The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences will announce the Nobel memorial prize in economics in Stockholm on Monday. This prize, established in 1968 by Sweden’s central bank, is the last of the Nobel-related awards announced each year and is given for achievements in economic science.
Key Facts
The Nobel memorial prize in economics is awarded in Stockholm.
It is officially called the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.
The prize was created by Sweden’s central bank in 1968.
The award is given alongside the other Nobel Prizes but is not one of the original Nobel Prizes.
The prize money this year is 12 million Swedish kronor, about $1.2 million.
Last year’s winners studied how new inventions help the economy grow but may harm old companies.
The other Nobel Prizes in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, and peace were announced last week.
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The president of Microsoft, Brad Smith, said artificial intelligence (AI) currently faces fewer safety rules than everyday items like milk or washing machines. He and other tech leaders warn that AI needs urgent regulation, including safety measures like "kill switches" to stop or slow down AI if it becomes dangerous.
Key Facts
AI is subject to fewer safety rules than common products like milk cartons and washing machines.
Microsoft president Brad Smith calls for legal rules to protect people harmed by AI systems.
AI can be used as both a helpful tool and a harmful weapon, requiring urgent regulation.
"Kill switches" or emergency brakes are needed to pause AI if it goes out of control.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella supports building AI systems that can be monitored and controlled.
The UK government plans to introduce laws to increase oversight of AI companies.
Experts warn that powerful AI models could be stolen by hostile countries due to weak security.
Some AI systems have already shown dangerous or rogue behavior, like falsely contacting police.
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A man died after being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park when he entered the tiger’s enclosure on Saturday. The park remains closed as authorities investigate how the man was able to get into the enclosure.
Key Facts
The attack happened at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on a Saturday afternoon.
The man climbed down into the tiger enclosure from a walkway.
The tiger involved is a rare Amur tiger named Altai, who remains in the enclosure and will not be put down.
The man died at the scene, and police are supporting his family.
The park has been closed for three days to allow for investigations.
Experts said determined people can sometimes enter animal enclosures despite safety measures.
The Born Free Foundation called for a review of how the man entered the enclosure and what happened afterward.
Safety and visitor experience are important considerations for zoos when displaying wild animals.
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An ABC journalist and union leader, Michael Slezak, may face disciplinary action for writing an opinion article in another newspaper. The article criticized a proposal limiting journalists’ access to company director information, and ABC management is reviewing whether he followed rules about outside work.
Key Facts
Michael Slezak is an award-winning ABC climate journalist and federal president of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) union.
Slezak wrote an opinion piece in the Australian Financial Review about a proposal by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to restrict journalists’ access to certain personal information.
ABC management called Slezak to a meeting to discuss if he violated the ABC’s policy on external work and public comments.
The union says Slezak did not need ABC approval for the article because of an agreement that allows him to speak publicly as a union representative.
ABC’s new director of news, Simon Robinson, and other management have not ruled out disciplinary actions, including possible dismissal.
The union claims this is an attack on press freedom and union rights, urging ABC leaders to confirm no disciplinary action will be taken.
Over 190 union members signed a letter supporting Slezak, and the union plans to meet to decide on a joint response.
ABC’s managing director Hugh Marks has had tense relations with the union, including during a recent staff strike.
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Four different Israeli political groups have joined together to try to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming election on October 27. Even if these opposition parties win, experts say there may be little change in Israel’s policies toward Palestinians, especially regarding settlements and control over Gaza and the West Bank.
Key Facts
Four Israeli political movements—Yashar, Democrats, Yisrael Beytenu, and Together—are united against Netanyahu.
These parties span various parts of Israel’s political spectrum but share the goal to keep Israel a Jewish and democratic state.
Recent polls show a close race, with no group likely to get a clear majority in the 120-seat parliament (Knesset).
Netanyahu’s coalition currently includes ultra-Orthodox and far-right parties.
Arab-led parties, representing about 20% of Israel’s population, are projected to win 13 seats.
The opposition leaders signed a declaration promising cooperation and no attacks on each other before and after the election.
Analysts say Israel’s major parties mostly agree on policies about Palestinians, including support for settlements.
The election takes place amid domestic crises and international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank.
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Members of the Australian band the Seekers said the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) used their song "I Am Australian" without permission. The co-authors of the song criticized the conference, which included speakers opposing immigration, for using the song in ways they did not approve.
Key Facts
The song "I Am Australian" was performed at CPAC’s opening ceremony in Brisbane without the authors’ approval.
Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton co-wrote the song in 1987.
The song is about unity and diversity, with the line: "We are one, but we are many."
Pauline Hanson and others at CPAC spoke against "mass immigration."
Woodley and Newton have previously threatened Hanson with legal action for unauthorized song use.
Both the "yes" and "no" sides of the 2023 voice to parliament referendum asked to use the song but were denied.
Mark Callaghan, a music industry representative, said using the song without permission is illegal but difficult to control online misuse.
The 1997 version of the song is a well-known Australian classic and has been used in political and national events with permission.
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President Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, saying both sides agreed to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian attacks on energy facilities continued, and Ukraine was surprised by Trump’s announcement. Attacks also caused casualties in several Ukrainian cities despite the claimed ceasefire.
Key Facts
President Trump declared an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine on social media.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy said Russia continued striking Ukrainian power plants, causing outages.
Russian drone attacks hit Kyiv and Kharkiv energy facilities on the same day as the ceasefire claim.
Russian attacks killed six civilians in Ukraine, including a strike on a grocery store in Kharkiv.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to stop attacks on Russian energy targets but had not confirmed a mutual agreement.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief expressed doubt that Russia would honor the ceasefire.
US sanctions were temporarily lifted on Russian diesel fuel by President Trump shortly before the ceasefire announcement, causing disagreement with Ukraine and European allies.
The US reportedly pressured Ukraine and European countries to stop attacking Russian oil refineries as part of the ceasefire effort.
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Archaeologists discovered a Roman fort in Pembrokeshire, Wales, that supports a medieval story about Emperor Magnus Maximus camping in the area. The site contains Roman coins and other artifacts dating from the fourth century, suggesting the tale in the Welsh Mabinogion stories is based on real events.
Key Facts
The fort was found near Frenni Fawr hill in the Preseli Hills, Wales.
It measures about 180 by 150 meters and likely housed around 500 Roman troops.
The discovery includes fourth-century coins and Roman tiles.
Dr. Mark Merrony of Oxford University led the excavation and is a Roman history specialist.
The fort’s shape is typical of Roman military sites, with rounded corners and a straight road.
The findings challenge the idea that local Celtic tribes were always peaceful with Romans.
The fort matches descriptions in the medieval Welsh tale "The Dream of Macsen Wledig" from the Mabinogion.
Dr. Merrony’s research will be published in the archaeology magazine Antiqvvs and included in his upcoming book on Roman emperors.
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A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry heard claims that teens at Redeemer Baptist School, a private religious school in western Sydney, were made to share beds with teachers. Former students also said the principal once walked through a common area naked, and the school had a culture of strict control and public punishment.
Key Facts
Former students said some teens had to share beds with teachers during school camps or stays.
One former student saw the principal, Jonathon Cannon, walk naked in a common area and reported it.
The student who reported was then scolded by the principal’s brother and his parents.
Staff at the school often used kinship titles like “uncle” and crossed usual personal boundaries.
The school emphasized surveillance, informing on others (called “dobbing”), public punishments, and humiliation.
Two students were publicly punished after teachers found a love note, which was read aloud.
The New South Wales parliamentary committee is investigating the school and government oversight.
The Department of Communities and Justice received warnings about risks since 2004 but did not conduct a thorough investigation.
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Opposition parties in India plan to march to the Supreme Court in Delhi to demand the resignation of the election chief, Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of voter fraud to favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party. The government has deployed heavy security and imposed travel restrictions, and many protesters, including journalists, have been detained during recent demonstrations.
Key Facts
Indian opposition parties accuse the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, of manipulating voter rolls to benefit Prime Minister Modi’s BJP party.
The Election Commission and BJP deny these allegations.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, plan to submit a memorandum to the Supreme Court, but the Chief Justice declined to meet them.
Thousands of security forces are deployed in Delhi, with roadblocks and metro station closures to control protests.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) group and other opposition figures have been detained multiple times during protests.
CJP leaders were detained upon arrival in Delhi but released after a day; they continue planning new protests.
Police have used force against protesters, including women and journalists; some journalists have been detained and condemned this treatment.
Authorities limited protests by cancelling trains and closing metro stations to restrict movement in the capital.
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A BBC investigation found that Deloitte, a large accounting company, helped Roman Abramovich hide his wealth and avoid paying taxes by creating false documents. Abramovich denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Deloitte is the biggest accounting firm in the world.
They allegedly helped make fake and backdated documents for Abramovich.
These documents were used to hide Abramovich’s wealth.
The purpose was to avoid paying taxes.
The investigation was done by BBC Panorama and the Bureau for Investigative Journalism.
Roman Abramovich denies that he did anything wrong.
The findings are based on hundreds of documents.
The story focuses on activities related to Europe.
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Doctors warned years before that Elizabeth Struhs, an eight-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes, would not be safe at home due to her parents' refusal to provide medical care. Despite this, her family, part of a religious group that rejects medicine, stopped her insulin treatment, which led to her death in 2022. Fourteen members of the group were convicted of manslaughter for her death.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Struhs had type 1 diabetes and needed insulin to survive.
She died in January 2022 from diabetic ketoacidosis after her parents and others in their religious sect stopped her insulin treatment.
The religious group, called the Saints, believed in healing through prayer and rejected medical treatment.
Fourteen adult members of this sect, including Elizabeth’s father, mother, brother, and the sect leader, were found guilty of manslaughter.
Elizabeth had a similar medical emergency in 2019 and was hospitalized.
A doctor at Queensland Children’s Hospital warned child safety services that Elizabeth was not safe with her mother due to her mother’s refusal to accept medical treatment.
Elizabeth was returned home under a special agreement that allowed child safety authorities to help without a full protection order.
The doctor opposed the decision to send Elizabeth home, given her serious medical needs and risks.
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Houthi rebels attacked Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killing at least 13 people and injuring 300 in a missile strike on an airport. This attack is part of a growing conflict in the Gulf region involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, leading to more instability and violence.
Key Facts
The missile strike occurred at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
At least 13 people were killed and 300 injured in the attack.
This is the deadliest attack in the Gulf since a US and Israeli conflict with Iran started in February.
Iran fired missiles at Qatar’s airbase hosting US troops in retaliation for US actions on Iranian nuclear sites.
Israel struck Doha targeting Hamas members, killing six people, which broke previous agreements protecting Gulf countries.
The conflict has involved attacks on military sites, energy plants, and infrastructure in Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
The ongoing conflict disrupts Gulf countries’ efforts to develop tourism, sports events, and international business.
The war in Yemen has intensified with Houthi rebels advancing, affecting control over key shipping routes like the Bab al-Mandab strait.
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A wedding photo album from 1957 was found discarded outside a cafe in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. After a local historian investigated, the album was returned to the couple’s son, who said it had been stolen from a storage unit after his parents died.
Key Facts
Andrew Bedford found an old wedding album outside his cafe in Wakefield.
The album had photos of a couple married in 1957 but their names were faded.
Bedford’s partner asked for help on social media to identify the couple.
A local historian, Anne-Marie Fawcett, researched the album and traced the couple’s son, Michael Dawson.
The album was stolen from a storage unit after the couple died.
Michael said the album had some of his only photos of his parents.
He plans to keep the album safe now that it has been returned.
The case received local news coverage and shows community teamwork to solve a mystery.
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British van drivers will face an extra £2.5 billion in diesel costs this year because of higher fuel prices caused by global supply problems and geopolitical conflicts. This increase has led to calls for the UK government to cancel planned fuel tax hikes to avoid pushing up costs for businesses and consumers.
Key Facts
Diesel prices in the UK have reached record highs, partly due to refinery disruptions in the Middle East and Russia.
Van owners in the UK are expected to spend nearly £8.5 billion on diesel in 2024, up from £5.95 billion in 2023.
The average fuel bill for a van driver could rise from £1,294 to £1,965 this year.
About 95% of light commercial vehicles in the UK still use diesel fuel.
Fuel costs rose partly because of the US-Israel conflict affecting oil supplies from the Gulf region.
The UK government plans to increase fuel duty by 3p per litre in January and another 2p in March 2025.
The Road Haulage Association warns that fuel duty increases will hurt firms with small profit margins and could raise food and goods prices.
Other European countries like Spain, France, and Italy offer fuel rebates for commercial vehicles, which UK groups want here as well.
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Many councils in England have stopped using parking machines and now require drivers to pay by phone apps, which can add extra fees of up to 40%. These additional charges are often not clearly shown on signs or in the app until near payment, making parking more expensive for drivers.
Key Facts
Several councils in England, including some in London, have removed physical parking machines and switched to app-only payments.
Parking apps save councils money by avoiding costs of ticket machines but often charge drivers extra service fees.
Service fees usually range from 10p to 30p and are not included in the prices shown on car park signs.
Fees are often hidden until the payment step or behind small information buttons in the app.
These fees can increase parking costs by up to 40%, such as a 30p fee on an 80p parking tariff in Harrogate.
Some apps also charge extra for text alerts about booking or expiry time, usually 10p to 30p per text.
The Advertising Standards Authority says all mandatory fees must be included in advertised prices, but fees from app providers may not legally need to be on council signs.
Different app providers have different fees, making it hard for drivers to know the total cost in advance.
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Apple released the iPhone 18 Pro Max, its largest and heaviest Pro model with a bigger battery that lasts up to two days or more. It includes a new A20 Pro chip, improved cameras, and runs iOS 27, which features an upgraded Siri AI assistant.
Key Facts
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.
It weighs 249 grams, making it heavier than most other large smartphones.
The phone uses the Apple A20 Pro chip with 12GB of RAM for fast performance.
Battery life can last nearly three days with light use, and about two days for most users.
The phone supports fast charging but requires a special 60W USB-C charger, which is not included.
It runs iOS 27, which improves app speed and adds a smarter Siri AI that can understand context and access app data.
The phone offers water resistance (IP68) and multiple camera lenses including three 48MP rear cameras and an 18MP front camera.
Repair costs include £119 for battery replacement and £389 for screen repair, with a repairability score of 7 out of 10.
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Several countries have warned their citizens not to travel to Saudi Arabia after a series of attacks on airports by the Houthi group. These attacks have caused deaths, injuries, and major disruptions to flights within Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
Key Facts
Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, South Korea, and Japan have all issued travel warnings for Saudi Arabia.
The warnings advise avoiding major airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and others in Jeddah, Dammam, Najran, Jazan, and Asir.
The Houthi group, supported by Iran, claimed responsibility for most of the recent attacks on Saudi airports.
One attack killed 13 people and injured over 300, while another killed 1 and injured 11 at King Khalid International Airport.
Several Saudi airports remain closed, causing over 150 flight cancellations and more than 370 delays, disrupting regional air travel.
The full impact of the attacks on aviation in the Middle East will depend on how long the situation and airport closures last.
Officials urge people to reconsider or avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia due to security risks.
The attacks mark the deadliest strike on Saudi Arabia in over ten years.
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Authorities in Delhi closed six metro stations and warned of traffic disruptions ahead of a protest march against recent changes to voter lists. Opposition parties and a youth movement accused the election commission of unfairly removing millions of voters, while the commission and ruling party denied the claims.
Key Facts
Six metro stations in Delhi were shut for security reasons before a planned protest march.
The protest targeted voter list revisions that removed over 130 million names since last year.
The revisions included 30 million untraceable people, 28 million deceased, and 63 million who moved away.
Opposition parties say Muslim voters and minorities were unfairly removed, which officials deny.
Thousands of protesters, including youth movement leaders, were detained during recent demonstrations.
The Congress party planned to march to the Supreme Court to demand the election chief’s resignation.
The Supreme Court asked the Congress party to present their case legally instead of through a meeting.
The youth group called Cockroach Janta party threatened more protests if a meeting with police did not happen soon.
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President Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, causing oil prices to drop and stock markets to rise. Ukraine's President Zelensky expressed surprise and said he wants more information, while Russia has not confirmed the ceasefire.
Key Facts
President Trump declared a unilateral "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine.
Oil prices fell by more than one percent after the announcement.
Stock markets showed gains following Trump's declaration.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky said he supports the ceasefire but seeks more details and wants Russia to agree.
Russia has not confirmed or acknowledged the ceasefire.
European Union officials welcomed the idea but wanted a ceasefire that also ends violence.
Lithuania’s foreign minister called for the EU to label Russia’s military intelligence as a terrorist group.
Australia supports the energy ceasefire and urges Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine.
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