Up to 20 maternity units in England may have to close or change because there are not enough doctors and more women are having caesarean sections. An NHS leader said that concentrating childbirth services in fewer hospitals is necessary for safety, but this will mean some mothers have to travel farther to give birth.
Key Facts
Up to 20 out of 155 maternity units in England could close or change to keep care safe.
A shortage of specialist doctors called obstetricians is affecting these units.
More women are having planned or emergency caesarean sections, which need more staff and operating rooms.
Smaller units, especially in rural and coastal areas, find it hard to stay open due to staff shortages.
Some experts warn that closing units will make mothers travel longer distances for childbirth.
The NHS Alliance’s director says changes are needed to improve safety and sustainability.
A government group will release a report soon on improving maternity care in England.
Some medical groups want other solutions to staffing problems instead of closing units.
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The number of profit warnings from UK-listed companies has reached its highest level in two years due to rising costs caused by the war in the Middle East. Ahead of the UK budget announcement, businesses are asking the government for support to help with higher fuel and energy expenses, while housebuilders are facing particular difficulties.
Key Facts
UK-listed companies issued 65 profit warnings in the three months ending September, the highest in two years.
The war in the Middle East has increased fuel and energy costs, impacting many businesses.
Chancellor John Healey plans budget measures to help small businesses, including raising the threshold for business rates from £12,000 to £18,000.
Housebuilders have issued more profit warnings this year than during the 2008 financial crisis.
House prices in the UK have fallen slightly by 0.1% over the last 12 months.
Rising mortgage rates, now averaging 5.55% for two-year fixed loans, are increasing monthly payments and reducing home affordability.
About 17% of UK-listed companies have issued at least one profit warning in the past year.
The most common reasons for profit warnings are policy changes, geopolitical uncertainty, and rising costs from the conflict in the Middle East.
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NHS leaders in England say maternity care is poorly organised and unsafe, with some smaller units possibly needing to close. They urge the government taskforce to fix staff shortages, outdated facilities, and rising C-section rates to improve safety and care quality.
Key Facts
NHS Alliance says maternity care in England is "not fit for purpose" and risks patient safety.
Smaller maternity units, especially in rural or coastal areas, may close due to staffing and resource problems.
There is a rise in emergency C-section births, which adds to pressure on maternity services.
Many maternity units lack enough midwives, doctors, operating theatres, and beds.
Black and Asian women face higher maternity risks, and deprived communities have poorer outcomes.
The government’s maternity taskforce is asked to address these issues and improve care.
At Barnstaple hospital in Devon, standard birthing services were suspended due to staff shortages, forcing women to travel far to give birth.
Campaigners warn closing smaller units reduces continuity of care, meaning women see different healthcare teams and lose consistent support.
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The village of Aberfan suffered a disaster that killed 144 people. The community continues to seek justice by asking the government to remove dangerous mining waste tips left after the tragedy.
Key Facts
The disaster in Aberfan caused the deaths of 144 people.
The village’s community experienced deep grief from the event.
Residents are demanding justice from the government.
Part of their fight includes asking for the removal of remaining mining waste tips.
The disaster was linked to unsafe conditions related to mining waste.
The story highlights how the village has worked together to respond to the tragedy.
The documentary about Aberfan is available for viewing and explores these events in detail.
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Some private companies in the UK are making large profits by receiving government housing benefits for vulnerable residents but not providing the care and support these residents need. An investigation found that this practice, especially in Birmingham, is using taxpayer money without proper help for people living in supported housing.
Key Facts
Supported exempt accommodation (SEA) is meant to help vulnerable people with housing, care, and support.
Some companies use SEA to earn money but fail to give the required support to residents.
Birmingham has about 34,000 people living in SEA, more than London, even though London’s population is much bigger.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) paid £410 million for SEA in Birmingham last year.
Residents like Alysha, a domestic abuse survivor, report poor conditions and lack of help, such as no heating and no job support.
Some companies attract residents using offers like free rooms, game consoles, and holidays on social media.
Officials describe the misuse of welfare money as wasteful and scandalous, but some providers do offer proper support.
There is evidence some companies claim housing benefits for people who do not actually live in their properties.
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More than 60 years after women first showed they could pass the same astronaut tests as men, gender equality in space exploration is still a work in progress. The European Space Agency engineer Laurène Delsupexhe highlights the progress and ongoing challenges for women in space as astronaut recruitment nears equal numbers of men and women.
Key Facts
Thirteen women in the 1960s proved they could meet the same physical tests as male astronauts but were excluded from early space missions.
Gender equality in space work remains incomplete despite scientific and technological advances.
NASA’s Artemis program aims to include more women astronauts on missions to the Moon.
European Space Agency engineer Laurène Delsupexhe emphasizes the need for women to be fully involved in space exploration beyond just participation.
Astronaut recruitment is approaching gender parity, meaning nearly equal numbers of men and women are being chosen.
French astronaut Sophie Adenot recently completed multiple spacewalks, marking a renewal of French women in space.
Challenges for women in space have lasted through many generations of space programs and still need to be addressed.
The article points out that the next goal isn’t just traveling to the Moon, but also giving women a strong role in shaping humanity’s future in space.
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A US research team searched Nikumaroro, a remote Pacific island, for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane after seeing a suspicious object in satellite images. They found the object was actually a group of washed-up trees, not plane debris, and did not uncover new proof about Earhart’s disappearance.
Key Facts
Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan vanished in 1937 during a round-the-world flight attempt.
Nikumaroro island in Kiribati is a leading location where Earhart’s plane might have landed.
Researchers found signs on Nikumaroro before, such as a woman’s shoe and cosmetic jar glass from the 1930s.
Satellite images in 2020 showed a white object near Nikumaroro that looked like plane debris.
A 17-person team visited the island and used metal detectors to investigate the object.
The object was confirmed by Purdue University to be a group of large trees, with shiny surfaces caused by coral formations, not metal.
The trip was partly funded by Purdue University, where Earhart once taught and which supports research into her disappearance.
This mission did not confirm any new evidence about Earhart’s fate but added information to ongoing efforts to solve the mystery.
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Pope Leo XIV made his first major public appearance since lung cancer surgery by speaking to 15,000 people at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican. He thanked everyone for their support, said he plans to slowly resume his duties, and doctors are still checking if the cancer has spread.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV had lung surgery to remove a cancerous nodule and was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.
He spoke to a large crowd from a window at the Vatican, expressing gratitude for support and medical care.
Test results are pending to see if the cancer has spread beyond the lung.
The pope called his recent experience close to those who are sick or weak.
A group from Africa celebrated the pope’s appearance with music and dance.
Some people from the U.S. and Latin America attended the event and expressed relief and hope for the pope’s recovery.
A planned trip by the pope to South America in November might continue, but his schedule could change depending on his health.
The pope’s surgeon said there are no current medical reasons to cancel the upcoming trip.
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A new report by England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, says children in England face big unfair differences in health, education, and safety based on where they live. The report calls these differences a "postcode lottery" and urges the government to set minimum standards and provide emergency funding to improve services for children.
Key Facts
Children’s services in England are described as being in a "state of emergency."
The report looked at 100 different measures, including health, education, safety, and social care.
Children’s experiences vary widely by location, not explained just by poverty.
Over one million children were referred to mental health services in 2024-25.
55% of children do not meet good standards in English and math exams (GCSEs).
One million people aged 16-24 in the UK are not working, studying, or training.
Some areas spend nothing on youth services, resulting in worse outcomes for children.
The report recommends creating minimum service standards and giving local leaders more power to improve children's services.
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Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro debated with several personal attacks and accusations just one week before the presidential run-off election. They disagreed on issues like corruption, public safety, and government spending, as tensions between their supporters grew.
Key Facts
The debate took place one week before Brazil’s presidential run-off election.
Lula called Bolsonaro a “habitual liar” and alleged ties to paramilitary groups, while Bolsonaro called Lula a “clown.”
Bolsonaro leads the first round with 47% of votes; Lula has 45%.
Bolsonaro admitted flaws in his father Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lula criticized Bolsonaro for being out of touch with poor Brazilians and public services.
Supporters of both candidates gathered in large rallies wearing their candidate’s colors.
Brazil’s federal police requested the Supreme Court investigate Bolsonaro for alleged money laundering.
Jair Bolsonaro, former president and Flavio Bolsonaro’s father, is under house arrest for trying to overturn the 2022 election results.
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The New South Wales Minns government plans to introduce a special law to let MACH Energy increase coal production at its Mount Pleasant mine by 32%, despite a recent high court ruling that stopped an expansion approval. The government says the law is needed to protect 400 jobs at the mine until 2032.
Key Facts
The bill would allow MACH Energy to raise coal output from 12.5 million tonnes to 16.5 million tonnes per year.
The high court ruled in October 2026 that the previous expansion approval was invalid.
The mine’s operating life was extended to 2032 under an earlier modification.
The government says passing the bill will save 400 jobs before Christmas.
MACH Energy has agreed to keep its current permanent workforce until 2032 if the bill passes.
Critics say the government is ignoring legal processes and increasing pollution by helping the coal company.
The high court ruled that the planning process should have considered emissions from burning the exported coal (scope 3 emissions).
The bill will include some restrictions on emissions similar to those for another large coal project in the Hunter Valley.
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France experienced widespread violence and looting during protests against rising living costs and declining public services. President Emmanuel Macron called for national unity in a televised speech, while the government is reviewing the events and planning how to respond.
Key Facts
Over 500,000 people peacefully protested against higher living costs and reduced public services.
Violent groups damaged about 1,500 shops and businesses, leading to major unrest.
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons, with around 1,000 officers injured, including seven seriously.
President Macron spoke on TV urging calm and promised that those responsible for the violence would face consequences.
A crisis meeting led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu took place to assess the situation.
Political critics say Macron's speech lacked clear plans for handling the violence and future protests.
The unrest adds to political tensions ahead of France’s presidential election in six months.
There is debate about how to protect cities and support affected businesses, alongside concerns about the country’s financial troubles.
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Greens leader David Shoebridge says he thought Senator Jordon Steele-John agreed to take leave from parliament while an investigation into misconduct claims happens. Steele-John denies being on leave and says he was pressured by Shoebridge to take time off. The Greens held an emergency meeting to address these conflicting statements.
Key Facts
David Shoebridge believes Steele-John agreed to take leave during the misconduct investigation.
Jordon Steele-John says he is not on leave and never agreed to take leave.
Steele-John accused a Greens faction of political games and denied any misconduct.
Shoebridge called an emergency meeting after Steele-John’s public statement.
The Greens want the investigation to be fair, fast, independent, and transparent.
Previously, Shoebridge said Steele-John requested leave and he accepted it.
Nine newspapers reported allegations that Steele-John acted inappropriately toward women between 2017 and 2025.
Steele-John said Shoebridge pressured him to say he would take leave as negative news was breaking.
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Many hotels, restaurants, and popular spots are limiting or banning photoshoots without permission because large groups of people, including social media influencers, have been using these places mainly to take pictures instead of enjoying the space. These rules aim to protect privacy, reduce overcrowding, and ensure guests focus on their experience rather than just creating online content.
Key Facts
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in France now requires permission for photoshoots after guests booked meals but mainly took multiple outfit photos.
The Hollies farm shop in Cheshire bans photography and filming from 10am to 4pm due to influencer activity.
Jeremy King, who runs restaurants in London, has expressed frustration about influencers overcrowding his venues.
Some US locations, like a shop in Nantucket and the town of Pomfret, Vermont, have banned influencer photos at specific spots.
In Japan, a screen was placed near a convenience store to stop people from taking photos of Mount Fuji there.
Hotels want to protect guest privacy and the unique atmosphere they offer, not become places just for photo studios.
Some hotels work with influencers for promotion but try to balance this with maintaining the quality of guests’ experiences.
The trend reflects a broader shift from simply documenting moments to being present and enjoying the space.
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A Kenyan court will soon decide the case of pastor Paul Mackenzie and 29 followers accused of causing the deaths of 191 children by forcing them to starve as part of a religious belief. The group believed in avoiding education and modern medicine, claiming this would help the children "meet Jesus." Authorities have found more than 400 bodies buried in a forest near the coast of Kenya connected to this cult.
Key Facts
Pastor Paul Mackenzie led a religious group called Good News International Ministries since 2003.
Mackenzie and 29 followers face murder charges related to the deaths of 191 children from starvation.
The cult forbade education and modern medical treatment, calling them evil.
Over 400 bodies were found buried in shallow graves in Shakahola forest, near the Kenyan coast.
Some graves held multiple bodies, including very young children, with some found tied and wrapped in bedsheets.
Mackenzie and the followers pleaded not guilty, denying that anyone was forced to die.
Authorities also charge them with terrorism, radicalization, and denying children’s education.
The pastor’s church ran a TV station broadcasting sermons that promoted these beliefs.
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Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro had a heated debate a week before their runoff election. They accused each other of lying, corruption, and poor plans for the economy, security, and healthcare ahead of the October 25 vote.
Key Facts
Lula is Brazil’s current president and is running for a fourth term.
Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, led the first round of voting.
The debate included personal attacks and accusations of corruption from both sides.
They disagreed on issues like the economy, public security, healthcare, and Brazil’s relations with the US.
Bolsonaro criticized Lula’s social spending, while Lula questioned Bolsonaro’s ties to US President Trump and plans to give Brazil’s minerals to the US.
Polls show the runoff race is very close, with Bolsonaro slightly ahead but Lula gaining ground.
Jair Bolsonaro is in house arrest for a failed coup attempt after losing the 2022 election.
The election reflects deep political divisions within Brazil.
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Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, and their daughter Kaia have publicly shared their grief after the death of Presley Gerber on September 20. Presley Gerber died at a rehab center in Santa Monica at age 27, and his family expressed their love and pride for him while awaiting the official cause of death.
Key Facts
Presley Gerber died on September 20 at a rehab facility in Santa Monica at age 27.
The official cause of death is not yet confirmed but police suspect an overdose.
Presley had openly spoken about his struggles with addiction and mental health.
His family, including parents Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber and sister Kaia, released statements sharing their heartbreak.
This was the first time the family spoke publicly about his death.
Kaia shared a personal message reflecting on their childhood and her ongoing grief.
The family thanked supporters for their kindness during this difficult time.
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A 140-year-old town hall in Limoges, France, caught fire during protests. The fire damaged the roof and clock tower, causing distress among local residents and condemnation from officials.
Key Facts
The town hall in Limoges is 140 years old.
It caught fire during recent protests.
The fire destroyed the roof and the clock tower.
Local residents feel shocked and upset about the damage.
Officials have spoken out against the attack.
Limoges is a town in France.
The incident happened amid ongoing protests.
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Beau Lamarre-Condon, a former police officer, is on trial for allegedly killing Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in February 2024. A police officer friend testified that Lamarre-Condon called her a month after the arrest, saying “not everything in the news is true” and expressing his feelings before she ended the call. The trial also revealed details about Lamarre-Condon's past relationship with one of the victims.
Key Facts
Beau Lamarre-Condon is accused of killing Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in February 2024 using his police service weapon.
Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to two murder charges and one charge of aggravated break and enter.
A police officer friend, Dayna Schagen, received a call from Lamarre-Condon a month after his arrest where he said “not everything in the news is true.”
Lamarre-Condon and victim Jesse Baird had an on-and-off relationship during 2023, which ended in November 2023.
Lamarre-Condon admitted to checking Baird’s phone without permission, which caused tension in their relationship.
Days before the murders, Lamarre-Condon asked a colleague about how police respond to gunshot reports on the radio.
After news of the couple’s disappearance, Schagen suspected Lamarre-Condon might be involved but received no clear response from him.
Lamarre-Condon used his police radio knowledge in a way that was mentioned during the trial.
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Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company, has said it will give 5% of its shares to a new fund that supports public good projects. This share will increase as the company's value grows, and the fund will focus on helping with issues like job changes caused by AI.
Key Facts
Anthropic is an AI company that created the assistant Claude.
The company will set aside 5% of its shares to the “Anthropic Public Benefit Fund.”
The share percentage can increase by 2% for every 50% rise in the company's value.
The fund will support nonprofits and groups affected by AI, such as workers needing new jobs.
Anthropic has already committed $200 million to study AI's impact on jobs.
The fund will not be used for political lobbying or donations.
Anthropic is a public benefit corporation registered in Delaware.
The company plans to go public on the US stock market before the end of 2026, possibly valued over $2 trillion.
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