King's Speech, The Open, and Best Hospitals

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Big Stories

King’s Speech Sets New UK Government’s Priorities

King Charles presented Prime Minister Keir Starmer's new legislative agenda in his king’s speech Wednesday.

• The speech outlined more than 35 bills aimed at economic growth, planning law reforms, and speeding up infrastructure projects. The goal is to create jobs, improve transport, and address various challenges facing Britain.

• After winning a large majority, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that his government will prioritize service over self-interest. However, Starmer faces challenges like improving public services with limited funds. He warned that rebuilding the country will take time and requires serious, patient work.

• The government plans to reform planning laws to address housing shortages and streamline infrastructure projects, making it harder for local objections to block developments. There are also plans to renationalize the passenger rail network and set affordable fares to attract more riders. Additionally, the government aims to reset relations with the European Union, seeking a new security pact to strengthen cooperation.

California School District Sues Over New Trans Law

A California school district sued Governor Gavin Newsom over a new law banning schools from telling parents if a student changes their gender identity or pronoun.

• The law does say a parent needs to be notified about a name or gender change if the student tries to change their official record, but not otherwise. The governor's spokesperson called the lawsuit unserious and believes the state will win the case quickly.

• The new law, which takes effect in January, was praised by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. They believe it will protect students from being forced to reveal their gender identity in unwelcoming homes and provide resources for families of LGBTQ+ students. Opponents argue that the law undermines parents' rights and puts children at risk. They believe parents should have the right to guide and protect their children.

• At least six states—Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—have rules that schools must tell parents if students say they are transgender or want to be called by a different pronoun.

The Open

The Open Championship, the last major golf tournament of the season, begins today at Royal Troon Golf Course in Scotland.

• The tournament is known for being open to many potential winners, thanks to its unique links golf style with firm fairways and slow greens. World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler is the favorite to win, but the course's unique challenges make it possible for anyone to take home the title.

• Scottie Scheffler, who has won six of his last ten tournaments, is aiming for his first Open Championship win. Despite his recent success, he has found The Open challenging, with his best finish being an eight-place tie in 2021. Rory McIlroy, another top contender, has not won a major since 2014 and is looking to end his nearly 10-year drought. He came up one stroke shy at the U.S. Open in June after Bryson DeChambeau hit a clutch bunker shot to seal the victory.

• Royal Troon is hosting The Open for the 10th time. The course is known for its tough conditions, including strong winds and unpredictable weather. Other players to watch include Jon Rahm, who has struggled in majors this season, and Brian Harman, the defending champion.

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Little Stories

• Lucid says its 2025 Air Pure electric car can go 5 miles for every kilowatt-hour of energy, making it one of the most energy-efficient vehicles ever produced. It will have a record 146 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and can drive 420 miles on a single charge, according to EPA estimates. (More)

• Autopsy results showed traces of cyanide in the blood of six Vietnamese and American guests at a luxury hotel in Bangkok. One person is believed to have poisoned the others over a bad investment. The six guests were last seen alive when food was delivered to their room on Monday afternoon. (More)

• Germany is planning to cut Ukrainian military aid by half. The finance minister said they need to spend money on other priorities. On Wednesday, the government shared its 2025 budget plan, showing it will reduce military aid to Ukraine to just €4 billion.(More)

• The Supreme Court stopped the execution of Ruben Gutierrez in Texas just 30 minutes before it was scheduled to happen. Gutierrez, who says he didn't commit the 1998 murder, wants DNA testing to prove his innocence. He has tried many times to get the DNA tested but failed. He claims his rights are being violated by Texas laws that limit DNA testing. (More)

• A former CIA and White House expert, Sue Mi Terry, has been charged with secretly working for South Korea in exchange for luxury gifts. She shared nonpublic U.S. information and helped South Korean officials meet U.S. counterparts. In return, she received expensive items, dinners, and over $37,000 for a program on Korean affairs. (More)

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