A fire in a Merseyside home killed a mother and her three children. Firefighters said the fire was started by a lithium-ion battery that overheated and caused the blaze.
Key Facts
The fire happened early on Tuesday, 22 September, in Bootle, Merseyside.
Four people died: Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo (16), Ellis (8), and Prudence (7).
The fire started from a lithium-ion battery going into "thermal runaway," meaning it overheated and caught fire.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in devices like e-scooters, e-bikes, and vapes.
Firefighters arrived quickly but could not save the family.
Firefighters warned people to only use approved batteries and chargers and to watch for signs of battery problems like swelling or smoke.
The family described Elisha as a loving mother, deeply devoted to her children.
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Andrew Bailey, deputy director of the FBI, is leaving his job about a year after starting. He helped lead investigations related to President Trump’s 2020 election and works under FBI Director Kash Patel during a time of major changes at the agency.
Key Facts
Andrew Bailey was a co-deputy director of the FBI, appointed in September 2025.
He oversaw some investigations involving President Trump’s 2020 election ballots, including searches in Georgia.
Bailey is stepping down to spend more time with his family in Missouri.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised Bailey’s work and leadership in reforms.
Bailey served alongside Christopher Raia after former deputy Dan Bongino left in January.
There have been many departures of FBI agents under Patel’s leadership, some due to political disagreements.
Reports say Bailey, Raia, and Patel had a difficult relationship, including periods without communication.
The FBI referred questions to Bailey’s own social media post about his resignation.
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A Russian drone hit the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv, killing one person and injuring three. This attack was part of a series of increased strikes on civilian and important infrastructure in Ukraine.
Key Facts
A Russian drone attacked the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine building in central Kyiv.
One person died as a result of the strike.
Three other people were injured in the attack.
The strike happened during a wave of intensified Russian attacks.
These attacks targeted both civilian areas and critical infrastructure.
The building hit is an important scientific institution in Ukraine’s capital.
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A Russian drone hit a historic building in Kyiv, Ukraine, that houses the National Academy of Sciences. One person died and three were injured. People escaped through windows as firefighters helped them, and the building caught fire.
Key Facts
The building hit is the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The attack was carried out by a Russian drone.
One person was killed and three others were injured.
People evacuated by leaning out of windows.
Firefighters assisted with evacuations through the windows.
A large fire broke out and smoke was seen coming from the building.
Kyiv's mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, confirmed the casualties.
Emergency services worked to control the fire at the scene.
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Nigerian dancer Benjamin Daniel Gabriel is attempting to dance continuously for 168 hours (7 days) in Lagos. He aims to set a new Guinness World Record and showcase African dance to people around the world.
Key Facts
Benjamin Daniel Gabriel is a dancer from Nigeria.
He is trying to dance non-stop for 168 hours, which equals 7 days.
The attempt is happening in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city.
The goal is to break a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous dance.
He wants to promote African dance globally by achieving this record.
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President Donald Trump announced plans to build a $15 billion steel mill in Iowa. The project aims to create thousands of jobs and support American manufacturing, which could help Republican Representative Ashley Hinson in her upcoming Senate race against Democrat Josh Turek.
Key Facts
The steel mill will be the largest built in the U.S. since the 1960s and will be built by Minnesota company Mesabi Metallics.
The project is expected to create 5,000 to 6,000 temporary construction jobs and about 1,750 permanent jobs in Iowa.
The steel plant’s supply chain will use only U.S.-made materials to strengthen national security and local economies.
Iowa, a state with a history of switching between Republican and Democrat votes, has recently leaned more Republican in federal elections.
Ashley Hinson, a Republican, was endorsed by President Trump and supports ending the war in Iran to reduce inflation and fuel prices.
Democrat Josh Turek has gained support in recent polls, showing a more competitive race for the Iowa Senate seat.
Iowa voters care most about everyday issues like the economy, inflation, and fuel costs, which could influence the election outcome.
Political experts say independent voters in Iowa will be important to decide who wins the races this year.
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The UK government is talking with the US to try to stop a possible ban on diesel exports announced by President Donald Trump. Diesel prices in the UK have reached record highs due to conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, which affect oil supply.
Key Facts
The UK gets about one-third of its diesel imports from the US.
President Trump is considering banning diesel exports to lower fuel prices in the US before elections.
UK diesel prices hit 199.18 pence per litre, higher than any previous record.
Conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and Russia have reduced oil supply and increased fuel prices worldwide.
Chancellor John Healey said the UK is preparing for a possible diesel export ban and is using its own fuel stocks.
UK fuel duty, a tax on fuel, is currently frozen but planned to increase early next year.
The UK government urges a peaceful resolution to Middle East conflicts to reduce fuel costs.
The UK Labour Party is planning a budget to address the cost of living pressures caused by high fuel prices.
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Andrew Bailey, the FBI co-deputy director, announced he will resign on October 2, citing family reasons. Bailey had a difficult working relationship with FBI Director Kash Patel and recently left after internal conflicts and a demotion of two counterterrorism agents linked to complaints from White House officials.
Key Facts
Andrew Bailey is resigning as FBI co-deputy director effective October 2.
Bailey wrote about his resignation citing family reasons.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Bailey had a strained working relationship.
Patel called Bailey "co-deputy director," while Patel used the title "director."
Two counterterrorism agents were demoted after complaints by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and his wife.
Bailey was previously Missouri attorney general before joining the FBI leadership.
Dan Bongino, the other FBI co-deputy director, left the bureau in January.
Chris Raia remains as the other FBI co-deputy director.
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Gisèle Pelicot’s daughter, Caroline Darian, launched a campaign in France to help people who think they were drugged and sexually assaulted but may have little memory of it. The campaign encourages victims to come forward and seek help from a specialized center connected to Paris hospitals.
Key Facts
Caroline Darian started the campaign to support those drugged and sexually assaulted, including herself.
Gisèle Pelicot became a symbol of courage after publicly sharing her own ordeal of being drugged and raped by her ex-husband and others.
The campaign uses TV, social media, posters, and press to raise awareness across France.
Most drug-facilitated sexual abuse victims are attacked by relatives or friends, about 75% of the time.
The Centre of Excellence on Substance-Facilitated Assaults (CRAFS) offers expert help and advice for suspected victims.
Dominique Pelicot, who abused Gisèle Pelicot, and 50 other men were convicted after a public trial.
The campaign aims to reduce victims’ shame and encourage them to report abuse, even if they have little memory of it.
The topic of drug-facilitated sexual abuse has gained more attention recently, partly due to high-profile cases like the Mazan trial.
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France has put out a large wildfire that burned 42,000 hectares in the southwest region near Saumos. The fire started in July, forced many people to evacuate, and became the biggest wildfire in France since 1949.
Key Facts
The wildfire burned 42,000 hectares, with 37,296 hectares completely destroyed.
It began near the village of Saumos in the Gironde region in July 2026.
About 224,000 people were evacuated to keep them safe.
More than 3,300 firefighters worked to control and extinguish the fire.
The fire was under control by August 1 but continued to smoulder underground for weeks.
No deaths were reported due to the fire.
This fire is the largest in France since a 1949 wildfire in the same area burned 50,000 hectares.
France has experienced about 98,000 hectares lost to wildfires this year, the highest since 1976.
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A huge wildfire in southwestern France has finally been put out after burning for more than two months. The fire destroyed 42,000 hectares of land, forced 224,000 people to evacuate, and was the largest wildfire in France since 1949.
Key Facts
The fire started in July near the village of Saumos in the Gironde region.
About 42,000 hectares of forest burned, with 37,296 hectares fully destroyed.
Around 224,000 people had to leave their homes because of the fire.
The fire was controlled by August 1 but kept smouldering underground for weeks.
Over 3,300 firefighters worked to put out the fire, making it the biggest firefighting effort in modern French history.
No deaths were reported from the wildfire.
This fire was the largest in France since 1949 when about 50,000 hectares burned in the same region.
In 2026, France experienced the highest area damaged by wildfires since 1976, with about 98,000 hectares destroyed.
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The Trump administration is thinking about a new rule that would let more married couples get help from a Child Care and Development Fund. This fund helps families pay for childcare, and the change would include families where only one parent works.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is reviewing a rule change related to childcare funding.
The change would expand who can get help from the Child Care and Development Fund.
It would include some married couples with only one parent working.
The fund is designed to help families pay for childcare costs.
This change aims to support more families that may need financial help with childcare.
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President Donald Trump will announce a $15 billion steel plant project in Iowa. The plant is expected to be the largest steel facility in U.S. history and will be built by Mesabi Metallics.
Key Facts
The steel plant will cost $15 billion to build.
It will be located in Iowa.
Mesabi Metallics is the company expected to build the plant.
The plant will be the largest steel production facility in the United States.
It will eventually produce up to 10 million units (likely tons) of steel.
The announcement will be made by President Trump on Monday afternoon.
The project is part of the Trump administration’s industrial development plans.
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President Trump is ready to ease economic sanctions on Iran and release frozen Iranian money if Iran agrees to clear, specific actions on its nuclear program. U.S. officials say talks are ongoing with help from Qatari and Pakistani mediators, but important disagreements remain.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Iran to make concrete changes to its nuclear activities before offering economic relief.
The U.S. is negotiating through mediators from Qatar and Pakistan.
Iran wants to focus talks on U.S. naval actions and the Strait of Hormuz instead of nuclear issues.
The Trump administration insists nuclear issues must be the priority for any deal.
Talks are described as positive, with Iran showing some flexibility on nuclear matters.
There are still disagreements on the timing and order of actions from both sides.
The U.S. accuses Iran of breaking previous agreements by attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House wants firm proof that Iran will seriously follow through on commitments.
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President Donald Trump announced plans for a new $15 billion steel plant in eastern Iowa. The project, led by Mesabi Metallics, aims to boost American steel production and support local jobs.
Key Facts
The steel plant will cost $15 billion to build.
It will be one of the largest steel plants in the United States.
Mesabi Metallics, a company from Minnesota, is building the plant.
Mesabi Metallics is owned by Essar Group, a company based in India.
President Trump will meet steel executives at the White House for this announcement.
The project is part of efforts to strengthen American steel production.
The announcement comes ahead of competitive political races in Iowa.
The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
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A new study found that people using GLP-1 medications for weight loss or other health conditions often hide their treatment from friends and family due to fear of being judged as lazy or cheating. The research showed that stigma around these drugs is linked to broader negative views about body size and weight loss methods.
Key Facts
GLP-1 medications are used for weight loss and conditions like diabetes and hormonal disorders.
The study interviewed 34 adults aged 21 to 73 who had used or were using GLP-1 drugs.
Many participants feared judgment and chose to keep their medication use secret.
Some people view GLP-1 users as taking the "easy way out" rather than working hard.
Participants sometimes reinforced stigma by distinguishing between "right" and "wrong" ways to use the drugs.
GLP-1 stigma is more about attitudes toward body size than the medication itself.
Some users felt guilty about wanting to lose weight but also gained confidence during treatment.
Users often emphasized that medication was one part of a broader effort including diet and exercise.
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A new opinion poll shows that the opposition parties in Israel, led by Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party, are tied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. This comes as opposition leaders agree to work together ahead of the October 27th election.
Key Facts
Israel will hold national elections on October 27, 2026.
The opposition bloc is led by the Yashar party under Gadi Eisenkot.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads the current ruling coalition.
A recent poll shows both groups are in a dead heat, meaning they have equal support.
Leaders of the four main opposition parties have promised cooperation.
The election is about deciding which group will govern Israel next.
The poll reflects public opinion as the election approaches in one month.
Cooperation among opposition parties might influence the election results.
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President Donald Trump suggested to Chinese President Xi Jinping that China could buy weapons from the United States, which surprised many people and was not part of official policy. The U.S. government clarified that it has no plans to sell arms to China because of long-standing laws and security concerns.
Key Facts
President Trump asked if China was interested in buying U.S. weapons during talks with President Xi Jinping.
The suggestion was unusual because the U.S. has banned arms sales to China since 1989.
U.S. officials quickly said there are no plans to sell weapons to China.
The U.S. sees China as a major security threat and competitor.
China supports Iran, which the U.S. is currently in conflict with.
Analysts believe Trump’s offer was not a serious proposal but a tactic to disrupt usual diplomatic talks.
Trump’s suggestion shows he views relations with China mainly as business deals.
The U.S. worries about China using advanced technology to strengthen its military.
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A TV station in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia was hit by a drone attack amid ongoing fighting between government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Authorities in Ethiopia accuse outside groups of supporting the armed rebels, raising concerns about the conflict spreading to a larger regional war.
Key Facts
The Tigray TV station was attacked by a drone.
Fighting continues between Ethiopian government troops and the TPLF rebels.
The conflict is in northern Ethiopia.
Ethiopian officials say external forces are helping the armed groups fighting the government.
The violence has increased worries about a broader conflict in the region.
The clashes began heavily last week.
The TPLF is an armed group seeking more autonomy or control in the Tigray region.
The situation remains tense and unstable.
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The U.S. midterm elections are five weeks away, and President Donald Trump's low approval ratings are worrying Republicans. The party is spending more money on campaigns in areas that usually vote Republican, and some candidates have changed their stance on the U.S. war in Iran.
Key Facts
The midterm elections in the U.S. will happen in about five weeks.
President Donald Trump is not running in these elections.
Trump’s approval ratings have recently dropped to very low levels.
Republicans are worried about losing seats, even in areas they usually win easily.
The party is giving more campaign money to many candidates to try to keep control.
Some Republican candidates have shifted their positions on the war in Iran.
President Trump is campaigning in traditionally strong Republican states like Alabama and Oklahoma.
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