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US and UK Politics Mix with Rising Global Tensions
Appeals Court Lets Iowa’s LGBTQ Books Ban Take Effect
An Iowa law banning LGBTQ books and topics in public schools is now in effect after an appeals court lifted an injunction on Tuesday.
Reform UK cold-calls the public to recruit ‘paper’ candidates for local elections
Reform UK has been calling members of the public to ask them to stand as “paper” candidates in the local elections, as parties rush to file enough names before Thursday’s deadline. The party has apparently been using little more than email-signup details to make the pitch, while Nigel Farage denied Reform was “begging” people to run.
UK to Cap Student Loan Interest at 6% for Graduates
The government has announced a small concession for millions of graduates with Plan 2 student loans, capping the interest rate at 6% from September. But the move is unlikely to settle the wider dispute over the high cost of degree debt.
Arsonist jailed for starting fire under Chatham flats
An arsonist has been jailed after a fire was started beneath flats in Chatham, causing extensive damage to two cars. The court described the offender as reckless and thoughtless.
Labour Limits Digital ID Citizens’ Assembly to Adults Only
Parliamentary questions from Alex Burghart show that the £600,000 Digital ID people’s assembly will only admit people aged 18 and over, even though 16-year-olds have been given the vote. Participants will be chosen by sortition, described as a random postcode lottery for selecting people for deliberative processes.
Jeffries Urges Republicans to Push Back After Trump Threatens Iran
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called on Republicans in Congress to “stop the madness” after President Trump posted an ominous warning about Iran on Truth Social. Trump said Iran would face catastrophic consequences unless it does “something revolutionarily wonderful.”
UK government caps student loan interest at 6% from September
Millions of graduates in England and Wales will see student loan interest capped at 6% from September under a temporary government measure. Ministers say the change for Plan 2 and Plan 3 loans is meant to protect borrowers from rising inflation linked to global conflict, after criticism that the system can leave some graduates paying far more than they originally borrowed.
Rapper Offset Hospitalized After Being Shot in Florida
Rapper Offset is in stable condition after being shot in Florida. Two people have been detained in connection with the incident.
Has Artemis II Shown NASA Is Ready to Land Humans on the Moon Again?
Artemis II has gone nearly flawlessly so far, but the real question is whether the test flight proves NASA is ready to send humans to the lunar surface again.
JPMorgan Says Gas Prices Could Top $5 a Gallon if the Strait of Hormuz Blockade Continues
JPMorgan is warning that if Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz lasts for another couple of weeks, nationwide gas prices could rise above $5 a gallon.
Iryna Zarutska mural moved to a new Providence restaurant after earlier cancellation
A mural of slain Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska has found a new home at Opa the Phoenician in Providence after the original location, The Dark Lady, canceled the project amid criticism and pressure, including from Mayor Brett Smiley. The restaurant’s co-owner said the mural is meant to honor Zarutska’s immigrant story, and artist Ian Gaudreau began work on it Friday.
JD Vance Endorses Viktor Orbán’s Re-Election Bid During Budapest Visit
US Vice-President JD Vance visited Budapest and publicly backed Viktor Orbán’s re-election campaign, while also criticizing the European Union.
Russia threatens the Baltic states over alleged help to Ukraine
Russia’s foreign ministry issued veiled threats toward Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, accusing them of helping Ukraine in its campaign against Russia’s oil terminals.
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