Axios

Ukraine's nuclear agency warned there's a risk of hydrogen and radioactive leaks at the Zaporizhzhia plant after suffering shelling damage, Reuters reports.

Why it matters: Both Ukraine and Russia have been warning that continued shelling could cause a radioactive disaster at the plant, which is the largest nuclear power station in Europe.

An airstrike in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region on Friday ripped through a kindergarten killing at least seven people and injuring many others, the New York Times reported.

Why it matters: Friday's attack is the latest escalation after a months-long ceasefire was broken this week in a conflict that has spilled over into neighboring regions and created a dire humanitarian crisis.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz received "positive hints" from White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan that the U.S. is developing a military option against Iran in parallel to the negotiations on a return to the 2015 nuclear deal, a senior Israeli defense official said in a briefing with reporters on Friday.

Why it matters: Since President Biden assumed office, and even more so after indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran on a nuclear deal resumed, Israel has pressed the administration to present a credible military threat against Iran, stressing this is the only way Tehran will be more flexible in the negotiations.

The Biden administration announced Friday it will nominate an ambassador-at-large for the Arctic, raising the profile of American policymaking for the region.

Why it matters: The move comes at a time of increased militarization in the far north, with NATO members squaring off against Russia, and at a time of rapid climate change that is making the Arctic more accessible.

Residents in the U.K. will experience an 80% increase in their annual household energy bills, bringing average costs up from 1,971 pounds ($2,332) a year to 3,549 pounds ($4,197), the country’s energy regulator said Friday.

Driving the news: The price cap announced Friday will take effect Oct. 1, after which it is expected to increase again, CNBC reports.

A mission from the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to visit the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station next week in an effort to stabilize the nuclear and security situation, the agency said.

Driving the news: The logistical details of the visit are being worked out, said Lana Zerkal, an adviser to Ukraine’s energy minister. Russia is trying to block the visit, she said.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) referred to Taiwan as a "country" during a meeting with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei on Friday.

Why it matters: Blackburn made her comment in person, but her spokesperson confirmed to Axios she deliberately used the word. It's likely to further anger Beijing, which has warned of consequences for the U.S. if American officials continue to visit the island it sees as a breakaway province.

SpaceX and T-Mobile are partnering to bring wireless phone service to remote areas with spotty coverage.

Driving the news: T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert and SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced the collaboration Thursday at the SpaceX facility in Boca Chica, Texas, claiming the service will roll out next year and work with existing phones.