which is the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) production site.
Qatar has managed to handle the crisis due to policies set before the war.
The Emir emphasized that the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) security and sovereignty cannot be compromised.
The war disrupted global supply routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked.
Sheikh Tamim called for increased efforts to protect maritime navigation, energy sites, and civilian infrastructure.
Qatar prefers resolving conflicts through peaceful means and dialogue.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Malaysia’s Firefly airline has canceled flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore until Wednesday because of thick smoke from fires in Indonesia. The smoke has made air quality in both cities very unhealthy, and governments are taking steps to manage health and safety.
Key Facts
Firefly suspended flights between Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Kuala Lumpur) and Seletar Airport (Singapore) due to haze and low visibility.
The smoke comes from intense fires in Indonesia’s islands of Sumatra and Borneo, worsened by the El Nino weather pattern.
Air quality in Singapore reached an unhealthy index of 199, and Kuala Lumpur’s was 183 on Tuesday (above 150 is unhealthy).
Firefly passengers can be rebooked on Malaysia Airlines flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport if seats are available.
Singapore has reintroduced subsidized medical care for haze-related illnesses, last done in 2015 during a similar fire event.
Some Malaysian states and districts keep schools closed due to poor air quality, while others have reopened.
Malaysia’s foreign minister plans to push for including haze under ASEAN’s natural disaster mechanisms at the upcoming regional meeting.
Indonesia has deployed around 60,000 people to fight the fires, but efforts are limited by terrain, water supply, and grounded firefighting aircraft.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A group of researchers from the U.S. and other countries is investigating a boat-shaped site in Turkey called the Durupınar Formation. They built a 3D model of the site using radar data and are testing samples from the site to check if they contain wood, which could prove it is Noah’s Ark.
Key Facts
The site under investigation is the Durupınar Formation in Turkey.
Noah’s Ark Scans, a U.S.-based group, is leading the project with experts in archaeology, geology, and soil science.
They began drilling at the site last month and collected samples for testing.
They want to see if the samples contain wood to support the idea that the site is Noah’s Ark.
Previous studies said the formation is just natural rock.
The team used ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to gather data for their 3D model.
The 3D model shows how the supposed Ark currently rests at the site.
The investigation is ongoing, and no definitive proof has been made yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Pakistan federal government has taken control of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province by imposing emergency and governor’s rule, suspending the local government run by Imran Khan’s PTI party. PTI plans to legally challenge this takeover, claiming it violates provincial rights, while the government says it is necessary to fight terrorism.
Key Facts
The federal government imposed emergency laws and governor’s rule on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been governed by Imran Khan’s PTI party since 2013.
PTI’s central information secretary said the party will challenge the federal takeover in court.
Emergency rule was imposed because the federal government said the provincial government failed to effectively combat terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated federal control is needed to lead the fight against terrorism in the province.
Sohail Afridi, the suspended chief minister, and some cabinet members have been detained to prevent disruption.
PTI continues its protest march towards Islamabad to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been jailed for over three years.
Critics argue the federal takeover violates the province’s autonomy and is an unconstitutional move.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In India, millions of people were removed from voter lists due to a government review, leading to widespread protests. Police responded with strong security measures and arrested many protesters and opposition leaders in the capital, Delhi, to control the demonstrations.
Key Facts
About 130 million people were taken off the voter rolls after an electoral review called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Protesters demand the removal of India’s chief election commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, linked to these changes.
Daily protests in Delhi have led to a heavy police crackdown, including arrests and restricted public movement.
The government shut down parts of Delhi by canceling trains, closing metro stations, cutting internet access, and restricting alcohol sales.
Opposition politicians, activists, and some journalists were detained during the protests.
The Supreme Court lawyer helping detainees was also forcibly taken by police.
Police extended the crackdown to Mumbai, including detaining the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party defended its actions, saying protests should not disrupt government functions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Seaside communities on England’s east coast have lost at least 183 homes in the past 16 years due to coastal erosion and landslides. Local councils have demolished unsafe homes to prevent collapses, and climate change is speeding up the loss of land along the shoreline.
Key Facts
At least 183 homes were demolished between 2010 and 2026 on the east coast of England due to coastal erosion and landslides.
The demolitions cost around £1.1 million, partly funded by the Environment Agency and partly by local councils and homeowners.
The East Riding of Yorkshire council demolished the most homes (66), followed by Great Yarmouth (64) and North Norfolk (21).
Coastal erosion is a natural process where sea waves wear away the shore, but climate change is making it happen faster.
The Environment Agency estimates that 3,500 homes in England face erosion risk by 2055, rising to over 10,000 by 2105.
Major roads and railways near these coastal areas are also at risk in the coming decades.
Insurance does not cover damage from coastal erosion because it is seen as a certain ongoing process, unlike flooding.
Local councils have limited funds to help residents relocate or adapt, though they invest in short-term erosion control measures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A same-sex couple in Slovakia is suing the government for refusing to officially recognize their marriage, which was legally performed in Austria. This legal fight tests whether a European Union (EU) court ruling that requires member countries to recognize marriages from other EU countries applies in Slovakia, even though Slovakia does not allow same-sex marriage at home.
Key Facts
Ivan Novotný and Metod Špaček married in Austria in 2020 but Slovakia does not recognize their marriage.
Slovakia does not allow same-sex marriage or civil partnerships.
The couple wants Slovakia to recognize their legally performed foreign marriage, following an EU court ruling.
The EU court ruled in 2025 that EU member countries must recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other EU countries if the couple lived or moved there.
Slovak authorities rejected their request because Slovakia’s constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Another Slovak couple, Marián Žáry Kukelka and his partner Ondrej, are also suing for recognition of their Austrian marriage.
The issue highlights the conflict between EU laws and national laws in member states regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
The case raises questions about legal protections and equality for LGBTQ+ people in Slovakia under its current government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Apple has released the AirPods 5, open-fit wireless earbuds that improve noise cancelling and sound quality compared to previous models. They keep the same design as AirPods 4, offer two versions with or without wireless charging, and cost less than their predecessors.
Key Facts
AirPods 5 keep the open-fit design without silicone ear tips, ideal for those who dislike in-ear buds.
Two versions are available: one with a wireless charging case and swipe controls, and a cheaper one without these features.
Price starts at £119 (€149/$129/A$219), which is £10 cheaper than AirPods 4 at launch.
Battery life is up to 4 hours with noise cancelling on the cheaper model, and over 5 hours on the wireless charging model, with case charges extending total use to 20-22 hours.
They use Bluetooth 5.3 and Apple’s H2 chip for connectivity and sound processing.
Noise cancelling is significantly better than previous open-fit AirPods and works well on low-frequency sounds but less so on high-pitched noises like train screeches.
Touch controls include squeeze pressure panels for playback and noise cancelling, with swipe volume control on the wireless charging model.
The charging case is compact, charges via USB-C or wireless (Qi or Apple Watch charger), and easily fits in small pockets.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the economies of the Middle East and Central Asia will shrink in 2026, mainly due to disruptions caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Key countries like Kuwait, Iraq, and Qatar are expected to face large economic declines, while other world regions will see growth.
Key Facts
The Middle East and Central Asia’s economy is forecast to shrink by 0.3% in 2026.
Kuwait, Iraq, and Qatar are expected to have the largest drops, with GDP losses around 16%.
The conflict has disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil supplies.
Saudi Arabia’s growth is also negative but less severe (-3.3%) due to increased exports via an alternative pipeline.
Kyrgyzstan is the only country in the region expected to grow strongly, at 9%.
Other world regions like emerging Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are forecast to grow by over 4%.
The global economy is expected to grow by 3.1% despite various risks including conflicts and trade tensions.
The IMF highlighted that advances in artificial intelligence could either help or harm future growth depending on investment and policy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham, a UK political figure, has proposed rethinking Britain's relationship with the European Union (EU) and moving past years of division after Brexit. He also stated that Russia likely interfered in the 2016 Brexit vote, breaking from previous UK government claims.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham called for a closer UK relationship with the EU after years of Brexit tension.
He suggested the UK could reconsider full EU membership in the future.
Burnham said the Kremlin was involved in the 2016 Brexit referendum vote.
Conservative governments had previously said there was no evidence of Russian interference.
Keir Starmer’s government aimed to cooperate with the EU but ruled out rejoining key EU systems.
The UK had a difficult reputation in the EU from 2016 to 2020, seen as uncooperative during Brexit negotiations.
UK-EU relations improved with the Withdrawal Agreement Act (2020) and Windsor framework (2023).
Burnham proposed a “longer-term discussion” about the UK’s EU relationship going forward.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has a long-standing political relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, supporting many of Netanyahu’s policies during his previous term. However, as Israel’s October 27 election approaches, Trump has stayed more reserved and has not fully endorsed Netanyahu, reflecting changes in both U.S. and Israeli politics.
Key Facts
President Trump supported Netanyahu’s right-wing policies when he was in office from 2017 to 2021.
Actions taken included moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israel’s control of the Golan Heights.
Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal and pushed peace agreements between Israel and some Arab countries.
Since starting his second term in 2025, Trump has sent weapons to Israel during conflict in Gaza and opposed the International Criminal Court’s investigations.
Trump has hosted Netanyahu seven times since January 2025, more than any other world leader.
Despite their history, Trump has avoided openly endorsing Netanyahu for the upcoming Israeli election.
Netanyahu faces a challenge from Gadi Eisenkot, who proposes a more moderate approach to regional issues.
Experts say Trump’s limited public support may be a cautious response to changing political realities in both countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new "social supermarket" opened in Newcastle-under-Lyme to help people struggling with the growing cost of living. Customers can buy groceries at low prices by using tokens after paying a small membership fee, giving them more choice and dignity compared to traditional food banks.
Key Facts
The supermarket is run by Community Cupboard NUL CIC and opened recently in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Customers pay £1 for a 12-month membership and then buy tokens to shop for groceries at cost price or below.
The idea was inspired by the founder Thomas Cliffe’s own financial struggles after leaving work due to anxiety.
The store aims to reduce food waste by selling surplus goods at lower prices.
Many local families face poverty, with one in four children affected and average incomes around £29,000.
Visitors say the store is cheaper than big supermarkets and more welcoming than food banks.
Research shows social supermarkets help with food access but should not replace government support.
The supermarket offers a comfortable shopping experience for people who find large stores overwhelming.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hungary’s parliament voted to remove restrictions on LGBTQ content aimed at children, reversing parts of a 2021 law introduced under former leader Viktor Orban. The new law focuses on protecting children from harmful material without singling out LGBTQ topics, aligning Hungary with European Union standards.
Key Facts
Hungary’s parliament passed a bill to remove anti-LGBTQ rules from a 2021 child protection law.
The original law banned promoting sexual and gender diversity to people under 18.
The updated law protects children from content that seriously harms their development, regardless of topic.
Prime Minister Peter Magyar won elections in April 2026 and is reversing some of Orban’s policies.
The European Court of Justice ruled the 2021 law broke EU values.
Activists say while this is progress, other discriminatory laws remain.
Hungary’s ruling party has a two-thirds majority and passed the bill without opposition votes.
Restrictions on transgender rights and same-sex adoption still exist in Hungary.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
