Actor Chad Lowe's 13-year-old daughter, Fiona Hepler Lowe, has died. The family described her as a smart and loving girl and asked for privacy and prayers during this hard time.
Key Facts
Fiona Hepler Lowe, daughter of actor Chad Lowe, died at age 13.
The family called her smart, creative, and someone who loved to dance.
She was loved by her parents and adored by her sisters.
The family asked for privacy and prayers after her passing.
They encouraged anyone struggling with mental health to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The story is still developing, with more information expected to come.
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The U.S. military has officially ended its anti-ISIS operation in Iraq by withdrawing all coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base. This ends a 12-year campaign against ISIS in Iraq and marks a shift to an Iraqi-led security effort supported by the U.S. through a normal security relationship.
Key Facts
Operation Inherent Resolve started in 2014 to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The mission ended with the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq.
At its peak, over 160,000 U.S. troops were in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the late 2000s.
About 2,000 U.S. troops were still in Iraq as of early 2026 before the final withdrawal.
The U.S. and Iraq agreed in 2024 to end the multi-country coalition against ISIS by 2025 and the mission by the end of 2026.
ISIS no longer controls significant territory, but it still exists and poses a threat; attacks have continued, including a deadly ISIS assault in December 2025.
Iranian-backed militias have carried out over 600 attacks on U.S. targets in Iraq in early 2026.
Iraq’s Prime Minister has committed to disarming these militias by June 2027.
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to improve public services, focusing on social care, housing, and energy. These changes aim to benefit people living in the UK by making these services better and more accessible.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He has proposed a major improvement to public services.
The key areas targeted are social care, housing, and energy.
The plan aims to make these services more effective and supportive for people.
The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera correspondent Milena Veselinovic.
The focus on social care involves better support for vulnerable people.
Housing improvements are intended to provide better living conditions.
Energy plans may involve making energy more affordable and efficient for residents.
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An Indian judge wrote a letter to a 10-year-old child who survived sexual abuse, praising her bravery and assuring her abuser will remain in prison for life. The judge also awarded the child compensation and encouraged her to live a full life despite the trauma.
Key Facts
The abuse happened on 23rd July 2023 when the girl was seven years old.
The court sentenced the abuser to life imprisonment, meaning he will stay in jail for the rest of his life.
The survivor was awarded compensation of 1.05 million rupees (about $10,941).
The judge’s letter called the girl “the bravest little girl this court has ever seen.”
The letter was part of the court’s official order but was made public later through another court's decision.
India recorded more than 69,000 cases of child sexual abuse in 2024.
Most abusers are known to the victims, often trusted family or caregivers.
Child sexual abuse can cause long-lasting emotional and psychological harm.
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Greggs plans to close four factories in the UK, which could lead to 740 job losses over the next two and a half years. The company expects to save £20 million annually by 2028 despite the closure costs, aiming to operate more efficiently while sales continue to grow.
Key Facts
Greggs will close factories in Enfield, Penrith, Kelso, and Seaham.
The closures may cause up to 740 job losses.
Closure costs, including redundancy payments, will total around £60 million.
Greggs expects to save £20 million each year from these changes starting in 2028.
The company’s sales grew by 7.7% recently, aided by new products like iced matcha lattes and more food choices.
Greggs has opened 57 new shops this year and plans to open up to 110 more by 2026.
Prices for popular items like sausage rolls and lattes were recently increased to cover rising costs.
The company employs over 33,000 people across the UK.
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President Donald Trump met with leaders from the technology industry at the White House to discuss the safety of fast-growing artificial intelligence (AI). The tech leaders signed a promise to regulate themselves and create protections for the new technology.
Key Facts
President Trump held a meeting at the White House with AI company leaders.
The meeting focused on the safety of rapidly developing AI models.
Tech leaders agreed to a "morally binding" commitment to self-regulate AI.
Self-regulate means companies will manage their own rules and safeguards without outside enforcement.
The goal is to create proper protections while AI technology develops rapidly.
President Trump said the tech companies will "police themselves."
The meeting took place on September 30, 2026.
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Female students in Azerbaijan were reportedly not allowed to enter their secondary school because they wore headscarves. Changes to the school's uniform rules appear to have led to this situation, causing distress among the students.
Key Facts
Female students in Azerbaijan wore headscarves to school.
The school had changed its uniform rules.
Students wearing headscarves were reportedly turned away from entering.
Videos show some students leaving the school in tears.
The incident involved a secondary school in Azerbaijan.
The reason for denial was related to dress code enforcement.
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The last U.S. soldiers in Iraq left the country on Wednesday, ending their mission to fight the Islamic State group. The Iraqi army took control of the remaining coalition bases and aims to build stronger military forces and control over its territory.
Key Facts
The final U.S. troops exited Iraq as part of an agreement between Baghdad and Washington.
U.S. forces were in Iraq to help fight the Islamic State group.
The Iraqi army now controls the coalition's former military bases in the country.
The Iraqi government wants to improve its military strength and confirm its full control over Iraq.
People living near U.S. bases, affected by attacks, hope for a peaceful future.
The troop withdrawal marks a significant change in the U.S. military presence in Iraq.
The news was reported by several journalists on the ground in Iraq.
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A flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a fight between the two pilots. Passengers are safe, and authorities are monitoring the situation.
Key Facts
The flight was operated by flydubai and was traveling from Dubai, UAE to Tel Aviv, Israel.
A violent incident occurred between the two pilots in the cockpit.
The pilots sent emergency signals during the incident.
The plane was rerouted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Reports indicate one pilot might have been injured with a pocketknife, but this is not confirmed.
Israeli officials said the situation was not a hijacking.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office is overseeing efforts to safely return passengers to Israel.
All passengers on board are safe and accounted for.
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A FlyDubai plane flying from Dubai to Israel was forced to land in Saudi Arabia after a fight broke out between the two pilots. The plane sent an emergency signal, causing concern about a possible hijacking, but all passengers are safe.
Key Facts
The incident happened on a flight from Dubai, UAE to Israel.
The pilots fought in the cockpit shortly after takeoff.
The plane was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
An emergency alert was sent by the plane, raising hijacking fears.
Israel scrambled warplanes as a precaution.
Israeli authorities confirmed the passengers are safe.
The cause of the pilots' fight is still under investigation.
FlyDubai is a budget airline linked to Emirates Airlines.
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A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was redirected to Saudi Arabia after a problem occurred between the pilots in the cockpit. Although there were reports of a hijacking, Israeli security sources confirmed it was not a hijacking.
Key Facts
The flight was traveling from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Tel Aviv, Israel.
The plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia because of an incident between the pilots.
Initial reports said there might have been a hijacking, but this was denied by security officials.
The plane safely landed in Saudi Arabia after the diversion.
The incident happened on the morning of September 30, 2026.
Israeli security sources provided the information to ABC News.
This is an ongoing story with updates expected.
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Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and Kenya's President William Ruto will start building a $16 billion oil refinery in Lamu, Kenya, which will process 700,000 barrels of oil daily. Some local people are protesting for more land compensation, but Dangote says the project will continue and be finished by 2030.
Key Facts
The refinery will be the largest industrial project in East Africa by capacity.
It will process 700,000 barrels of crude oil each day.
Local residents have protested, asking for more compensation for land used by the project.
Dangote said the company only took the land the government made available.
The refinery will create about 60,000 jobs during its peak construction phase.
Kenya does not produce oil but will import crude oil for the refinery.
The project will include a 1,000-megawatt power plant to supply electricity to the refinery and nearby industries.
Construction is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2024, and the refinery is expected to be operational by 2030.
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South Korea’s military has asked North Korea to apologize for landmine explosions near the border that injured three South Korean soldiers. North Korea denies planting the mines and calls the accusations false. The United Nations Command confirmed the presence of a North Korean anti-personnel mine on the South Korean side of the border, saying it breaks the armistice agreement.
Key Facts
Three South Korean soldiers were hurt in two landmine explosions near the DMZ on September 21.
South Korea demands an apology from North Korea and wants steps to stop this from happening again.
South Korea’s Defence Minister said they might take further actions if North Korea is proven responsible.
North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong called South Korea’s claims false and accused them of trying to provoke conflict.
The UN Command found a North Korean landmine on the South Korean side after a joint investigation.
The UN Command said the landmine violates the armistice agreement that stopped the Korean War fighting.
The DMZ is a heavily guarded border zone meant to separate North and South Korea.
North Korea warned it would respond strongly if South Korea fires real shots at its soldiers.
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A Flydubai plane flying from Dubai to Israel sent an emergency alert shortly after takeoff and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The airline said all passengers are safe and that the incident involved a disturbance between the pilots.
Key Facts
The flight was traveling from Dubai, UAE, to Israel.
Shortly after takeoff, the plane sent an emergency alert labeled as "unlawful interference."
The plane landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
All passengers on board are safe and accounted for.
Israeli media reported the alert was triggered by an argument or problem between the pilots.
The Israeli military’s top officer reviewed the incident with other senior officers.
The airline has not yet shared full details and said more information will come later.
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A FlyDubai plane flying from Dubai to Israel made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a fight broke out between the two pilots. Israeli officials initially feared a hijacking, but later confirmed that all passengers were safe and that the situation was under control.
Key Facts
The plane was traveling from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Tel Aviv, Israel.
The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, which has both civilian and military facilities.
Israeli jets were scrambled due to fears of a hijacking because many Israeli citizens were on board.
The cause of the emergency was a dispute between the two pilots in the cockpit.
No one on the plane was harmed during the incident.
Israeli officials stated they are working to return the passengers safely to Israel.
Flying between Israel and the UAE has been common since the countries established formal ties in 2020.
Flight emergencies due to crew disputes are rare but have happened before in other countries.
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Poundland’s management team, including former leader Andy Bond and current boss Barry Williams, is in advanced talks to buy the company and save over 11,000 jobs. The discount retailer has struggled financially but recently saw sales growth and is negotiating with financial backers while its current owners prepare to sell.
Key Facts
Poundland employs 11,000 people and operates 600 stores.
The company recently returned to sales growth of 3.3% at established stores.
Poundland reported an £85 million pre-tax loss for the year ending September 2025.
It has over £30 million in cash and had a £95 million lending facility, with £50 million used.
Management is trying to buy the company with support from an unnamed financial backer.
Current owners Gordon Brothers hired Alvarez & Marsal to help sell Poundland for about £30 million.
Some buyers want to break up the business rather than keep it whole.
About 149 stores closed in a previous rescue effort, causing 2,200 job losses.
Recent changes include focusing on £1 items and relaunched clothing ranges.
Uncertainty about Poundland’s future has caused some suppliers to pull credit, threatening stock supply.
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South Korea has asked North Korea to apologize after three South Korean soldiers were hurt by landmines near the border. South Korea and the US-led UN command say the mines were placed by North Korea, but North Korea denies this and calls the incident false.
Key Facts
Three South Korean soldiers were injured by landmines during a search near the border on September 21.
South Korea’s military and the US-led UN command found North Korean anti-personnel mines south of the military demarcation line.
South Korea demands an apology and says North Korea should stop laying mines and building border defenses.
North Korea denies placing mines and blames South Korea, warning of retaliation if fired upon.
The last serious similar incident was in 2015 when two South Korean soldiers were injured by mines.
There are no active communication channels between the two Koreas since North Korea cut ties in 2024.
The incident complicates South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to restart talks with North Korea for peace.
The blast has caused political debate in South Korea about how the government handled the investigation and response.
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A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the pilot and co-pilot got into a physical fight during the flight. The plane, carrying about 150 people, landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Israeli officials responded with fighter jets and emergency talks.
Key Facts
The flight took off from Dubai early on Wednesday morning.
About two hours into the flight, the plane sent an emergency signal.
It briefly switched to a hijacking code but later returned to a general emergency code.
Israeli officials said this was not a hijacking but resulted from a fight between the pilots.
The plane was carrying roughly 150 passengers, mostly Israeli citizens.
Instead of landing in Tel Aviv, the plane landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The Israeli air force sent fighter jets to follow the plane.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held urgent meetings about the incident.
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Russia carried out drone attacks overnight on Ukraine, hitting communication and energy facilities in Kyiv and port infrastructure in Izmail. Debris from these attacks was found near a western embassy in Kyiv, and neighboring Poland raised an emergency alert in response.
Key Facts
Russia launched drone strikes targeting communication and energy sites in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Port infrastructure in Izmail, Ukraine, was also hit.
Debris fell near a western embassy in Kyiv, leading to emergency services being dispatched.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reported preliminary information about the debris.
Poland issued a high readiness emergency alert for its south-eastern region.
Polish military aircraft were scrambled to monitor the situation.
Romanian parliament plans to vote on a new prime minister nominee.
French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Spain during ongoing housing protests.
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A sugar called Neu5Gc, found naturally in red meat, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers studied nearly 90,000 adults in France and found people who ate the most Neu5Gc had a 63% higher chance of developing diabetes than those who ate the least.
Key Facts
Neu5Gc is a sugar found mainly in red meat like beef and lamb, and in smaller amounts in dairy.
Humans do not produce Neu5Gc and may react to it as a foreign substance in the body.
The study followed 89,953 adults without diabetes or cancer for about 7 years.
Participants with the highest Neu5Gc intake had a 63% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The risk increased with more Neu5Gc consumption, showing a dose-response effect.
The results remained significant even after accounting for body weight, lifestyle, and diet quality.
Researchers suggest chronic inflammation caused by Neu5Gc may help explain the link.
Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand other contributing factors.
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