Education Department's major cuts to its staff. And, a proposed Ukraine peace deal

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocates for a significant overhaul of the civil service to address global instability, emphasizing the use of technology and artificial intelligence to enhance public service delivery and potentially save up to £45 billion. While critics raise concerns about potential job cuts, Starmer emphasizes the need for urgency in improving efficiency and productivity, aiming to reshape the state to better serve working people. Downing Street rejects claims of drastic cuts, focusing...

The city of Chicago is urging Chicago Public Schools to refinance around $240 million in debt to balance its budget, despite concerns from financial experts about the long-term impact. Mayor Brandon Johnson's aides propose using existing funds to cover the debt, but the district is facing a significant deficit due to declining federal funding and increasing costs. The school board is set to make a difficult decision on how to address the budget gap, with...

Ford New Zealand introduces the Everest Tremor SUV, expanding its popular lineup with enhanced off-road capabilities, maintaining towing capacity and on-road comfort. The vehicle features a 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine, Bilstein dampers, General Grabber AT3 tires, Rock Crawl Drive Mode, and rugged exterior design. The interior boasts Tremor-embossed leather seats, ebony accents, and all-weather mats, available in Command Grey, Meteor Grey, Arctic White, and Absolute Black from June 2025. Full Article

The captain of the Solong cargo ship, a Russian national, has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after colliding with the Stena Immaculate oil tanker in the North Sea off the coast of East Yorkshire. The crash, captured on thermal camera footage, resulted in a massive fireball. The rest of the crew on the cargo ship were Russian and Filipino nationals, according to the vessel's owner, Ernst Russ. Full Article

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh visited the Southern Air Command (SAC) for a commanders' conference, emphasizing the need for innovative measures to address security challenges and harness human resources. He highlighted the impact of emerging technologies and the hybrid nature of future warfare during interactions with SAC commanders, urging them to stay updated on global developments in space, cyber, and electronic warfare. The CAS was briefed on key issues including air defence, operational preparedness,...

Reports from humanitarians in the Strip highlight increasing challenges in accessing food, water, and medical services. Progress in restoring the healthcare system is slow, with only 16% of health service points functional in devastated northern areas. Funding cuts threaten women's rights organizations in Ukraine, forcing closures and disruptions to critical programmes. In coastal areas of Syria, access to vital services remains limited following deadly violence, with UN agencies mobilizing aid response efforts to provide water,...