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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Starting Thursday, drivers in the UK can see live fuel prices on Google Maps for the first time. This feature uses government data to help motorists find the cheapest petrol and diesel nearby, making fuel prices clearer and encouraging competition among sellers.
Key Facts
Google Maps will show real-time petrol and diesel prices from the government’s Fuel Finder.
Fuel Finder covers 99% of UK fuel stations and uses live data.
The average diesel price in the UK recently reached £2 per litre, up over 40% since February.
The service aims to make fuel pricing more transparent and promote competition.
The Competition and Markets Authority recommended this transparency in 2023.
Fuel Finder is also available on apps like Waze, PetrolPrices, AA, Confused.com, and RAC Fuel Watch.
The transparency might expose pricing strategies that keep local fuel prices high.
Energy minister Polly Billington called the move a “gamechanger” for helping drivers save money.
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Five local councils in Hull and Lincolnshire will each receive £222,000 from the UK government to help people access healthy and affordable food. This funding is aimed at areas with high levels of poverty and childhood obesity and will support projects like community food shops and mobile greengrocers.
Key Facts
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is giving £222,000 to each of 45 local authorities in England.
Hull City Council and four councils in Lincolnshire are included in the funding.
The areas selected have high deprivation and childhood obesity rates above the national average.
In Hull, 10.2% of children aged 4-5 and 19% of children aged 10-11 are obese.
The funding may support community food shops, mobile greengrocers, and help councils plan better for food access.
Challenges to getting healthy food include low income, poor local access, and time constraints.
Local leaders and groups aim to use this money to help residents get healthier food options.
A government meeting will give more details to local authorities about how to use the funding.
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Bluefin tuna have returned in large numbers to UK waters after almost disappearing due to overfishing. A new WWF report highlights this recovery and other wildlife improvements worldwide but also finds that overall wildlife populations have dropped by 73% since 1970.
Key Facts
Bluefin tuna vanished from UK waters by the 1960s because of overfishing tuna and their prey.
Recent recovery is due to international actions like lower catch limits and protecting spawning areas.
WWF calls the tuna comeback a successful example of good fisheries management.
Other successes include a rise in wild tiger numbers from 3,200 in 2010 to about 5,700 in 2025.
The green sea turtle is now considered less endangered after decades of conservation efforts.
Elephant populations are stabilizing or growing in parts of southern Africa thanks to new laws sharing tourism income with local people.
Despite these gains, WWF reports a global average 73% decline in monitored wildlife populations since 1970.
Conservation efforts alone are not enough, and habitat destruction from farming is a major threat.
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Margaret Hamilton, a computer scientist who created the software that helped NASA’s Apollo 11 astronauts land on the moon, has died at age 90. She led the team that developed important flight software and helped solve a critical computer error during the 1969 moon landing.
Key Facts
Margaret Hamilton was a software engineer who worked at MIT from 1959 to the mid-1970s.
She led the team that wrote and tested the Apollo 11 spacecraft’s flight software.
Her work helped fix a computer overload alarm during the 1969 moon landing, allowing the mission to succeed.
The term "software engineering" was popularized by her work and leadership.
Hamilton received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2016.
She was born in Indiana in 1936 and studied mathematics at the University of Michigan and Earlham College.
She passed away on September 30, 2023, and is survived by her family.
MIT and Earlham College praised her pioneering contributions to science and space exploration.
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A teenage witness in a Sydney court denies that his family tried to get as much money as possible from broadcaster Alan Jones. The witness says Jones sexually touched him when he was 17, and Jones has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Key Facts
The witness was 17 when Alan Jones allegedly kissed him and touched his bottom.
The witness started writing to Jones at age 13, asking for help after family difficulties.
The witness and his family exchanged many emails with Jones between 2013 and 2016.
The witness says his mother helped with some emails but the messages were mostly his own.
Jones claims he gave more than $100,000 but told the witness that help needed to stop.
The witness did not agree to Jones’s kiss and said he felt scared after the incident.
Jones faces 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching from incidents between 2003 and 2020.
The trial is taking place in front of Judge Glenn Walsh and is ongoing.
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South Korea said it will take legal action if fuel shipments from its ports to Russia break its laws, following a report about fuel trade with Russia. The government is checking the information and said South Korea’s export rules do not currently ban sending refined fuel to Russia.
Key Facts
South Korea is investigating fuel shipments that sent over 176,000 tonnes of mostly diesel fuel to Russia in July and August.
Seven tankers made 14 trips from South Korean ports to Russia’s far east during this time.
Three of these tankers are under UK and EU sanctions.
South Korea says exports of refined petroleum products to Russia do not violate its current laws, which mainly ban industrial goods.
It is unclear who owns the fuel or who sold it, as port records do not publicly show this.
Some tankers declared destinations like Japan or Singapore but then went on to Russia.
Ukraine has raised concerns about these shipments with South Korea and has its own data on the trade.
South Korea’s presidential office asked Ukraine to avoid public comments that could harm South Korea’s international reputation.
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At a Trump rally in San Antonio, at least 10 protesters were removed after interrupting President Donald Trump’s campaign speech. The president said the protesters were paid, but did not provide evidence.
Key Facts
The event was a Trump rally in San Antonio, Texas.
Protesters interrupted President Trump’s speech.
At least 10 protesters were taken out of the rally.
President Trump claimed the protesters were paid, but gave no proof.
The rally was held to support Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton.
Some supporters at the rally booed the protesters.
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South Korea’s government said it will take legal action if it confirms that fuel was illegally sent to Russia, following claims from an adviser to Ukraine’s president. South Korea has not confirmed these fuel exports and stresses it follows international sanctions against Russia.
Key Facts
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has not confirmed whether its fuel, including diesel, was sent to Russia.
An adviser to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said 176,000 tonnes of South Korean fuel were shipped to Russia in July and August.
South Korea says some fuels like diesel and jet fuel are not on its export control list to Russia.
South Korea’s presidential office rejected the fuel shipment claim and urged Ukraine to avoid statements that could harm trust.
South Korea and Ukraine have had tense relations recently over Ukraine’s disclosure about North Korean prisoners of war.
Ukraine says about 14,000 to 15,000 North Korean soldiers support Russia against Ukraine.
North Korea and Russia have a mutual defense treaty signed in 2024.
North and South Korea remain technically at war since the Korean War ended without a peace treaty.
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