Author: Andrew Rogers

School mental health funding is set to increase after the U.S. Department of Education announced a $208 million funding shift. The move aims to strengthen mental health support systems in schools across the country. Officials say the focus will be on long-term programs that improve student well-being on campus. The funding will support evidence-based approaches that help students manage stress, improve focus, and feel safe at school. Education leaders believe strong mental health support is essential for learning and healthy development. Schools with better support systems often see improved attendance and academic outcomes. The department said the redirected funds will…

Scientists have identified genetic changes in polar bears that could help them adapt to rising temperatures, offering new insight into how the species might respond to climate change. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that polar bears in south-east Greenland differ genetically from those in colder northern regions. By analysing blood samples, the team discovered increased activity in so-called “jumping genes” – mobile DNA elements that can influence how other genes function – in bears living in warmer conditions. These genetic shifts are linked to processes such as heat stress, metabolism and ageing, and appear to be driven…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is expected to be softened, according to a senior European parliamentarian, in a move likely to anger environmental campaigners. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party, said the European Commission is preparing to move away from a full ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would face a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on sale. The proposed shift follows lobbying from Germany, Italy and much of the…

Scientists have recorded northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins cooperating to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a behavior never documented before. Drone footage, underwater video, and acoustic tags showed dolphins racing ahead as “scouts,” locating large Chinook salmon and leading the whales toward them. The orcas then made the kill at the surface, while the dolphins scavenged scraps. Remarkably, the whales showed no aggression, even though they usually guard fresh prey. Recordings captured alternating echolocation clicks from both species, suggesting they may even be listening to each other’s sonar during deep dives to widen their search range. Researchers…

As part of ongoing appropriations talks, a new budget framework includes measures to protect Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace subsidies. The continuing resolution framework guarantees a Senate vote, reinforcing bipartisan attention to maintaining affordable healthcare. The proposal aims to ensure millions of Americans can continue receiving financial assistance for their health insurance premiums. Lawmakers emphasize that extending these subsidies is critical to preventing coverage gaps and rising healthcare costs. Supporters highlight that ACA subsidies help lower-income and middle-class families afford healthcare, including essential medical services, prescriptions, and preventive care. By securing financial assistance, the framework reduces the risk of Americans…

A Cambridge University study has placed humans 7th out of 35 mammal species on a monogamy scale, suggesting we belong among the more monogamous mammals. The ranking was based on genetic data measuring how often siblings share both parents. Humans showed 66% full siblings, compared with 72% in beavers, who ranked higher. Meerkats followed behind at 60%, while mountain gorillas and chimpanzees scored extremely low. Researchers note that monogamy varies widely across human societies, but overall we behave more like pair-bonding animals than our closest relatives. Scientists believe human monogamy may have evolved alongside paternal care, even though social and…

A new form of mpox has been identified in England after a recently returned traveller from Asia tested positive for the virus. Genome sequencing revealed the infection to be a recombinant variant, containing genetic material from two circulating strains — the more severe clade 1 and the milder clade 2, which triggered the 2022 global outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the finding was not unexpected, as both strains are still present worldwide, but added that the new variant is under close investigation. Officials stressed that while most infections remain mild, people in higher-risk groups are encouraged to…

Crystal Palace continued their impressive rise under Oliver Glasner as Marc Guéhi scored a dramatic late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Fulham, sending Palace up to fourth in the Premier League table. Fulham had fought back after Eddie Nketiah gave Palace the lead, with Harry Wilson equalising through a superb outside-of-the-boot finish. Fulham pushed for more and hit the woodwork through Calvin Bassey, but struggled to break down Palace’s organised defence and paid for it late. With the match drifting toward a draw, Guéhi met a near-post corner and powered in a decisive header to silence Craven Cottage…

Far from Nepal’s crowded Himalayan trails lies the Terai, a lush lowland region bordering India. Known as the homeland of the Tharu people, it offers wildlife-rich national parks, sweeping farmland and the sacred birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Kathmandu and Everest, the Terai remains largely undiscovered by international travellers — but its growing community homestay network is changing that. In the village of Bhada, visitors stay with local families through the Community Homestay Network, an initiative that supports rural households while offering authentic cultural experiences. During one such stay, host Shyam Chaudhary welcomed guests into her…

The United States Congress is moving forward with plans to reform federal disaster management and emergency aid. Lawmakers are drafting the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act of 2025, which aims to modernize aid delivery and improve coordination between local, state, and federal agencies. Officials said the proposed legislation is designed to make emergency response faster, more efficient, and better tailored to the needs of affected communities. By updating policies and procedures, the law seeks to reduce delays in relief and improve outcomes for those impacted by natural disasters. The reform plan emphasizes strengthening partnerships among federal, state, and local…