UK Chancellor John Healey said he wants to support businesses that make profits by reducing their costs and regulation. He admitted that the government has caused extra pressure for businesses recently but plans to make it easier for companies to grow and stay in Britain.
Key Facts
Chancellor John Healey will defend his upcoming budget next Wednesday.
Healey wants to back entrepreneurs who make a profit and invest in their businesses.
He acknowledged that government policies have made running a business harder lately.
Healey said lowering business costs is as important as lowering living costs for families.
He noted pressures like employment laws, taxes, and supply chain costs affect businesses.
Hunt to cut red tape or unnecessary rules for many smaller businesses is expected.
Healey defended past tax rises but aims to be seen as more pro-business than his predecessor.
The government wants businesses to grow and stay in the UK.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Iran to discuss potential mediation between the US and Iran on a new nuclear deal. Russia supports Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy but opposes nuclear weapons and is working to improve relations with both Iran and the US.
Key Facts
Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, recently traveled to Iran and met several Iranian officials.
Russia wants to mediate talks between Washington and Tehran about a new nuclear agreement.
Russia supports Iran’s right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes but opposes nuclear weapons development.
Russia is currently helping build two units of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership treaty in early 2025 to boost cooperation in many areas but did not agree on mutual military help.
Iran assisted Russia in the conflict with the US by sharing drone technology.
Russia hopes peace between Iran and the US would benefit its trade route to India called the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Russia was part of the 2015 talks that created the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal, while the US withdrew later.
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The play *The History Boys* is returning to London's West End after 20 years. Its director, Nicholas Hytner, highlighted concerns about the decline in teaching humanities subjects like history, music, and drama in state schools. The play, which explores education and learning, will open at Theatre Royal Haymarket in April for 16 weeks with the involvement of its original creators.
Key Facts
*The History Boys* will return to the West End in April for a 16-week run.
Nicholas Hytner directed the original play and the 2006 film version.
Hytner warns of a serious decline in humanities subjects in UK state schools.
The play is about schoolboys preparing for university exams in 1980s Sheffield.
It deals with themes like education methods, adolescence, and the value of learning for its own sake.
Alan Bennett, the playwright, supports the revival and describes it as one of his happiest works.
The UK government is revising the national curriculum and GCSE exams for implementation by 2028.
Hytner believes creativity and enjoyment of humanities are important skills for students today, especially alongside new technology like AI and social media.
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New rules in England and Wales will allow judges to punish criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings by taking away prison privileges or keeping them in their cells for weeks. These rules aim to make sure offenders face the consequences and show respect to victims and their families.
Key Facts
The new rules will start next year in England and Wales.
Judges can remove privileges for up to 84 days, confine offenders to cells for up to 21 days, or limit social visits.
Offenders who skip sentencing can face these added punishments on top of their original sentences.
Younger offenders (ages 18 to 20) have shorter restrictions: privileges removed for up to 21 days and cell confinement up to 10 days.
Visitors who are prisoners’ children are exempt to help keep family ties.
The Justice Ministry said these powers will help punish offenders properly but can’t guarantee attendance.
Victim representatives say the change supports victims’ families by holding offenders accountable.
This comes as nearly 2,000 prisoners were recently released to reduce overcrowding in prisons.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has called a meeting with ministers and intelligence officials to plan how to manage protests expected this Saturday in French cities. Meanwhile, Thailand, Malaysia, and China have warned their citizens to be cautious about travel to parts of Europe affected by unrest. In addition, Russian missile attacks continue in Ukraine, with heavy damage reported in several cities.
Key Facts
President Macron returned from a trip to the Gulf and held a security council meeting focused on upcoming protests in France.
More protests are planned for Saturday in various French cities, causing government concern.
Thailand advised its citizens to delay non-essential travel to European countries with ongoing protests, including France, Italy, and Spain.
Malaysia warned its citizens in France to be careful because of the protests and unrest.
China also cautioned its travelers to France to take safety measures after recent violence in French towns.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu plans to meet political party leaders to discuss policing and the next presidential campaign.
Ukraine experienced “massive strikes” from Russia overnight, hitting energy, medical, shopping, and residential sites in Kyiv and Odesa regions.
Ukraine’s foreign minister emphasized that showing strength is necessary to stop the war, criticizing attempts at appeasement.
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Country music singer John Anderson has died at the age of 71. He was known for popular songs like "Swingin'" and was honored with several awards during his career.
Key Facts
John Anderson died at 71 years old.
He was a well-known country music singer with hits such as "Wild and Blue," "Swingin'," and "Straight Tequila Night."
His family shared a statement expressing their grief and love for him.
The cause of his death has not been announced.
He grew up in Apopka, Florida, and later moved to Nashville to develop his music career.
Anderson received the Academy of Country Music Career Achievement Award in 1993.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
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France responded to a U.S. immigration agency's post comparing French protests to American street violence by sharing a graphic showing that the U.S. has higher gun crime rates. The back-and-forth happened on social media amid protests in France over school conditions and living costs.
Key Facts
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted a photo of French protests with the comment "France has fallen."
ICE said they are working to stop American streets from looking like the protest scenes in France.
France's official Response account shared a graphic showing the U.S. has the highest gun crime rates.
The French account said they are trying every day to prevent their stats from becoming like the U.S.
The French Response account is run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and uses humor to fight false information.
France has seen protests since September 28, leading to clashes, riots, fires, and looting.
President Donald Trump has blamed unrest in France on migrants.
The protests started over issues with schools and the rising cost of living.
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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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