Voting has started in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election in north London to choose a new Member of Parliament (MP). The election follows the resignation of former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is leaving to take up an international role.
Key Facts
The by-election is taking place in the Holborn and St Pancras area of north London.
Around 30 polling stations opened at 7:00 AM and will close at 10:00 PM BST.
The election is to fill the MP seat left vacant by Sir Keir Starmer.
Sir Keir Starmer stepped down to work in international affairs.
About 15 candidates are running, including one independent candidate.
Voters must show ID like a driving license or passport to vote.
Vote counting will begin after polls close at 10:00 PM.
Polling stations are located in places such as churches and community centers.
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A study of over 65,000 university students found that procrastination is the biggest problem harming their academic work, more than issues like anxiety, ADHD, or financial worries. The study explains that procrastination can create a cycle of stress and other problems, and experts say it is a common issue that affects health and success.
Key Facts
Almost half of the students said procrastination hurt their ability to do schoolwork.
Procrastination caused more distress than depression, family pressure, or bullying.
The study was conducted on US university students and published in the journal Plos One.
Procrastination can lead to a "vicious cycle" where stress and poor sleep increase procrastination.
It is not the same as laziness; often procrastinators want to work but get distracted by perfectionism or burnout.
Experts say procrastination helps avoid tough feelings short-term but causes guilt and stress long-term.
Universities should take procrastination seriously and offer help, since it affects many students.
Research shows that positive interventions can reduce procrastination problems.
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Voting has started in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection in north London, which was previously held by Keir Starmer. The main candidates are Sagal Abdi-Wali for Labour and Zack Polanski for the Green Party, with the election seen as a test of Labour’s strength and the Greens’ chances in the area.
Key Facts
The seat was held by Keir Starmer until he resigned after stepping down as prime minister.
Holborn and St Pancras is usually a Labour stronghold, with Starmer winning it by large margins in past elections.
Zack Polanski leads the Green Party in England and Wales and is running to win the seat for the Greens.
Polanski’s campaign has involved many supporters knocking on doors, similar to a recent Green win in Gorton and Denton.
Recent polls show Labour with a strong lead over the Greens in this area.
The Green Party faced internal conflict after a controversial conference policy on Israel and Palestine.
Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali is the current leader of Camden council and a refugee from Somalia.
The election is important for Labour leader Andy Burnham to show he can keep support in inner-city areas against the Greens.
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A report from the Transition Security Project says the UK spends a large part of its military budget on overseas missions instead of defending the country itself. The report suggests that new increases in defence spending should focus more on protecting the UK at home rather than maintaining global military bases and commitments.
Key Facts
Nearly a quarter (about 23%) of the UK’s military budget is spent on overseas missions.
The UK has military bases and operations across five continents, including Cyprus, Kenya, and Oman.
The planned defence budget is set to almost double from £70 billion in 2026 to £151 billion by 2035.
The UK’s military is the most focused on overseas activity among European NATO nations by budget share.
Since 2001, the UK has spent over £51 billion on military interventions in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.
Thinktank authors argue current spending supports an outdated policy of global military involvement and call for prioritizing domestic defence instead.
UK officials want to avoid waste and focus spending on preparing for possible conflicts in Europe rather than increasing arbitrary budget targets.
Some UK political leaders have shown concern about meeting defence spending goals linked to GDP percentages.
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Sam Wood, a former star of the TV show The Bachelor, was denied bail after being charged with choking and assaulting a woman in Queensland. Police say the woman seriously feared for her life during the attack, and Wood faces similar allegations from another incident in Victoria.
Key Facts
Sam Wood is charged with assault causing injury and strangulation in a domestic setting.
The alleged victim said she thought she would die during the choking incident.
Police attended Wood’s home in Victoria about three years ago after a similar report, but no complaint was made then due to fear.
Wood denies the allegations and will fight the charges.
He appeared in a Queensland court by video link and has been held in custody since his arrest.
Evidence includes a 000 emergency call, photos of injuries, and a video statement from the victim.
A psychologist report mentioned Wood is suffering from severe depression.
Wood’s fitness business suspended him following the charges.
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Workers in two factories in Cambodia are paid less than £1 per hour to make official football shirts for clubs like Arsenal, Celtic, and Liverpool. These workers face tough conditions, such as very high temperatures, verbal abuse, and safety worries, while companies like Adidas say they monitor and improve factory standards.
Key Facts
Two factories in Cambodia produce official football shirts for major clubs including Arsenal, Celtic, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.
Workers earn a basic wage of about $210-$220 per month, which is less than £1 per hour.
Employees often work long hours and sometimes produce up to 700 shirts a day.
Factory conditions include temperatures over 35°C, verbal abuse, and unsafe electrical equipment.
These wages meet Cambodia’s local minimum wage laws but leave workers struggling to afford basics like rent and food.
Adidas does not own the factories but says it audits them regularly and works to improve conditions.
The price of football shirts includes costs for materials, manufacturing, marketing, and retailer profits.
A global workers’ rights group called the situation “very grim” and said many garment workers face similar problems worldwide.
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Hotter and drier summers in the UK are causing potato crops to be smaller and fewer in number. Farmers are struggling because potatoes need a lot of water and cool temperatures to grow well, but the recent weather has been too hot and dry.
Key Facts
British potato farmers have seen smaller potatoes and lower crop yields due to hot, dry weather.
Potatoes need about 200mm of water typically; this year they received only around 35mm.
Potatoes do not grow bigger when temperatures go above 28°C, but this summer had about 40 days over that temperature.
Some farmers had to harvest early, which meant potatoes were smaller than customers want.
Growing potatoes is costly, and repeated bad harvests are making farmers consider quitting.
Government announced a £65 million support package in response to drought and dry weather.
A new taskforce is being formed to address risks from climate change affecting farming.
Farmers want easier rules to build water storage systems to capture winter rain for summer use.
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Young people in France have led large protests against poor conditions in high schools, including staff shortages, crowded classrooms, and broken buildings. Similar protests involving youth have taken place in Spain over housing problems and in parts of England about job prospects.
Key Facts
Protests in France began when students found their high school had many absent teachers.
These students then blocked their school in protest and the movement spread to hundreds of schools.
The youth are unhappy about overcrowded classrooms, poor school buildings, and long school days.
Students are also upset about what they see as unfairness in the education system.
There have been other recent youth protests in Spain focused on a housing crisis.
In northern England, young people protested at a Labour conference about lack of jobs.
Some adults have questioned youth protests in the past, but this current French movement is seen as genuinely led by teenagers.
The article compares the current protests to past youth movements in France, such as in 2006 over job contracts.
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Poppy Russell died shortly after birth in a hospital in Telford due to preventable medical mistakes. Her parents, Neil and Katie Russell, were wrongly blamed by the hospital but now work with the NHS trust to improve care through a new program called Poppy's Promise. The program focuses on kindness, respect, and involving patients in their care.
Key Facts
Poppy Russell died 12 hours after birth in April 2021 from a brain injury caused by delayed emergency cesarean delivery.
Katie Russell, her mother, asked for a cesarean due to fear of natural birth but was initially denied.
The hospital failed to properly monitor Poppy during labor, missing signs of distress.
An inquest found the death was preventable and would not have happened if Poppy was born an hour earlier.
The NHS trust blamed Katie, saying she refused monitoring, but this was disproved by the inquest.
Staff at the hospital tried to cover up their failings after Poppy's death.
The trust apologized in 2023 and promised improvements to maternity care.
Neil and Katie created "Poppy’s Promise," based on compassion, acknowledgment, respect, and empowerment, to train all hospital staff.
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Kenya reported its first death from the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, after a patient traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Uganda to Kenya. The World Health Organization said Kenya is increasing disease checks at key borders to prevent further spread.
Key Facts
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was first found in Uganda in 2007 and is different from the Zaire strain, which has a vaccine.
The DRC outbreak has caused over 8,300 cases and more than 4,100 deaths.
Uganda had about 20 cases before being declared Ebola-free in July, but the virus likely spread from the DRC through Uganda to Kenya.
The Kenyan patient became sick in the DRC, traveled by road to Uganda, then flew to Nairobi, where he later died.
Kenya identified 28 people who may have had contact with the patient and is tracing passengers and crew from his flight.
Symptoms of Ebola include fever, headache, fatigue, and can cause bleeding and organ failure.
There is no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
WHO said Kenya is improving screening and monitoring at high-risk entry points to control the outbreak.
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The 150-year-old wych elm known as the Bendy Tree in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland, won the UK Tree of the Year 2026. It received over 30% of the public vote for its resilience to harsh weather and disease, and its unique shape that provides shade and beauty to the community.
Key Facts
The Bendy Tree is a 150-year-old wych elm located on Newcastle's central promenade in County Down, Northern Ireland.
It won the UK Tree of the Year 2026 with more than 30% of the national public vote.
The competition theme was "Against All Odds," celebrating trees that show strength despite difficulties.
The wych elm is the last tree of a row planted in the 19th century to shield the promenade from sea winds.
Most nearby trees were cut down in the 1980s during redevelopment.
The tree has grown almost horizontally due to strong winds but still provides shade for people, with a bench placed under it.
It survived Dutch Elm disease, which killed millions of elm trees in the UK in the 1960s.
Northern Ireland has one of the lowest woodland covers in Europe at 8.7%, with plans to increase this to 12% by 2050.
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The New South Wales police commissioner requested last minute to hold parts of the inquiry into the Sydney anti-Herzog protest in private, delaying the investigation. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (Lecc) will now conduct a mix of public and private hearings to examine police actions during the February protest.
Key Facts
The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, asked for some hearings to be closed to the public less than two weeks before they were set to start.
The protest occurred on 9 February in Sydney’s town hall area and saw violence with injuries to protesters and officers.
Police were recorded using force, including punching protesters and detaining worshippers performing sunset prayers.
More than 30 people were charged after the protest, but some charges have been dropped.
Lecc launched the investigation after public outcry over police conduct during the protest.
Lecc argues public hearings are necessary due to widespread public interest and existing information in the public domain.
The inquiry will start with a public statement on 19 October, then continue with private hearings, followed by more public hearings involving senior police.
The investigation will look into the use of pepper spray, arrest powers, police force, and protest planning.
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A vape shop in Bracknell has started selling darts equipment because a new tax on vaping products is coming soon. The tax, called the Vaping Product Duty or Vape Tax, will charge £2.20 for every 10ml of e-liquid starting April 2027.
Key Facts
The new Vape Tax will take effect in April 2027.
The tax rate is £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid.
Sellers have six months before the tax to sell their current stock without the new tax.
Vapers Cave, a shop in Bracknell, usually sells vaping products.
The shop owner, Daniel Buckland, is worried about staying open after the tax starts.
To keep the business going, the shop has begun selling darts equipment as well.
This change is because the new tax could make vaping products more expensive and reduce sales.
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Hundreds of people protested in Bogotá, Colombia, against the new government’s decision to restore diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. The rally opposed Israel’s military actions in Gaza and criticized the government for opening an embassy in Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli control of the Golan Heights.
Key Facts
Protesters gathered in front of the Israeli embassy in Bogotá.
They oppose Colombia’s new far-right government restoring relations with Israel.
The protest marks three years since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
The new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, supports close ties with the US and Israel.
Previous president Gustavo Petro had cut diplomatic relations with Israel over the Gaza conflict.
Colombia reopened diplomatic relations and resumed Israeli arms imports.
The government recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights in 2024.
Protesters say the government is no longer opposing what they see as atrocities in Palestine.
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Jaguar has launched a new electric car called the Type 01, which the company sees as very important for its future. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the parent company, is facing challenges including competition from China, US tariffs, and a recent cyber attack, along with plans to cut 4,000 jobs.
Key Facts
Jaguar Type 01 is a new electric car meant to transform the brand into a luxury, electric vehicle maker.
The car costs around £130,000 in the UK and $130,500 in the US.
It has about 1,000 horsepower and can go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds.
JLR employs 43,000 people worldwide and plans to cut 4,000 jobs mainly due to market pressures.
The company faced a cyber attack last year that stopped production for over a month.
The Type 01 will be assembled in Solihull, UK, with batteries made in Wolverhampton.
Experts say Jaguar is taking a big risk by focusing fully on electric cars in a new, developing market.
Some local leaders worry that the rapid move to electric cars could cause factories to move away from the UK.
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The UK consulate in East Jerusalem removed its signs as Israel’s deadline to shut it down arrived. This action follows Israel’s order to close the consulate because of the UK’s sanctions on Israeli settlements, which the UN and many countries consider illegal.
Key Facts
Workers removed signs showing the UK consulate’s name from the building in East Jerusalem.
The Israeli government ordered the consulate’s closure 30 days before the signs were taken down.
Israel’s move responded to UK sanctions against goods made in Israeli settlements.
Most countries and the United Nations see Israeli settlements as illegal under international law; Israel disagrees.
The UK threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closed the consulate.
The consulate served Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
The UK embassy in Tel Aviv, which manages relations with Israel’s government, remains open.
The UK and Israel continue to cooperate closely on economy, security, and intelligence despite this dispute.
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Despite a ceasefire that began on 10 October 2023, Israeli strikes in Gaza have continued. More than 1,400 people, including civilians like Fida al-Toutah and children, have been killed during the ceasefire period, while Israel says it targets Hamas militants.
Key Facts
The ceasefire started on 10 October 2023, aiming to end the war triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.
Over 1,400 people in Gaza, including many civilians, have died from Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began.
The ceasefire led to the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners by Israel and the return of all 48 hostages held in Gaza.
Israel claims it targets Hamas fighters and accuses Hamas of breaking the ceasefire.
Gaza’s population has been heavily displaced, with many living in tents or unsafe shelters.
Fida al-Toutah, a mother of five, was killed by gunfire in Gaza during the ceasefire.
More than 300 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire started.
Israeli forces reported no record of the specific killings mentioned, while at least seven Israeli soldiers have also died in Gaza during the same period.
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A UK charity warns more people are struggling to afford hygiene products like toothpaste and soap. Many of those affected are working families who used to feel financially secure.
Key Facts
The Hygiene Bank charity reports a rise in "hygiene poverty" in the UK.
Common missing items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, sanitary pads, and laundry detergent.
One in five UK adults (18%) said they or someone in their home experienced hygiene poverty in the last six months.
Of those affected, 41% say this is their first time dealing with hygiene poverty.
The issue can hurt health, confidence, school, work, and social life.
Working families, not just those expected to struggle, are now affected.
Mental health groups report hygiene products run out quickly, especially for women.
The Hygiene Bank is asking for donations during National Hygiene Week, ending October 11.
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A former Syrian general named Bassam al-Hassan, wanted for crimes against humanity, is living in Lebanon with support from the US and Lebanese authorities. The US is protecting him because he provides information about the 2012 kidnapping of American journalist Austin Tice and other intelligence.
Key Facts
Bassam al-Hassan was a senior adviser to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and oversaw Syria's chemical weapons program.
He is accused of crimes against humanity and involved in the planned abduction of Austin Tice.
After Syria’s government changed in 2024, Hassan moved to Lebanon, where he is protected.
The FBI and Lebanese security have made an agreement to shelter Hassan in exchange for intelligence, mainly about Austin Tice.
The US pays Hassan through a middleman to keep the payments less visible.
Syrian officials want Hassan returned to Syria to face trial, but the US prefers keeping him in Lebanon.
There is little evidence that Hassan’s information has helped advance the investigation into Tice’s disappearance.
Other former Syrian regime members involved in the Tice case also receive US payments and support.
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A Conservative politician claimed parts of Luton are “no-go zones” for white people, sparking criticism from locals. Residents and workers in the town say they feel safe and describe Luton as a diverse and multicultural place.
Key Facts
Blake Stephenson, a Conservative MP, said some areas of Luton are dangerous and white people avoid them.
These claims were strongly rejected by local residents and community members.
Luton has a large minority population; the 2021 census showed 54.8% of people there are from ethnic minorities.
The town has connections to far-right activist Tommy Robinson and the English Defence League (EDL).
Residents say that despite past incidents, the town feels safe and welcoming to different groups.
A small group of Islamist activists once protested against a military parade, but they are a tiny minority.
Experts say far-right and Islamist tensions have been used to create a negative image of Luton.
Local people emphasize Luton’s diversity and the strong community atmosphere in places like Bury Park.
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