Microplastics from biodegradable material may be linked to diabetes, study finds

Aroma Wu, a recent graduate in China, thought a UK master's degree would give her an edge in the hyper-competitive tech job market back home. But after getting accepted, she started having second thoughts as Britain's stricter immigration policies and rising costs made the prospect feel riskier. Her story reflects a growing hesitation among Chinese students who see the UK—once a top study-abroad destination—as less welcoming and financially draining.

Editor’s Note: The UK's reputation as a go-to for international students is taking a hit, and it’s not just about politics—it’s about real people like Wu weighing big life decisions. If this trend holds, universities could lose a key source of revenue, and global talent flows might shift toward countries with friendlier policies. For students, it’s a reminder that geopolitics can upend personal plans overnight.

President Trump claimed the National Guard did a "great job" calming protests in Los Angeles, but Mayor Karen Bass pushed back, saying troops hadn't even arrived yet. The mayor credited local law enforcement for handling unrest tied to a recent immigration crackdown, creating a clear disconnect between Trump's version of events and reality.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about who deserves credit—it's another example of Trump making claims that don’t match what’s happening on the ground. When leaders contradict each other on basic facts (like whether troops are even present), it fuels public confusion and erodes trust in official statements. That’s a problem, especially during tense moments like protests.

FBI Director Kash Patel made headlines with a blunt warning to protesters in Paramount, California, saying anyone who assaults law enforcement—including federal agents—will face jail time, no exceptions. His comments came amid clashes between immigration rights demonstrators and authorities during federal raids. The statement also drew criticism for its timing, as it reignited debates over Trump’s controversial pardons for some Capitol rioters.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a tough-on-crime soundbite—Patel’s warning taps into a much bigger, messier conversation. On one side, it’s a hardline stance on protecting officers during tense protests; on the other, it’s a reminder of the uneven way justice gets applied, especially when compared to the Capitol rioters who walked free. For communities already wary of aggressive immigration enforcement, this feels like fuel on the fire.

A Southern California family had a heart-stopping close call when lightning struck a neighbor's home just feet away from their 6-year-old daughter during a storm. Tiffanie Buckner captured the moment on video while filming dark clouds—showing how suddenly disaster can strike (and how lucky they were to escape unharmed).

Editor’s Note: Lightning strikes are unpredictable and terrifyingly fast—this video is a visceral reminder of how dangerous storms can be, even when they seem like a distant spectacle. It’s also a stroke of luck that no one was hurt, but not every family gets that outcome. Stories like this underscore why weather warnings matter, especially as severe storms become more frequent.

President Trump has deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles following a second day of violent clashes. The unrest stems from protests against federal raids targeting undocumented immigrants, which have sparked heated confrontations between demonstrators and authorities.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another protest story—it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement. Sending in the National Guard escalates tensions, signaling a harder stance from the administration. For LA residents, it means more disruption; for the country, it’s another chapter in the polarizing fight over how to handle immigration.