Author: Andrew Rogers

California has launched a state-funded universal child care program aimed at providing affordable early education for all children, regardless of family income. The initiative is designed to support working parents and ensure every child has access to quality learning opportunities from an early age. Officials emphasized that the program will make child care more accessible and affordable, helping families balance work and family responsibilities. By reducing financial barriers, the state aims to promote educational equity and give children a strong start in life. The initiative covers children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, offering a mix of center-based care and family child…

Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports from 1 November, accusing Beijing of “very hostile” actions over rare-earth export restrictions. The move reignites trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, sending Wall Street tumbling on Friday. The S&P 500 dropped 2.7%, the Dow Jones fell 1.9%, and the Nasdaq slid 3.6%, with tech giant Nvidia losing almost 5%. China, which produces over 90% of the world’s processed rare earths, recently expanded export controls to include five new materials critical for electronics and clean energy technology. “I never thought it would come to this,” Trump said…

Researchers at the University of East Anglia say they’ve developed the first reliable blood test for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The condition, marked by extreme exhaustion and often dismissed as psychological, currently has no definitive diagnostic test. Lead researcher Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy said the discovery could “transform how we diagnose and manage this complex disease.” The team, working with Oxford Biodynamics, found unique DNA folding patterns in blood samples from ME/CFS patients. The test showed 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity, meaning it accurately detects the illness and rules out false cases. “This is a significant step forward,” Pshezhetskiy said. “It…

New research shows about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US come from wild populations. The study, led by Dr Bing Lin of the University of Sydney, found only 3% of fish were farmed, with most caught in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. “The trade is opaque from reef to retail,” Lin said. “Many consumers have no idea their fish are taken from the wild.” The global aquarium industry is worth over US$2bn and sells about 55 million marine animals each year. Among those traded are 45 species listed as threatened, including Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish.…

Jaguar Land Rover has begun a phased restart of its factories after a crippling cyber-attack shut operations for over a month. The company said production would resume at key UK sites, including Wolverhampton, Hams Hall, and Solihull, starting Wednesday. Plants in Slovakia and other UK facilities will follow shortly as JLR rebuilds its global manufacturing network. Retail sales dropped 17% in the last quarter, with UK demand down more than 30%. “Our recovery is firmly under way,” said CEO Adrian Mardell. To help struggling suppliers, JLR launched a new financing scheme offering upfront payments to ease cashflow. The government has…

Three scientists have won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine for explaining how the immune system avoids attacking the body. Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi share the award “for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance.” The prize, announced in Stockholm, comes with 11 million Swedish kronor, about £871,400. Only Sakaguchi answered his phone. “We have their numbers, but they’re probably on silent mode,” said Nobel secretary Thomas Perlmann. Their research focuses on T-cells — white blood cells that defend against infections and cancer but can also cause autoimmune diseases. Sakaguchi discovered that certain T-cells, marked by the…

Tourism in France is seeing a surge as more travelers seek weekend escapes to the countryside. French countryside tour packages are becoming increasingly popular among tourists looking for nature, wine, and cultural heritage. Agencies in Paris say bookings for regions like Provence, the Loire Valley, and Normandy have risen sharply in recent months. Many travelers are drawn by the opportunity to combine relaxation with local experiences. Weekend tours typically include guided vineyard visits, scenic countryside walks, and stops at historic towns. Tourists enjoy tasting local wines and traditional foods while exploring picturesque villages. These trips provide a balance between leisure…

Paris has launched a new wave of eco-friendly cruises along the Seine River. Several companies have introduced electric and hybrid boats to provide tourists with a quieter and greener sightseeing experience. These boats aim to reduce pollution and noise on the river while offering visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s iconic landmarks in comfort. The move aligns with Paris’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and clean transportation. Tour operators report that the new vessels are already attracting both local and international travelers. Passengers enjoy smooth rides past historic bridges, museums, and monuments, all while knowing their trip has a…

Paris has experienced an unprecedented rise in visitors this summer. Cultural landmarks, museums, and local cafes are reporting record attendance, signaling a strong rebound in tourism. Travel experts say this surge highlights the city’s lasting appeal for both domestic and international travelers. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre have welcomed more tourists than in previous summers. Museums report longer queues, and exhibition spaces are filled with eager visitors. Experts note that the city’s art, history, and cultural offerings remain major attractions, driving this wave of tourism. The city’s cafes, restaurants, and local shops are seeing a boost…

Paris’ leading tech hub, Station F, has unveiled new initiatives to support women-led startups. The programs aim to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses and drive innovation in the city. The initiatives include mentorship sessions, networking events, and access to funding opportunities. These resources are designed to reduce barriers for women in the tech sector, giving them the tools to scale their startups. Station F’s leadership highlighted the importance of fostering diversity in technology. By supporting women founders, the hub hopes to create a more inclusive ecosystem that encourages innovation across industries. The new mentorship program pairs women entrepreneurs with…