Australia became the first country to require social media companies to block children from creating accounts. This law aims to protect children online and affects how big tech companies operate in Australia.
Key Facts
Australia passed a law to stop children from having social media accounts.
The law requires social media companies to verify users’ ages before allowing accounts.
This rule is designed to protect children from online risks like harmful content and contact with strangers.
The law impacts major social media companies operating in Australia.
Australia is the first country to enforce this kind of social media age restriction by law.
The change affects both children’s safety and the profits of tech companies.
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President Donald Trump asked Representative Ilhan Omar to resign right away, claiming she used a fake name. He sent this message on his social media platform, Truth Social, and said the Democratic Party gave up her seat.
Key Facts
President Trump publicly called for Rep. Ilhan Omar to resign immediately.
He accused her of using a fake name.
The statement was made on Truth Social, Trump's social media site.
Trump mentioned the Speaker of the House by name, James Michael Johnson.
Trump claimed the Democratic Party conceded Omar’s seat.
Ilhan Omar represents Minnesota as a Democratic congresswoman.
The dispute centers around Omar’s full name, Ilhan Nur Said Elmi.
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President Donald Trump campaigned in Iowa before the midterm elections and defended a controversial ad used by Vivek Ramaswamy in the Ohio governor’s race. Trump said he advised Ramaswamy to keep the ad up and expressed gratitude for it.
Key Facts
President Trump campaigned in Iowa ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
He supported an attack ad used by Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio’s governor race.
The ad has been described as controversial.
Trump said he told Ramaswamy to leave the ad up despite criticism.
He also said to “thank God” for the ad.
The Ohio governor’s race is between Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton.
Trump publicly defended the ad amid backlash and media attention.
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Israel has ordered its security forces to prepare for a full closure of the West Bank after a shooting in Hebron that killed two Israeli soldiers. The incident happened just days before Israel's general election, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces strong opposition.
Key Facts
Two Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting near Hebron by two Palestinian gunmen.
The attackers were killed by Israeli forces after a 20-minute gunfight.
The gunmen appeared to be planning a larger attack but attacked a military checkpoint instead.
Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered security forces to prepare for a full lockdown of the West Bank.
Netanyahu said Hamas terrorists were behind the attack and that large amounts of weapons were found.
Palestinian group Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility.
The shooting occurred shortly before Israel’s election, where Netanyahu is competing for re-election.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for dismantling the Palestinian Authority in response.
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Data centers play a key role in information technology but current rules and protections have not kept up with how important they have become. Because threats to data centers are increasing, it is important to improve their security before a serious problem happens.
Key Facts
Data centers are part of the information technology sector.
Their importance has grown a lot in recent years.
Threats to data centers are changing quickly and becoming more serious.
Current frameworks and protections are outdated.
Strengthening data center security now can prevent future crises.
Data centers store and manage large amounts of digital information.
Protecting data centers helps keep internet services running smoothly.
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Palestinian militants attacked and wounded five Israelis before being killed by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a lockdown in the occupied West Bank just days before Israeli elections.
Key Facts
Palestinian militants wounded five Israelis in an attack on Friday.
The militants were killed in a shootout with Israeli soldiers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a lockdown in the West Bank.
The West Bank is an area occupied by Israel.
The lockdown was imposed shortly before Israeli elections.
The attack and lockdown are part of ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
This event occurred on October 23, 2026.
The situation is significant for Israeli politics and security.
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Andy Burnham said he keeps a supply of beans, soup, and Twiglets at home in case of emergencies. The UK government launched a campaign asking people to have at least three days of water and long-lasting food ready for events like bad weather or cyber-attacks.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham has emergency food including beans, soup, and Twiglets.
The government campaign advises having three days' worth of bottled water and long-life food.
The campaign aims to prepare people for emergencies like weather disasters or cyber-attacks.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting mentioned threats from foreign powers like Russia targeting infrastructure.
Burnham said the advice is about preparation, not panic buying.
Treasury minister James Murray has not fully prepared but said having supplies is a personal choice.
Other European countries like Ireland, France, and the Netherlands already recommend such emergency stockpiles.
The UK has not talked much about this kind of public preparation until now.
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At least seven people were killed and 10 injured when two gunmen opened fire at a funeral in a church in central Jordan. The attackers arrived by car, shot inside the church, and then escaped before security forces arrived.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a church funeral in the Karak governorate of Jordan.
Two unidentified gunmen carried out the attack.
Seven people were killed during the shooting.
Ten others were injured.
The gunmen fled the scene in a car.
Jordanian security forces have been deployed to investigate and secure the area.
The government spokesman is Mohammad al-Momani.
The news is developing and more details are expected to come out.
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Greece’s parliament approved a law that bans people under 15 from using social media. The law will start on January 1, 2027, and requires social media platforms to check users’ ages and face penalties if they do not follow the rules.
Key Facts
Greece passed a law banning social media use for anyone under 15 years old.
The law was approved by the ruling party New Democracy; other parties did not support it.
It will become effective on January 1, 2027.
Social media companies must verify users’ ages to enforce the ban.
Companies that fail to comply will face strong penalties.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the plan on TikTok in April 2024.
About 20 countries, including Australia, France, and the UK, have similar restrictions.
Critics worry about social media addiction in children and potential harm to mental health.
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Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have planned talks for November in the United Arab Emirates to try to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. The meeting will be in a three-way format, but progress is expected to be limited due to serious disagreements.
Key Facts
Trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US are scheduled for November in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Previous talks this year did not achieve significant progress and had stopped during President Donald Trump’s focus on the war with Iran.
Russia wants these talks to focus on long-term peace and security, not just a short ceasefire.
Russia demands Ukraine give up large territories and agree not to join NATO.
Relations between Kyiv and some US officials are tense, while President Trump has shown signs of improving ties with Russia, including easing sanctions.
Trump criticized Ukraine for attacks on Russian energy supplies and made a deal to buy Russian diesel fuel.
Russia and Ukraine recently exchanged 270 prisoners of war, continuing rare contacts amid the conflict.
The prisoner exchange happened in Belarus, with freed Russian soldiers receiving medical and psychological care before returning to Russia.
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Cameroonian President Paul Biya, aged 93 and Africa’s longest-serving leader, recently returned to Cameroon after being away for 74 days. His long absences have raised questions about his health and ability to govern. Despite being re-elected for an eighth term, he has yet to announce a new government or appoint a vice president, while the country faces ongoing security challenges and economic stagnation.
Key Facts
Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and is Africa’s oldest and longest-serving president.
He recently returned after 74 days abroad, one of his longest absences from the country.
His extended absences have sparked rumors about his health and reports of possible hospitalization denied by officials.
Biya was re-elected in October 2025 for an eighth term amid disputed elections and protests.
Security issues continue, including Boko Haram attacks in the north and separatist conflicts in the west.
The economy has remained mostly stagnant despite the country’s oil wealth.
Opposition protests after the election were met with violent government repression, resulting in at least 48 deaths.
Many Cameroonians hope for a government reshuffle and the appointment of a vice president who stays in the country.
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Minnesota officials say the federal government stopped sharing evidence about the fatal shootings of two protesters by federal immigration officers. The state is suing to get access to the materials needed to investigate the deaths independently.
Key Facts
Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37-year-old US citizens, were fatally shot by federal officers during protests in Minnesota.
Good was shot by an ICE officer while driving away from a protest in January.
Pretti was shot by a Border Patrol agent while helping another protester in the street.
Both ICE and Border Patrol operate under the Department of Homeland Security.
Minnesota sued the Trump administration in March to get evidence for their investigation.
After initially sharing some evidence in July, federal authorities stopped providing materials in September.
The state wants officers' cell phones, interview recordings, and other key evidence still held by the federal government.
Federal lawyers say they have the right to withhold information, but Minnesota officials argue this blocks the state’s criminal investigation.
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Brazil is holding a close presidential run-off election between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro. Both candidates are using social media and digital campaigns heavily as they try to win undecided voters before the final vote.
Key Facts
The election run-off takes place in Brazil with President Lula da Silva, a leftist pro-union leader, facing far-right challenger Flavio Bolsonaro.
Both candidates' supporters hold rallies, but the mood is tense and competitive.
Lula’s campaign created a WhatsApp channel called “Lula’s army” to mobilize young activists and anti-Bolsonaro voters, gaining over 8 million followers quickly.
Flavio Bolsonaro’s campaign uses AI-generated content to attack left-wing rallies and mobilizes his own large social media following.
The digital battle has led to legal disputes, including accusations of platform bias and requests to the electoral court regarding candidate treatment on social media.
Meta (formerly Facebook) has been pressured by Brazil's electoral court and pledged to treat both campaigns fairly on its platforms.
Polls show a very tight race, with Bolsonaro slightly ahead from the first round but Lula gaining ground.
The campaigns target undecided voters, especially young people, who could influence the election outcome.
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The minaret of the Shahi mosque in Ujjain, India, fell down during construction to widen a road for a Hindu pilgrimage. Local Muslims are now trying to fix and protect the mosque, which is about 600 years old.
Key Facts
The Shahi mosque in Ujjain is around 600 years old.
Its minaret collapsed during road widening work.
The construction was done to make way for a Hindu pilgrimage.
The mosque is an important historical and religious site for local Muslims.
Indian Muslims in Ujjain are working to repair the mosque now.
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The article argues that teams creating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) should include people who represent the general public’s interests. This would help make sure AI development is more fair and accountable.
Key Facts
Advanced AI is being developed by specialized teams.
There is concern that these teams may not fully consider public interests.
Including representatives who look out for the public can improve oversight.
Oversight means watching and guiding AI development to prevent problems.
The article suggests this approach is necessary for responsible AI use.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a large military operation in the West Bank city of Hebron after two Palestinian gunmen attacked a junction, injuring five people including soldiers. The Israeli military killed the attackers and began evacuating residents to search houses for weapons and dismantle terrorist networks.
Key Facts
Two Palestinian men attacked near Hebron, wounding five people, including Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli military killed the attackers, who used an M16 rifle and a handgun.
Israeli forces cordoned off Hebron, a city with over 200,000 residents, to conduct searches.
Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered evacuation of residents from the attackers’ neighborhood.
Weapons and ammunition were found in the attackers’ vehicle; officials said a bigger attack was planned.
Netanyahu linked the attack to attempts to influence the upcoming Israeli elections.
Netanyahu announced a broader military operation will take place in the West Bank, called Judea and Samaria by Israel.
The operation involves house-to-house searches to remove weapons and weaken terrorist groups.
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Researchers are exploring a 15th-century shipwreck called Vrak 5 off the coast of Sweden, believed to be the oldest warship found in the area. The ship was built using a special technique and sank possibly during a battle around the 1480s, but the exact cause is still unknown.
Key Facts
Vrak 5 is a large ship, about 40-45 meters long, found near Haringe Castle south of Stockholm.
The shipwreck dates back to the 1480s or possibly even the 1460s.
It is the oldest warship found off Sweden or Denmark, two countries united with Norway in the 15th century.
The ship was built using the carvel technique, where planks are laid edge-to-edge for stronger hulls.
Researchers are studying the wreck to learn how it was built and why it sank.
Divers found signs of a galley (kitchen), rigging parts, and evidence of the crew’s food and drink habits.
It is unclear if the ship is Swedish or Danish, but timber came from southeastern Sweden.
The ship may have sunk during an attack on Haringe Castle in 1501 or due to a fire on board.
Other historic shipwrecks have recently been found in the Baltic Sea near Sweden.
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The Trump administration’s top border official, Rodney Scott, defended building a border wall in the Big Bend area of Texas despite legal challenges and local opposition. He emphasized that securing the border is a top priority and said construction is ahead of schedule, aiming to finish the wall by the end of President Trump’s second term in 2027.
Key Facts
Rodney Scott is the commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and oversees border wall construction.
The border wall project is funded at $46 billion and includes steel fences, vehicle barriers, roads, and surveillance technology.
The wall is planned to cover the roughly 2,000-mile US-Mexico border.
Construction is advancing at about 12 miles per week and is expected to finish by December 2027.
The project faces bipartisan opposition in Big Bend, including from landowners, environmentalists, and some Republican lawmakers.
A judge ordered a pause on construction in Big Bend National Park due to potential environmental harm, and the administration has asked the Supreme Court to lift the pause.
Bulldozers were seen working in the park in August, but Scott then paused work there to meet locals and discuss concerns.
Scott confirmed that no large steel fences will be built inside Big Bend National Park while lawsuits continue.
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Protests by students and workers over costs and government cuts have caused riots and damage in France and Italy. Italy has introduced new laws holding parents financially responsible for damage caused by their children during protests, including fines and legal penalties.
Key Facts
Student protests started in France over poor school conditions and teacher shortages.
Protests in France grew to include public workers and those upset about the cost of living.
Riots involving looting and clashes with police happened in several French and Italian cities.
Italy sent 500 soldiers to Milan to help control the unrest.
Italy’s new rules can sentence protesters in groups of five or more to prison and fines.
Italian laws now allow detaining teenage protesters if they are seen as dangerous.
Parents in Italy can be fined or held responsible for damage caused by their children during protests.
France considers fines on parents whose children damage property, following Italy’s example.
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Denmark will stop mink farming by August 2029 after the government decided not to seek a special exemption from an EU ban on keeping mink. This decision comes after the mink industry faced decline due to animal welfare concerns, global fur bans, and a Covid-19 outbreak in the animals.
Key Facts
Denmark was once the world’s largest producer of mink fur.
The government had planned to seek an exemption from an EU-wide ban on mink farming but reversed this decision.
The EU banned mink farming by listing mink as an invasive species effective from 2025.
Denmark will enforce the ban starting August 7, 2025, followed by a two-year transition to end mink farming.
The mink industry suffered a big crisis when the government culled about 15 million mink after a mutated Covid-19 strain appeared in them.
About 15,000 mink remain on Denmark’s seven mink farms.
The government has not yet finalized the cost to close the farms, but estimates suggest it could be around £1.56 million.
Animal welfare concerns and economic factors influenced the decision to end mink farming.
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