Trump signs Russia sanctions bill into law: Is Ukraine peace deal at risk?

North Korea rejects UN nuclear watchdog’s criticism

SEOUL, South Korea—North Korea dismissed a UN atomic watchdog resolution that renewed demands to halt nuclear activities, state media reported Saturday. It said the resolution has “no effect” because Pyongyang is not a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). A foreign ministry statement on Friday accused “hostile forces” of seeking to bring an end

Georgia city moves pre-Civil War house for hotel; $500,000 restoration turns it into coffee shop

After a careful relocation and restoration, the historic McCray House in Acworth, Georgia, is gearing up to welcome visitors as the new Bizarre Coffee shop. The city has committed nearly half a million dollars to preserve this pre-Civil War building, ensuring it continues to be a vibrant part of the community. As the coffee shop prepares to launch, it promises to inspire fresh memories in the heart of town.

From 4,000-acre dairy farm to classroom: Narelle Zanker wins 2026 Rural Women’s Award

A Swedish company is transforming discarded wind turbines into tiny-solar powered homes and recycled skis

The challenge of decommissioned wind turbine blades is becoming increasingly prominent in Europe. The composite materials used in these blades are notoriously difficult to recycle, leading to significant landfill concerns. In response, various companies are working on inventive reuse projects that could transform these retired assets into valuable materials, underscoring the necessity for a regulatory structure that supports sustainable initiatives in this industry.

Trump says CNN, MS NOW, Politico banned from White House

WASHINGTON D.C, United States—US President Donald Trump said Friday he was banning news outlets CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of reporting “fiction and lies” about his administration. Trump added that “other Fake News Media Outlets” would face a similar fate, but did not say which ones. The move by Trump,

‘Treated on floor, verandah’: Dhaka hospitals struggle as dengue wards overflow

Dengue cases are severely straining Dhaka hospitals, with patients treated on floors and verandas. Over 747 new patients were admitted nationwide in a single 24-hour period. August saw the worst dengue outbreak this year, reporting over 20,000 infections. Experts predict the situation could worsen further in October, requiring more action. Destroying mosquito breeding grounds remains the long-term effective solution.

World's last royal coachmaker dies at 76, leaving King Charles' coach 98% done

Fourteen tail vertebrae found in Spain replaces North America as the only Diplodocus site

A significant paleontological breakthrough has occurred in Spain, where researchers have identified the first confirmed Diplodocus fossils beyond North America. Found in Teruel, these tail vertebrae date back around 150 million years. The discovery implies that during the Late Jurassic era, declining sea levels could have permitted dinosaurs to migrate between continents.

Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation donated $1 million to save African elephants being killed for ivory tusks

The dramatic decline in elephant numbers is largely attributable to illegal hunting and the persistent ivory trade. Efforts such as the Elephant Crisis Fund are pivotal in stopping this trend. Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation has notably contributed to these conservation endeavors. Several countries have instated international prohibitions on ivory trade, and while conservation organizations observe a decrease in poaching, they also note the challenges in data accuracy.

Early voting begins in US midterms that could shift control of Congress

HENRICO, Va. — In-person voting for this year’s midterm elections began Friday, ushering in the final six weeks for Americans to decide which party they trust to lead Congress through a cost-of-living crisis, a prolonged war in Iran and other pressing issues. Election administrators say they are prepared and confident the vote will be accurate and secure. Nevertheless, President Donald Trump has continued efforts to denigrate certain voting methods and reshape how elections are run, through court challenges, an expansive federal hunt for noncitizen voters and a pressure campaign to force election officials to share sensitive voter data. Friday marked the start of early voting in Virginia. Voters in a few other states, including Minnesota and South Dakota, can cast absentee ballots in person, typically at a local election office or voting center. More expansive early voting is scheduled to begin in those and other states in the coming weeks. At a voting location in Fairfax, Virginia, 18-year-old college student Sanya Singhal was among the first to vote early in person Friday morning,

California governor signs executive order to develop AI 'kill switch'

LOS ANGELES — California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday directing state officials to explore the feasibility of imposing a mandatory "kill switch" for the most advanced AI models. Newsom, widely seen as a possible Democratic presidential contender in 2028, said he was making the move because U.S. President Donald Trump was doing nothing on the issue. The Republican leader this week dismissed fears over AI as a hoax and is urging U.S. AI companies to keep advancing in order to stay ahead of China in developing the novel technology. California is home to Silicon Valley and the AI firms at the forefront of the sector. "The federal government's abject failure to create any form of meaningful AI oversight or accountability should alarm every American, especially when AI CEOs themselves are begging for regulation," Newsom said in a statement. "We're not waiting to act — we're going to speed up our work on substantial and responsible AI oversight before it's too late." The order comes days after dire warnings from industry insiders about the threat the technology poses

Princess Diana's famous 'revenge dress' goes on show ahead of Sotheby's auction

LONDON — Revenge has rarely been so stylish. A striking black dress worn by the late Princess Diana on the day her estranged husband publicly admitted adultery is going up for auction at Sotheby’s, with a presale estimate of up to $300,000. First, the “revenge dress,” as it has become known, is going on an international tour, testament to the enduring global fascination with Diana almost 30 years after her death. The garment, which went on public display Friday at Sotheby’s in London, was worn by Diana on June 29, 1994, the broadcast date of an interview in which the then-Prince Charles acknowledged infidelity. Diana, who knew the revelation was coming, chose to wear the figure-hugging, off-the-shoulder silk dress by Greek designer Christina Stambolian for a gala at London’s Serpentine Gallery. Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, said Diana chose the “beautiful and powerful outfit” as a way to seize control of her own story. “She always used fashion as a way of expression, but this time (it) was a way to communicate her personal expression of