Heavy periods affect school attendance and exam scores, study in England finds

A leading Chinese scientist, Wang Jian—who heads Zhejiang Lab and played a key role in developing an orbital supercomputer—is calling for global cooperation in using AI for space exploration. He argues that AI shouldn’t be siloed by national rivalries but instead harnessed as a shared tool to push the boundaries of what’s possible beyond Earth.

What This Mean: This isn’t just about tech—it’s a nudge toward collaboration in an era where space and AI are increasingly competitive domains. Wang’s stance matters because it challenges the zero-sum mindset often seen in space innovation. If major players take this seriously, AI could accelerate discoveries (like deep-space research or satellite efficiency) in ways that benefit everyone, not just one nation’s agenda.

England and Zimbabwe kick off their first men’s Test match at Trent Bridge, with play starting at 11am BST. Fans get an early glimpse of Zak Crawley’s batting and Zimbabwe’s rising fast bowler, Blessing Muzarabani, though the overcast conditions might spice things up. Meanwhile, links hint at a fresh era for England’s women’s team, adding a broader cricket buzz.

What This Mean: Test cricket’s back, and this match is a rare chance to see Zimbabwe—a team that doesn’t play many Tests—take on England. It’s also a spotlight for emerging talents like Muzarabani, who could shake things up. Plus, with England’s women’s team making waves, it’s a big week for cricket fans craving both drama and fresh faces.

A former EU trade official is downplaying the tensions between Europe and China over electric vehicles (EVs), suggesting the dispute isn’t as dire as some fear. Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly encouraging Europe and China to work together, despite their differences—adding an unexpected twist to the geopolitical drama. Sentiment: neutral Main Tag: trade relations What this means: This isn’t just about cars—it’s a snapshot of how global power dynamics are shifting. Europe and China are locked in a trade tussle over EVs, but the real story might be how outside players (like Trump) are trying to influence the game. For consumers and businesses, it signals that the EV market’s future could hinge on political maneuvering as much as innovation.

What This Mean: This isn’t just about cars—it’s a snapshot of how global power dynamics are shifting. Europe and China are locked in a trade tussle over EVs, but the real story might be how outside players (like Trump) are trying to influence the game. For consumers and businesses, it signals that the EV market’s future could hinge on political maneuvering as much as innovation.

Wales' first minister pledged to tackle NHS waiting times, but Sarah Thyer's story shows the harsh reality—she forked out £8,000 for hip surgery in Lithuania after being told she’d wait two years at home. It’s a stark example of how delays are pushing patients to desperate measures.

What This Mean: When people are paying thousands to skip the queue abroad, it’s a glaring sign the system isn’t keeping up. This isn’t just about broken promises—it’s about real pain, wasted time, and the growing gap between political pledges and everyday struggles in healthcare.

Just as the UK and Mauritius were about to finalize a deal to transfer control of the Chagos Islands, a last-minute legal challenge threw a wrench in the process. The agreement, which was supposed to be signed on Thursday, would have marked a significant step in resolving a decades-long territorial dispute. Now, it’s back to the drawing board—or the courtroom.

What This Mean: The Chagos Islands have been a diplomatic sore spot for years, with Mauritius pushing for their return after the UK evicted residents in the 1960s to make way for a US military base. This legal hiccup means more delays in a saga that’s already dragged on far too long for the displaced islanders. For now, the future of the archipelago—and the people who once called it home—remains stuck in limbo.