El Niño, a climate pattern with warmer Pacific Ocean waters, is expected to bring more storms to California this winter. These storms may cause heavy rain, mountain snow, flooding, and landslides, especially in the Sierra Nevada region.
Key Facts
El Niño involves warmer ocean waters in the Pacific that affect weather around the world.
It usually causes wetter weather in the southern U.S. and warmer, drier conditions in the north during winter.
The current El Niño is expected to grow stronger and could become the strongest since 1950.
There is an over 83% chance this strong El Niño will last through early 2027.
California will likely see a more active southern storm path, causing frequent storms and atmospheric rivers (narrow bands of moisture in the sky).
These storms can bring heavy rain, floods, landslides, and snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Northern California may stay near or slightly above average temperatures, while southern California could be cooler with frequent storms.
The Sierra Nevada range may get above-average snowfall, with up to a foot of snow at a time.
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Albania is trying out artificial intelligence (AI) in its politics, including using an AI-generated avatar for a jailed mayor and appointing the world’s first minister made up of AI. This digital experiment has encountered technical problems and some criticism.
Key Facts
Albania uses AI in political roles, such as an AI avatar representing a jailed mayor.
The country appointed the world’s first AI-based government minister.
This effort is part of Albania’s wider push to bring digital technology into government.
Some people have criticized the use of AI in government decisions and democracy.
Technical difficulties have slowed or complicated the AI political initiatives.
The experiment in Albania could serve as a test case for the European Union on using AI in politics.
AI in politics means using smart computer programs to perform roles usually done by humans.
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Ukrainian troops have reported sudden problems with Starlink, the satellite internet system run by Elon Musk's SpaceX, which they use for drone control and communications in their fight against Russia. These problems cause drones to lose connection at high speeds, disrupting missions and weakening Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Key Facts
Ukrainian forces rely heavily on Starlink and its military version, Starshield, for communication and drone operations.
Drone operators reported that Starshield loses connection when flying faster than 68 to 100 miles per hour.
The connection issues have forced Ukrainian military to cancel some drone missions.
SpaceX has not explained the sudden change or said if it was intentional.
Zelensky’s adviser called the Starlink issues linked to recent political tensions between Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
President Trump recently criticized Ukraine over energy issues related to Russia.
Elon Musk previously said Starlink was essential for Ukraine’s defense and promised it would not be turned off for political reasons.
Reduced Starlink access harms Ukraine’s offensive and defense capabilities against Russia.
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Tehran’s city government has started welfare programs to help people with high living costs, including freezing prices on some basic goods and offering housing and maternity support. There are questions about where the money will come from and whether the city is doing too much instead of the national government.
Key Facts
Tehran municipality launched four welfare projects, including housing support, price freezes on 12 basic goods, and a maternity package.
The price-freezing plan is called the “Zero Inflation” project and aims to keep prices 5-50% below market rates for six months.
Inflation in Iran is very high, with overall inflation near 90% and food inflation over 108% year-on-year.
Municipal law allows cities to provide social welfare and affordable goods but Tehran’s scale and funding of projects have caused debate.
Critics say that the city’s measures may not be enough to reduce inflation without controlling money supply and overall economic policy.
There is concern about overlap since the national government also offers support programs for newborns.
The city’s funding comes mainly from taxes and building permits, raising questions about resource priorities and transparency.
The recent economic difficulties have been worsened by ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
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Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery for lung cancer and is expected to stay in hospital for a week. At the same time, the Pope’s eldest brother, Louis Prevost, is also receiving treatment for a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV, age 71 and the first US-born Pope, had surgery to remove part of his right lung due to lung adenocarcinoma.
The surgery lasted 90 minutes, was successful, and the Pope is recovering as expected in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Louis Prevost, the Pope’s eldest brother, is being treated for multiple myeloma, a blood cancer affecting bone marrow and kidneys.
Louis was first diagnosed in 2017; his cancer returned three months ago and he is now in a clinical trial involving CAR-T cell therapy, which uses the immune system to fight cancer.
Both men and their families are supporting each other through treatment and keeping their spirits up.
Lung adenocarcinoma produces mucus and is one of the most common lung cancers; prognosis depends on early detection and health.
Multiple myeloma is not currently curable but survival rates have improved significantly.
The announcement about the Pope’s surgery came shortly after a routine medical check-up revealed a lung nodule.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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The U.S. government criticized a legal complaint filed in Lebanon against Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad for her talks with Israel’s ambassador in Washington. These talks, supported by the U.S., aim to improve relations between Lebanon and Israel but face opposition from Hezbollah and old Lebanese laws banning contact with Israel.
Key Facts
Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, was complained against in Lebanon’s military court for contacting Israel’s ambassador.
The complaint was filed by a lawyer described by the U.S. as supportive of Hezbollah.
The U.S. State Department called the complaint “embarrassing” and said Moawad was carrying out official government policy.
Talks between Lebanon and Israel are happening in Washington, led by the U.S. to improve relations after decades of conflict.
Hezbollah opposes these talks and uses a 1955 Lebanese law that bans contact with Israel to block such efforts.
The U.S. official urged Lebanon to use its courts against Hezbollah operatives instead of diplomats seeking peace.
A peace framework was signed in June but its implementation is stalled due to disagreements.
Future talks between the two sides are planned, but progress has been slow.
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Irish author Sally Rooney and her publisher Faber have stopped supplying her books in the UK because she supports Palestine Action, a group banned as a terrorist organization in the UK. Her publisher said sending her earnings from UK sales to her could break the law, so they decided not to sell her books there anymore.
Key Facts
Sally Rooney is an Irish novelist known for books like Normal People, which sold over six million copies worldwide.
Palestine Action is banned as a terrorist group in the UK since 2025 for causing criminal damage, especially targeting companies linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Rooney publicly said she would keep supporting Palestine Action, including using her book royalties to help the group.
The publisher Faber said UK laws now prevent them from paying Rooney royalties from UK sales due to her support of the banned group.
Because of this, Faber and Rooney agreed to stop supplying her books in all formats within the UK.
Physical copies already in UK bookstores remain for sale, but new shipments have stopped, and e-books were removed earlier.
The UK government has arrested thousands of people over alleged support for Palestine Action, with a legal case about its ban going to the Supreme Court soon.
Rooney canceled a UK trip to receive an award due to concerns she might be arrested for her support of Palestine Action.
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A 42-year-old man died after being thrown from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Following the accident, several similar roller coasters made by the same manufacturer were temporarily closed across multiple amusement parks in the U.S. and Canada while safety reviews are conducted.
Key Facts
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia and died.
Investigators are still looking into the cause of the accident.
Twelve roller coasters at different parks in the U.S. and Canada were closed as a safety precaution.
Closed rides include Goliath, Nitro, Raging Bull, Fury 325, Thunder Strike, Diamondback, Orion, Mako, Behemoth, and Leviathan.
Most of the closed rides were made by the company Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M).
The parks emphasized guest and employee safety as their top priority.
B&M is cooperating with investigations and has expressed condolences but gave no further comment.
All closed rides will remain shut until full safety checks are completed and parks are satisfied they can operate safely.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that Israel’s enemies might attack before upcoming elections, but his opponents say this is for political gain. The United Nations has asked Israel to take stronger action to stop violence by settlers against Palestinian farmers.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of possible attacks by Israel’s enemies before elections.
Opposition parties in Israel said Netanyahu’s warnings are political tactics.
The United Nations is pressuring Israel to reduce settler violence.
The violence targets Palestinian farmers in disputed areas.
The report comes amid rising tension ahead of Israeli elections.
Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Saleh provided the latest updates on the situation.
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Pope Leo is recovering well after lung cancer surgery, with doctors saying his progress is normal and as expected. Many world leaders, including King Charles and Canada’s prime minister, have sent messages wishing him a speedy recovery.
Key Facts
Pope Leo had a cancerous mass removed from his right lung at a hospital in Rome.
Doctors say his recovery is going as planned, with normal test results after the surgery.
The cancer type found is adenocarcinoma, the most common kind of lung cancer.
Further tests are needed to find out if the cancer has spread or if more treatment is required.
Pope Leo announced the cancer was found early and is well-contained.
King Charles, who also has cancer, sent a private letter to Pope Leo.
Canada’s prime minister and other leaders have publicly wished the pope a full recovery.
Pope Leo cancelled all public appointments until October 20 and has planned trips later this year.
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