Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, is facing a group lawsuit in Australia. The lawsuit claims that features in these social media platforms harm children and teenagers by causing addiction or exposing them to harmful content.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in the Australian Federal Court by law firm MinterEllison.
It is a class action suit representing current and former users under 18 years old.
The plaintiffs claim Meta’s platform designs caused harm or addiction to children and teens.
A court order keeps the identities of the plaintiffs and details of the claim confidential.
Meta says it knows about the lawsuit and will defend itself strongly.
Litigation Lending Services is funding the case to help Australian families take on Meta.
Australia plans to ban social media use for children under 16 starting in 2025.
Meta recently agreed to pay $18 billion in the U.S. to settle similar claims about addicting children.
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Vice President J.D. Vance visited the Cincinnati Bengals' practice facility, but many players did not engage with him. Only one player, Drew Sample, was seen greeting Vance during the visit.
Key Facts
J.D. Vance is Vice President and from Ohio.
He visited the Bengals’ practice before a political rally supporting Republican candidates.
Most Bengals players walked past Vance without talking or shaking hands.
Drew Sample, a Bengals tight end, interacted with Vance.
The visit was linked to midterm election campaigning, including support for candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
People online criticized the players for ignoring Vance.
News outlets reached out to Vance and the Bengals for comments.
The story is still developing with more updates expected.
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Wrong national anthems were played three times during the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, leading the city’s mayor to apologize. These errors happened despite earlier promises to avoid such mistakes after similar problems at the Asian Games held there weeks before.
Key Facts
The Asian Para Games in Nagoya involve about 4,000 athletes and officials competing in 18 sports.
On Monday, the Iranian anthem was played instead of Taiwan’s during a men’s para taekwondo medal ceremony.
The same incorrect Iranian anthem was played again for a Mongolian athlete during a women’s para taekwondo ceremony, but it was stopped after the Mongolian team pointed out the mistake.
Organizers then played the correct Mongolian anthem using music provided by the Mongolian delegation.
Officials also played the South Korean anthem for about five seconds instead of China’s before a sitting volleyball match between China and Iran.
Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa called the anthem errors unacceptable and apologized, saying the tournament was otherwise going well.
Similar issues occurred during the Asian Games in Nagoya in early October, including playing the wrong anthems and other organizational problems.
For example, North Korea’s anthem was mistakenly played for South Korea’s hockey team during the Asian Games.
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Beau Lamarre-Condon, a police officer, is on trial for the murder of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in February 2024. Court footage shows him at various locations after the killings, including a McDonald’s drive-thru and stores where he bought cleaning supplies, and the bodies were later found in nearby Bungonia.
Key Facts
Beau Lamarre-Condon is accused of killing Jesse Baird and Luke Davies on 19 February 2024 in Paddington.
He has pleaded not guilty to two murder charges and one aggravated break and enter charge.
CCTV shows Lamarre-Condon at a McDonald’s drive-thru on 22 February in a white van allegedly used to dispose of the bodies.
He is seen withdrawing cash, carrying a bucket near the crime scene, and buying cleaning products from Bunnings stores.
Lamarre-Condon underwent minor surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital on 21 February, the day after the alleged murders.
Bloodied items belonging to the victims were found in skip bins near the area shortly after.
The defense claims Lamarre-Condon acted in self-defense and panicked afterward, which led to cleaning and disposing of the bodies.
The trial is ongoing in the New South Wales Supreme Court before Justice Natalie Adams.
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Barclays reported a 12% increase in quarterly pre-tax profits, reaching £2.3 billion from July to September. The bank plans to return an additional £500 million to shareholders ahead of the UK government’s announcement of a tax increase on banks.
Key Facts
Barclays’ pre-tax profits rose from £2.1 billion last year to £2.3 billion this quarter.
The bank will give £500 million more to shareholders through share buybacks.
Total money returned to shareholders since January is £2.8 billion.
Barclays’ UK retail banking net interest income rose by 6% to £2 billion.
The UK government plans to raise bank taxes in the upcoming budget on October 28.
Bank tax plans aim to raise money for cost of living support programs.
The Trades Union Congress says banks should pay more tax because their profits come at the expense of customers.
Chancellor John Healey said the budget will support businesses and focus on lowering business costs.
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Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up about 20% of the population, face a difficult choice in the upcoming Israeli election on October 27. Many feel excluded from the political debate and fear continued rights violations under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has overseen conflict in Gaza and harsh policies against Palestinians.
Key Facts
Palestinian citizens of Israel are allowed to vote but often feel their voices are ignored in politics.
The October 27 election is seen by many Palestinians as a chance to represent the millions in the occupied West Bank and Gaza who cannot vote.
Opinion polls show neither Netanyahu’s far-right coalition nor the opposition will have a majority without support from Arab-led parties Ra’am and the Joint List.
If no government can form after the election, new elections will be held, leaving Netanyahu’s current government in power longer.
Netanyahu has been Israel’s longest-serving prime minister and leads the most right-wing government in Israel’s history.
Palestinians fear increasing attacks on their rights, land, and communities inside Israel and in the occupied territories.
The Supreme Court overturned a decision to disqualify some Arab-led parties but one candidate withdrew after the court suggested rejecting him.
Many Palestinian voters feel a sense of responsibility to give hope to those under occupation and suffering from conflict and discrimination.
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President Donald Trump had a heated exchange with reporters while leaving the White House for a rally. He called journalists “stupid” and “dummy” when asked about the release of a retired teacher from Russia and criticisms related to sanctions on Russia.
Key Facts
President Trump was questioned about Russia releasing Stephen Hubbard, a retired teacher jailed in Russia.
Hubbard was held for nearly seven years for allegedly fighting for Ukraine.
Trump claimed that if he had not acted, Hubbard would not have been released.
When pressed by CNN and ABC reporters, Trump responded by insulting them and their news networks.
He called CNN “fake news” and told reporters they had low intelligence.
Earlier, President Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, calling them “fake news.”
A judge ordered the White House to restore media access to banned journalists.
This was part of ongoing tensions between President Trump and the press in recent months.
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The government of Guernsey has started a savings program that puts aside £10 each week for children in care. These children can access the money when they turn 18 to help with the costs of starting adult life.
Key Facts
The program is run by Guernsey's Children and Family Community Services and Guernsey Community Savings.
About 40 children currently in care will begin benefiting from the scheme immediately.
The money is saved weekly, starting from when the child enters care.
At 18, the young person can open an account with Guernsey Community Savings or move the money to another bank.
The scheme helps tackle financial challenges young people in care face as they become independent.
The States of Guernsey pays a one-time fee to set up the program through a payment company called allpay.
Social workers support the young people in managing their savings as they approach adulthood.
The goal is to give children in care a better financial foundation and more confidence as they grow up.
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A student at Cornell University reported being sexually assaulted by seven men but felt the university’s response failed her. She is now suing the school, highlighting how many U.S. universities struggle to properly support victims of sexual assault and instead focus on protecting the institution.
Key Facts
In 2024, a Cornell student reported sexual assault by seven men at a fraternity but the investigation took months and did not lead to accountability.
The student dropped out and is suing Cornell over how the case was handled.
A 2025 survey found 35% of undergraduate women at Cornell experienced nonconsensual sexual contact involving force or incapacitation.
Similar surveys at other universities, like Michigan State, show about one in five undergraduate women experience sexual assault.
A U.S. Department of Justice study says fewer than 5% of rapes are reported to police.
University procedures for handling sexual assault reports are often confusing and protect the institution rather than victims.
Victims face repeated questioning that can increase trauma.
Universities tend to keep disciplinary actions secret, not mainly for victim privacy but to shield the institution from scandal.
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Closing arguments are scheduled in the trial of Miguel Salguero Olivares, who is accused of killing University of North Carolina student Faith Hedgepeth in 2012. Salguero Olivares was arrested in 2021 after a DNA sample linked him to the crime scene, but he denies the charges of first-degree murder, rape, and burglary.
Key Facts
Faith Hedgepeth was a 19-year-old student at the University of North Carolina when she was killed in September 2012.
Miguel Salguero Olivares was arrested nine years later after a DUI stop where he gave a DNA sample.
Prosecutors say his DNA matched evidence found on Hedgepeth’s body, a rum bottle used as a weapon, and a note at the scene.
Hedgepeth suffered severe head injuries and bruises according to the autopsy.
Almost two dozen prosecution witnesses, including friends, police, and forensic experts, have testified.
Defense lawyers challenged the reliability of some DNA evidence and police procedures at the crime scene.
Salguero Olivares has pleaded not guilty and did not testify during the trial.
The trial began with jury selection on October 7, and the defense rested on October 21.
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Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds up to 80 mph and heavy rain to parts of southwest England and Wales starting Thursday night. Officials and businesses in Devon and Cornwall are preparing for possible damage, power cuts, and transport disruption by securing buildings and advising people to stay safe.
Key Facts
Storm Austen will affect Cornwall, Devon, south Wales, southern England, Wiltshire, and Somerset.
The Met Office issued a yellow wind warning for these areas and an amber warning for Cornwall from early Friday morning.
Winds may cause transport delays, power outages, and damage to buildings.
Businesses like The Watering Hole bar in Perranporth are reinforcing property after damage from a previous storm earlier in the year.
Residents are stocking up on supplies like torches, candles, and food in case of power cuts.
Local councils advise people to avoid exposed coastal areas during the storm.
Some public venues, such as Camborne Rugby Club, are closing temporarily to prepare for the storm.
Operators at Pebbleridge Kitchen in Devon are securing outdoor furniture and rolling down shutters to protect against wind and rain.
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Rep. Ilhan Omar announced she will move out of her Washington, D.C., home after federal agents searched it last week. The search is part of an investigation into possible fraud involving her family's immigration papers.
Key Facts
Federal agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home in Washington, D.C., seizing 17 items including phones and notebooks.
The investigation focuses on possible fraud related to her family’s immigration documents.
Grand jury subpoenas have been issued to some of Omar’s relatives.
Omar was born in Somalia and became a U.S. citizen in 2000 after her family sought asylum.
Omar said she feels safe moving out due to the attention and impact of the raid.
The Justice Department has given few details about the ongoing criminal investigation.
The search happened a few weeks before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, in which Omar is running for reelection.
Congressional Democrats criticized the timing of the investigation, noting it is unusual to take public investigative actions near elections.
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The UK government has approved production at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea but has not yet decided on the Rosebank oil field in the North Atlantic. Industry groups say these sites could create jobs and improve energy security, while environmentalists warn that more drilling could increase carbon emissions and harm efforts to fight climate change.
Key Facts
The Jackdaw gas field is allowed to start production after years of debate and legal issues.
The Rosebank oil field decision is pending government approval and could start operating by 2027 if approved.
Both fields are located in UK waters: Jackdaw in the North Sea and Rosebank in the North Atlantic.
Oil and gas industry groups argue these projects will boost jobs and energy security, especially with global supply risks.
Environmentalists say continued drilling conflicts with goals to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.
Rising heatwaves and extreme weather worldwide highlight concerns over fossil fuel use.
The UK government is balancing economic benefits with environmental responsibilities in this decision.
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In the Yemeni city of Taiz, women who first organized food deliveries for government fighters have started raising money to buy weapons and ammunition. This change happened after renewed fighting and a siege by Houthi forces began in early September, severely limiting supplies to the city.
Key Facts
Taiz is a southwestern city in Yemen held by the government and under siege by Houthi forces.
Women initially baked cookies and delivered food to soldiers defending the city.
Fighting resumed in early September after nearly four years of relative calm following a 2022 truce.
The Houthis advanced rapidly, taking control of coastal areas including the port city of Mocha.
The city is surrounded, causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
Some women began raising funds to buy weapons and ammunition for fighters due to urgent needs.
Social media discussions influenced the shift towards supporting fighters with arms.
These efforts reflect women's involvement in defending their city without participating directly in combat.
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Many Europeans have protested recently about high living costs, low pay, and poor public services. Governments in Europe, especially France, are facing rising debt and higher borrowing costs, which reduce the money available for public services like schools and hospitals.
Key Facts
Large protests have occurred in France, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal over jobs, housing, and public services.
France had over 550,000 people protest nationwide recently.
European governments borrow money by selling bonds, promising to repay with interest over time.
France’s government pays about 5% interest on 10-year bonds, higher than Germany’s 3.41%.
Higher borrowing costs mean governments spend more on interest and have less for services.
The United States has the highest government debt at $41.4 trillion, 127% of its economy size.
France ranks fifth in the world in total debt, owing $4.2 trillion or 118.5% of its economy.
Other countries with high debt compared to their economies are Japan (199%), Italy (138%), and the UK (102%).
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France is experiencing violent protests, with clashes, riots, and looting in several cities. President Donald Trump said the unrest is caused by migrants and weak border policies, but French leaders and students disagree and say the protests are about social issues and student demands.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump claimed that migrants and open border policies are causing unrest in France and Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron called Trump’s comments “stupid” and said there is no proof of foreign interference in the riots.
Protests began as mostly peaceful student demonstrations about school conditions but turned violent with attacks on city halls and looting.
Over 2,000 people were detained by police during the unrest, most of them under 18 years old.
France does not track arrests by race or ethnicity, and officials have not linked the violence to migration.
Both far-right and centrist French politicians blame left-wing groups for encouraging disorder.
Similar protests and unrest have happened in Italy, Albania, Spain, and concerns about immigration have been raised in Hungary and Poland.
Experts say Trump’s comments were made to influence American voters ahead of U.S. elections by using the France unrest as an example.
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Pavlohrad, a Ukrainian city near the frontline with Russia, continues to face daily attacks with drone and missile strikes. Despite the ongoing bombardment and exhaustion, residents say they refuse to accept Russian occupation and want the war to end through negotiation, though they doubt Russia's willingness to negotiate fairly.
Key Facts
Pavlohrad is less than 90 km from the frontline with Russia in eastern Ukraine.
The city experiences constant drone attacks, missile strikes, and frequent air raid warnings.
Residents express tiredness but remain determined not to yield to Russian demands.
Locals do not support giving land to Russia, fearing it would lead to losing more territory.
Some residents criticize US President Donald Trump’s statements against Ukrainian President Zelensky, viewing them as unhelpful.
Trump has called for new Ukrainian leadership to make a deal with Russia, which many Ukrainians oppose.
Ukrainian law currently bans elections during wartime, and most Ukrainians oppose changing that rule.
The people of Pavlohrad want peace but insist on living in an independent Ukraine without Russian control.
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U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said that the decision about Ukraine’s access to the satellite internet service Starlink is controlled by SpaceX and Elon Musk, not the White House. This comes after reports that Starlink’s military-grade version, Starshield, faced a slowdown affecting Ukraine’s drone operations during the conflict with Russia.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio said SpaceX and Elon Musk control Ukraine’s access to Starlink, not the U.S. government.
Starshield is a special military version of Starlink used for defense purposes.
Reports said Musk ordered a slowdown of Starshield services affecting Ukraine’s drone intercept capabilities.
Some sources said the White House was involved, but Rubio and President Trump denied this.
Ukrainian officials confirmed the slowdown disrupted missions but said Starshield services were restored soon after.
Musk said any limits on Starlink usage are set by the U.S. military and President Donald Trump.
Pentagon officials described the Starlink slowdown as a commercial decision based on service terms.
Rubio claimed Ukraine never had access to Starshield, although Ukraine’s president said both Starlink and Starshield were affected.
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El Salvador has launched a military operation to rescue four Salvadoran soldiers who were kidnapped by gangs in Haiti. President Nayib Bukele warned the gangs that a stronger response will follow if the soldiers are not returned safely. The soldiers were attacked while working with a UN-backed gang suppression force in Haiti, where gang violence is widespread.
Key Facts
Four Salvadoran soldiers were kidnapped in Haiti after gangs attacked their armored vehicle.
The soldiers are part of a UN-supported Gang Suppression Force working in Haiti.
President Bukele of El Salvador has promised a strong response if the soldiers are not released safely.
Haitian gangs control about 70% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where the attack happened.
Haiti’s government called rescuing the soldiers an “absolute priority.”
More than a million people have been displaced by gang violence in Haiti recently.
The Salvadoran troops are part of a multinational force including countries like Chad, Jamaica, and Guatemala.
Over 5,700 people have been killed or hurt and more than 230 kidnapped in Haiti from January to mid-September 2024.
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Arab parties in Israel may hold the key to forming the next government after the upcoming election, as neither main bloc has a clear majority. Increased tensions between Jewish and Arab citizens, following the October 2023 Hamas attack and ongoing conflict, have made coalition talks difficult.
Key Facts
Arab Israelis make up about 20% of Israel’s population and could decide the election outcome.
Voter turnout among Arab Israelis has been low in past elections but is expected to rise this time.
The current government is a coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties.
Main opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has ruled out partnering with Arab parties.
After the October 7 Hamas attack, Arab Israelis faced increased discrimination and arrests.
The government has cut budgets for Arab communities to fund war-related defense spending.
Far-right politicians have promised to increase Jewish settlement in areas with many Arab residents.
Netanyahu’s campaign warns voters against forming a government with Arab parties, using inflammatory slogans.
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