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Bronwen James has been convicted of multiple sexual offences involving a 16-year-old pupil and two teenage girls, with prosecutors describing a sustained pattern of predatory behaviour. Sentencing will be set after further assessments.
Damascus stories document a city in limbo after the regime’s collapse, tracing how fear, memory and new power shapes urban life. The collection and its authors reframe Syria’s capital as a laboratory for memory, loss and resilience in a transformed political landscape.
The government has announced plans to let English mayors introduce an overnight visitor levy charged as a percentage of accommodation costs, with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups including UKHospitality, Hilton, Whitbread and Butlin's have criticised the move, warning it will raise prices, harm demand and cost jobs; local leaders say revenue will fund transport and services.
A wave of skincare launches from The Ordinary, Renew+Me, L’Oréal Paris and Biafine are expanding access to advanced actives, with prescription-strength options entering consumer channels and French pharmacy staples finding U.S. shelves. Readers are guided through the latest launches, prices and how they fit into daily routines.
Archaeologists have found 4,500-year-old evidence of sophisticated cooking in Hama, with pot varieties and imported ingredients showing advanced culinary practices. Danish researchers confirm the use of specialized pots and varying fuels, hinting at organized urban life in ancient kingdoms.
A round-up of current bedding deals shows affordable comforters, cooling pillows and silver-infused sheets are on sale across major retailers, including the New York Post and Independent. Prices are reduced with several items offering notable discounts and trials.
As the Jewish community braces for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, safety concerns surface amid recent antisemitic incidents and political tensions. Leaders urge preparation over hope, while studies show rising antisemitic incidents and debates over Israel’s stance.
The summer box office has rebounded to multi‑billion levels with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey driving gains. Domestic take for May–Aug 2026 is around $4.61–4.76 billion, the strongest since 2013, with inflation tempering headlines. The season sees a shift in audience and content, sustaining momentum into fall.
The PB&J has evolved from a wealthy-tea-time snack to a nationwide staple. Since its first documented recipe in 1901, the sandwich has adapted to allergies, regional tastes, and new ingredients, with diners and restaurants continuing to experiment.
World Rugby is exploring the possibility of taking a Six Nations fixture to the United States to grow the sport and boost revenues. While Ireland backs growth potential, other unions remain cautious due to home-market stakes. Saturday’s Baltimore Test between South Africa and New Zealand is already sold out, underscoring the commercial pull of cross-Atlantic matches.
The US Open has opened with a record $108 million prize pool, up from last year, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returns from injury and Jannik Sinner withdraws with a knee issue. The mixed doubles title has already been decided by Karolína Muchová and Jakub Mensík. The field features top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, with events running August 30–September 13 at Flushing Meadows.
Republicans have held a two-day midterm convention in Dallas dominated by President Trump and Vice-President JD Vance. Trump has promised a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans retain Congress, defended his war with Iran and urged supporters to "pretend" he is on the ballot. Attendance has been uneven as many vulnerable lawmakers have skipped the event.
New York City has imposed a one-year moratorium on student-facing generative AI for pre-K through eighth grade, affecting roughly 600,000 pupils. High schools will receive twice-yearly AI literacy classes and limited supervised pilots. The city has also recommended classroom screen-time caps and will review district tools that cannot disable AI features.
Aryna Sabalenka has retained focus at the US Open, addressing questions about off-court activities while stressing that training and mental strength drive her. She is preparing for the next rounds after a dominant performance, with analysts noting the evolving landscape as rivals push for top rankings.
Sen. John Fetterman has delivered a pre-recorded message at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, praising Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and saying he will "work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life." The cameo has intensified Democratic concerns about his party loyalty and revived questions about a possible party switch before his 2028 reelection cycle.
Fidelity Investments reports a 19% quarterly jump in 401(k) accounts with balances of at least $1 million, reaching 769,000. The rise follows a strong stock market, with the S&P 500 up about 15% in Q2, while average retirement balances and savings rates remain high. Despite gains, seven-figure balances remain uncommon and retirement confidence is mixed.
Rabies cases among bats and other wildlife have risen across multiple sites in California and the Pacific Northwest. Health officials warn residents to avoid handling wildlife, seek prompt treatment after exposure, and stay vigilant as outbreaks are monitored in Yosemite, Berkley, and Olympic National Park.
The era of partnerships between athletes, leagues and prediction markets is accelerating. LeBron James has teased a partnership with Polymarket, while Kalshi and Polymarket are expanding ties with major leagues and teams. Analysts say the moves reflect a broader push into sports betting and fan engagement.
A federal class-action suit accuses Amazon of denying basic pregnancy-related accommodations, including bathroom breaks and sitting, violating the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Amazon says it approves the vast majority of accommodations and points to ongoing enforcement actions by the EEOC; the case involves several plaintiffs in New York and across the United States.
Hunter Biden has launched a meme coin tied to the laptop saga. The token, named $LAPTOP, debuts on Base, with a 1 billion-supply and founder allocations. It spikes toward hundreds of dollars before collapsing; critics call it a rug pull. Several outlets report on early trading losses and the token’s high volatility, while Biden’s team argues for transparency.
On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, President Trump has again claimed to have been at Ground Zero shortly after the falls, a version met with skepticism from witnesses and journalists. Several outlets question the veracity of his account, while he defends it and reframes the narrative at public events.
Jimmy Kimmel has said his interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico will not air on ABC broadcast TV and will instead run on YouTube after Kimmel accused the Federal Communications Commission under President Donald Trump of threatening his show and ABC affiliates. ABC and Disney have sued the FCC over early licence reviews and equal-time guidance.
A draft proposal from the Trump administration would exclude undocumented immigrants and non-permanent residents from the 2030 U.S. census, potentially shrinking official counts used to allocate seats and federal funds. Race and ethnicity questions may be dropped; the plan opens for public comment before final policy.
Hong Kong's court has acquitted Dow Jones Publishing Co. (Asia) of dismissing a journalist for union activity while convicting on the charge that it prevented or deterred union participation. The case centers on Selina Cheng, former WSJ reporter and HKJA chair, who argued her firing was linked to her union role.
UNICEF reports 171 million learners across 106 countries faced climate-related disruptions in 2025. Storms, floods and heatwaves disrupted classes; girls face higher dropout risks. The report warns of US$200 billion in potential lifetime earnings losses and calls for resilient school infrastructure and data systems.
Salman Rushdie has been named the 39th recipient of the National Book Foundation’s Distinguished Contribution to American Letters award. The ceremony in Manhattan on Nov. 18 will also honor Perri Klass with the Literarian Award. Rushdie, who has built a career across South Asia, London and New York, has published more than 20 works and survived the 2022 stabbing attack.
Cilia Flores, wife of Nicolás Maduro, has asked a judge to allow her to await trial on home confinement due to a worsening heart condition. Her lawyers propose a Brooklyn-based home under 24/7 surveillance, with limits on visitors and recorded calls, while trial remains scheduled for next June. Flores and Maduro have pleaded not guilty to cocaine trafficking charges and face immunity challenges.
Today, on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, ceremonies have taken place at Ground Zero in New York, the Pentagon in Arlington and the Flight 93 site in Shanksville. Families have read victims' names, President Donald Trump has spoken at the Pentagon observance, and communities across the US have held memorials and special events.