Why Rachel Reeves may raise UK taxes in October

Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran for espionage since January, have made contact with their family for the first time in 213 days, revealing they are held in separate prisons with worsening health conditions. Their son described the call as a significant emotional boost, while the couple's family maintains they are not spies and calls for action to secure their release. Want More Context? 🔎

The Trump administration plans to terminate two NASA missions—the Orbiting Carbon Observatories—due to budget priorities, which monitor greenhouse gas emissions and plant health, crucial for understanding climate change and food security. Experts warn this decision is shortsighted, urging Congress to preserve funding, while efforts are underway to seek external partnerships for mission continuation. Want More Context? 🔎

The undersigned press freedom and media organizations demand an end to Israel's targeting and starvation of journalists in Gaza, where one in three people goes days without food, directly impacting those reporting on the humanitarian crisis. They call for immediate humanitarian access, protection for journalists, and accountability for those responsible, warning that inaction will silence truth and represent a moral failure. Want More Context? 🔎

A promotional video for the Seattle Kraken featured their mascot, Buoy, and player John Hayden fly-fishing in Katmai National Park when a grizzly bear unexpectedly approached them. The tense encounter ended without injury, as the bear lost interest and turned away, with Hayden joking that the bear was intrigued by Buoy's appearance. Want More Context? 🔎

President Trump's administration has frozen $584 million in federal funding for UCLA, citing the university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests as allowing antisemitism. UCLA is negotiating the funding freeze while facing previous lawsuits over antisemitism and concerns from rights advocates regarding academic freedom and free speech amid broader government actions against universities. Want More Context? 🔎

Texas Republicans are redrawing their congressional map mid-decade, prompting Democratic responses due to the long-term impact of gerrymandering on election competitiveness. Analysis shows that who controls map drawing significantly affects election outcomes, with states using independent commissions or courts yielding more competitive races compared to legislatively drawn maps. Want More Context? 🔎