Top stories
1. At least 17 dead in crush at Hindu festival event in India
At least 17 people were killed and many more injured in a crush at an event in Kolkata, India, marking a Hindu festival. Further details on the cause and casualties are still being verified.
Source: BBC World
2. Nursery owner in China jailed for life after hundreds of children poisoned
A nursery owner in China has been sentenced to life in prison after hundreds of children were poisoned. She and five staff members used inedible paint in meals to make the food look more appealing.
Source: BBC World
3. US annual budget gap hits nearly $2 trillion, largest in 5 years - Reuters
The U.S. annual budget deficit reached nearly $2 trillion, the largest in five years, Reuters reported. The figure highlights growing federal fiscal pressure and could shape debates over spending, borrowing and interest rates.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
World news
1. AI rapidly improving, could vastly boost US GDP, Anthropic’s Clark tells policymakers - Reuters
Anthropic’s Jack Clark told policymakers that AI is improving rapidly and could significantly boost U.S. GDP. His remarks highlight the growing economic and policy implications of AI.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
2. Three men jailed for 158 years each for murdering Australian and US surfers in Mexico
Three men in Mexico have each been sentenced to 158 years in prison for murdering two Australian brothers and their American friend during a surfing trip. The killings appeared to stem from a botched robbery.
Source: BBC World
3. Pope discharged from hospital days after lung cancer surgery
The pope has been discharged from hospital days after lung cancer surgery. He is scheduled to give the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing in St Peter’s Square on Sunday.
Source: BBC World
4. Major development banks step up support for critical minerals value chains - Reuters
Major development banks are stepping up support for critical minerals value chains, Reuters reported, aiming to bolster investment and supply of minerals needed for the energy transition.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
5. Almost all NSW homes destroyed in black summer bushfires were within 100 metres of flammable vegetation
New research found almost every home destroyed in New South Wales during the 2019–2020 black summer bushfires lay within the 100-metre buffer used to identify high-risk properties. The findings support official risk maps but warn worsening conditions will make more homes unsafe.
Source: The Guardian World
6. High debt, growing strains put focus on need for new development approaches - Reuters
Reuters reports that high debt and growing strains are drawing attention to the need for new development approaches. Existing models face pressure, prompting calls for more sustainable solutions.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
7. Teacher fought US school attacker before armed dad shot suspect ‘multiple times’
Police say a 16-year-old former student targeted a special educational needs classroom at a US primary school. A teacher fought the attacker before an armed parent shot the suspect multiple times.
Source: BBC World
8. Photos show luxury boat with 50m pool and water slides near Kim Jong Un’s summer retreat
Satellite images show a luxury boat with a 50-meter pool and water slides near Kim Jong Un’s summer retreat. The images offer clues about his holidays, a lifestyle far removed from most North Koreans.
Source: BBC World
9. Rare pink diamond goes on display in France 100 years after amateur heist
A rare French royal pink diamond is going on public display in France for the first time since it was recovered hidden in an apple after a 1926 theft. The exhibition comes about 100 years after the amateur heist.
Source: BBC World
10. Canada women snap world champion England’s 41-match unbeaten run - Reuters
Canada’s women’s team beat world champion England, ending England’s 41-match unbeaten run, Reuters reported. The result is a notable win over the long-unbeaten side.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
11. Plover, not a fighter: protected bird 12th man on Tasmanian cricket ground as staff mow around nest
At Windsor Park in Riverside, Tasmania, a masked lapwing is incubating eggs in the middle of a community cricket ground, seemingly unbothered by weekend matches. Locals nicknamed it “Faf Swoop Plessis,” and staff mow around the nest.
Source: The Guardian World
12. Rennie promises All Blacks will stick to their guns at World Cup - Reuters
Rennie has promised that the All Blacks will stick to their guns at the World Cup. He said the team will stay true to its approach rather than change under pressure.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)