San Clemente, a popular beach town in southern California, is facing serious beach erosion caused by strong waves and storms. This erosion threatens local beaches, the coastal train line, and nearby homes, and the problem may worsen due to an expected El Niño weather event.
Key Facts
San Clemente is known for surfing and will host 2028 Olympic surfing competitions at Lower Trestles beach.
Severe waves and storms are causing the beaches to shrink, with sand being washed away.
The major regional train line that runs along the coast has been closed multiple times for repairs due to damage from erosion and storms.
Since 2021, the train line has shut down seven times, with total closures lasting over a year in the last five years.
Scientists warn that a strong El Niño weather event, combined with warm ocean waters, could lead to more severe erosion.
Local officials say that sea level rise, previously expected decades from now, is already impacting the coast.
Beach erosion is damaging coastal infrastructure and risks harming homes and natural areas.
There is growing concern that many southern California beaches could disappear if the erosion continues.
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This article reviews the best toys and gifts for eight-year-old children, chosen with input from kids and experts. It focuses on toys that support children's development, encourage play, and can be used for a long time, including creative kits, games, and outdoor activities.
Key Facts
Eight-year-olds have growing interests and skills, including reading and strategic thinking.
The toys were tested by groups of eight-year-olds to see which kept their attention and were enjoyable.
Experts and play specialists helped select toys that support development and wellbeing.
Sustainability was considered, with an emphasis on buying fewer, better-quality toys.
Examples include the 3Doodler 3D pen, which helps kids create objects from plastic safely.
Chess is recommended for developing focus, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Toys chosen are meant to last well into early tween years.
The guide aims to balance what children enjoy with what parents find practical.
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Protests in France led to violence, property damage, and looting across several cities, including Paris. Over 1,200 people were arrested as demonstrations targeted issues like school conditions and the rising cost of living.
Key Facts
Violent protests happened across France on Saturday.
Demonstrators protested about conditions in schools and the cost of living.
More than 1,200 people were arrested during the protests.
Shops were damaged and looted during the unrest.
Some shop owners reported losses around €100,000 (£85,000).
Cleanup efforts began the morning after the protests.
The French government called the event an "escalation in violence."
The protests caused widespread disruption in Paris and other French cities.
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The UK health secretary criticized NHS staff for improperly accessing patients’ medical records, calling these breaches a "disgrace." Several NHS staff members were fired for looking at sensitive records without valid reasons, including victims of violent attacks and a man killed by a tiger.
Key Facts
NHS staff in Nottingham accessed medical records of victims from recent attacks without permission.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has fired 15 staff members for these breaches.
The breaches also include potential improper access to the medical records of a man mauled by a tiger in Yorkshire.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed that NHS staff must respect patient privacy and follow data protection rules.
The Information Commissioner’s Office and police have been informed and are reviewing the cases.
New systems are being tested in the NHS to better protect patient records and alert authorities to breaches.
Families of victims affected by the breaches have demanded action and clearer safeguards.
Officials say the majority of NHS staff follow data protection rules, but these incidents show serious failures.
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The border between Jordan and Israel is becoming a major route for drug smuggling. Drug gangs are using new methods like drones and balloons to send drugs into Jordan, raising concerns for Jordanian security forces.
Key Facts
Drug gangs in southern Israel use drones and helium balloons to smuggle drugs into Jordan.
These gangs have links to groups in Jordan and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
The Jordan-Israel border is heavily watched but still sees frequent smuggling attempts.
The drug Captagon, an illegal stimulant, was widely made and distributed from Syria before the Assad government fell in late 2024.
Since new Syrian authorities cracked down on Captagon, drug trade routes shifted more toward the Jordan-Israel border.
Jordanian forces intercepted 17 drone-related smuggling operations and 231 other border infiltration attempts in the first half of 2026.
Over 15,000 drug cases were recorded in Jordan in 2026, with traffickers making up 28% and users 72%.
Drugs are sold for much higher prices in Jordan than in Israel, encouraging smuggling.
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Zack Polanski, leader of the Green party in England and Wales, said Zionism in its current form is racist and that no country has a right to exist under international law. He spoke in support of a party motion equating Zionism with racism and rejected the idea of Israel’s right to exist or a two-state solution.
Key Facts
Zack Polanski leads the Green party in England and Wales.
The party passed a motion saying Zionism is racist; Polanski agreed with it.
Polanski did not attend the vote but supports the overall message.
He said no state has a right to exist under international law.
Polanski criticized the deaths of Palestinians and called the ideology behind it racist.
He dismissed debates about the wording of the motion as unhelpful.
Polanski said the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is unrealistic.
Some Jewish members of the Green party criticized the motion, but Polanski said most Jewish Greens supported it.
Polanski has faced challenges in his leadership due to this controversy and other issues.
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A large Ukrainian drone attack hit St Petersburg, Russia, causing fires at oil facilities and damaging homes. At least one person died, and several were injured. The attack disrupted flights and electricity in the area. Meanwhile, Russia struck buildings in Ukraine, killing two people amid ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones attacked St Petersburg, targeting oil terminals, warehouses, and homes.
The attack caused fires and damaged residential buildings.
At least one person was killed and five others injured in St Petersburg.
About 20,000 people lost electricity in the region after the drone strike.
Russia claimed to have shot down 145 Ukrainian drones during the attack.
Moscow’s defense said they neutralized 1,015 Ukrainian drones overnight in multiple incidents.
Russian forces struck residential buildings in Ukraine, killing two and injuring 12 people.
President Trump announced an "energy ceasefire," but Ukraine says Russia kept attacking energy sites.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine is causing concerns about possible attacks on nearby NATO countries, especially Poland. European nations say Russia is using attacks like drones and cyberattacks to threaten Ukraine’s allies, while Russia denies this.
Key Facts
There are fears the war in Ukraine could affect neighboring NATO countries.
Countries point to drone attacks, cyberattacks, and sabotage as signs of Russian actions beyond Ukraine.
Poland hosts a NATO logistics hub supporting Ukraine with military and civilian aid.
Experts say Poland is the main target of Russian sabotage in Europe.
Harvard research reports Poland faces about 4,000 politically motivated cyberattacks daily.
Poland has increased security and reported airspace violations and expects more drone and missile strikes.
The Polish Foreign Minister says the war in Ukraine will only end if President Putin admits the invasion was a mistake.
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After a ceasefire was announced in Gaza, a family leaves their refugee camp to reunite with their relative waiting further north. The journey is difficult because many people are moving at the same time, and communication is hard due to lack of phone signals.
Key Facts
The family lives in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza.
They are carrying all their belongings as they travel.
They are moving along Gaza’s long coastal road towards the north.
Captain Moumen waits at their destination for his family’s arrival.
Hundreds of thousands of people are moving through the area after the ceasefire.
Phone signals are unavailable, making it hard to contact each other.
The story is featured in a documentary called Gaza Family Reunion.
The film is made by Mohammed Sawwaf, Salah al-Haw, Ibrahim al-Otla, and Mohammed Masharawi.
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Paris police arrested 855 people after violent clashes and looting during protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions. Around 110,000 people marched in Paris, while protests across France involved about 550,000 to 800,000 people, with some groups turning to violence and property damage.
Key Facts
855 people were arrested in Paris after violent protests.
The protests focused on rising living costs and school problems.
About 110,000 people marched in Paris; protests across France involved up to 800,000 people.
Violent groups clashed with police, set fires, and looted shops and public buildings.
One person died from a heart attack during the protests.
Thirteen police officers and two firefighters were injured.
Damage was reported in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Limoges.
French officials blamed radical far-left groups and people who joined later for looting and violence.
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Egypt has said it is ready to support Saudi Arabia in defending itself against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Egypt’s National Defence Council stated it fully supports Saudi Arabia in protecting its land, resources, and important religious sites.
Key Facts
Egypt’s National Defence Council is chaired by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Egypt commits to providing all necessary support to Saudi Arabia for its safety and stability.
The support includes defending Saudi Arabia’s resources, borders, and Islamic holy sites.
Egypt will also increase diplomatic efforts to help reduce tensions in the region.
The Houthi rebels, linked to Iran, have recently attacked Saudi Arabia, including its capital Riyadh’s airport and the Saudi state oil company Aramco.
Fighting has intensified in Yemen after a truce ended, involving Saudi-backed forces and the Houthi rebels.
President el-Sisi said Egypt will follow the guidance of Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in its actions.
The Saudi crown prince visited Egypt last month amid rising conflict in Yemen.
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Indian YouTuber Dhruv Rathee organized a protest in London against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, claiming it took away voting rights to help the BJP party. Another group held a counterprotest, saying the protest shared false information.
Key Facts
Dhruv Rathee is a popular Indian YouTuber.
He led a protest in London about elections in India.
The protest called for stopping "vote theft."
The protest accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of unfair election practices.
The protest claimed millions of voters were deprived of their rights.
A group of counterprotesters also gathered.
Counterprotesters said the claims were not true and accused the protest of spreading misinformation.
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Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party in England and Wales, said he will not overturn a recent party motion that calls Zionism racist. The motion, passed by party members, will remain official policy until 2028, although Polanski wants to change it at that time.
Key Facts
The Green Party passed a motion describing Zionism as an ideology supporting a Jewish state that excludes or dominates non-Jewish people in historic Palestine.
This motion was passed by 1,022 votes to 813 at the party conference.
The motion caused division within the party and criticism from politicians, Jewish groups, the government, and European Green parties.
Polanski did not vote on the motion and said he would not have supported it without changes.
The policy must stay in effect for two years under the party’s rules, meaning it remains until 2028.
Polanski respects the members’ vote and will not try to change the motion before then.
Some Green MPs want to review how decisions are made because few party members voted on this issue.
The motion’s controversy affected Polanski’s campaign for a local election, where he came second to Labour.
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President Donald Trump’s justice department has taken active steps during the final weeks before the US midterm elections, including raids and lawsuits, which breaks the tradition of political neutrality in the department. This raises questions about the department’s role and its possible influence on election outcomes, especially with some actions targeting Democratic candidates.
Key Facts
The justice department has raided the home of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar in Washington, DC, as part of an immigration fraud investigation.
Federal agents previously raided the home of a different Democratic congresswoman running for re-election.
The department has publicized criminal charges against non-citizens accused of voter fraud.
The attorney general has campaigned for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.
The department demanded California investigate the citizenship of 20,000 people and sued the state when it refused.
The FBI released a video criticizing Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, which a watchdog group said should not be used in a democracy.
Traditionally, the Department of Justice avoids actions near elections to prevent influencing the results, but these practices appear to be changing.
Some former DOJ officials express concern that political appointees loyal to President Trump now direct investigations, replacing career experts.
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President Donald Trump’s plan to cut down over 400 trees at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC to upgrade the golf course was stopped by a US district judge. The judge ordered a pause on cutting trees until October 26 and required approval before removing more than 10 trees.
Key Facts
President Trump aimed to remove 529 trees to redevelop East Potomac Golf Links into a championship-level golf course.
The administration said it had already cut down 430 trees before the project was halted.
US district judge Ana Reyes ordered a stop to cutting trees and demanded official approval for further tree removal.
East Potomac Golf Links is a public golf course operated by the National Park Service in Washington, DC.
The National Park Service works with the National Links Trust, a nonprofit group, to manage and renovate the golf courses.
This golf course currently includes two nine-hole courses, an 18-hole course, and a miniature golf area.
The judge’s ruling temporarily stops President Trump’s plan to transform the public golf course into a private-style championship course.
The project raised concerns about turning a public space into a more exclusive facility.
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The World Bank is encouraging developing countries to use "small AI" models—simple artificial intelligence tools that work on mobile phones with low internet access—to help improve local economies and services. These AI tools can support tasks like farming and education in local languages, helping speed up development in poorer regions.
Key Facts
"Small AI" means AI programs that are designed for specific uses and can run on mobile phones without needing strong internet.
The World Bank believes small AI could help developing countries grow faster, turning centuries of progress into decades.
An example is Indian farmers getting soil analysis advice in their local language using small AI through a World Bank project called AgriConnect.
The World Bank wants to work with governments and companies to create these AI tools for local needs.
The IMF stresses that for AI to work well, countries need electricity, internet, and government rules to protect users.
Many rural areas, like in sub-Saharan Africa, still lack basic electricity and consistent internet, limiting AI use.
AI could change jobs globally, with 40% of jobs possibly changed or lost, especially affecting young people starting their careers.
The World Bank raised $120 billion in private funds recently to support projects in developing countries as some rich countries cut their aid budgets.
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A 60-year-old man who used AI for diet advice ended up in the hospital after following incorrect recommendations. Researchers say there is a lack of transparency in AI health advice, which can make it hard to understand or prevent harm caused by wrong information.
Key Facts
The man replaced table salt with sodium bromide based on AI advice, leading to hallucinations and paranoia.
Doctors could not retrieve the AI conversation, so they didn’t know exactly what advice was given.
Researchers from several universities warn that AI can give wrong health answers with confidence.
Around 14 million U.S. adults have skipped healthcare visits after using AI for health questions, according to a 2025 Gallup survey.
OpenAI states ChatGPT is not a doctor and should not replace professional medical care.
Experts suggest users treat AI answers as a starting point, not a diagnosis, and verify information with doctors.
The research paper recommends giving users access to records of AI health chats for safety and better follow-up.
Researchers want systems that flag and review harmful AI health advice to protect users.
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Some House Republicans are telling President Trump they will stop funding the Pentagon unless he takes a stronger stance against Russia. The administration, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is asking Congress to approve at least $350 billion in military spending through a special budget plan.
Key Facts
House Republicans are warning President Trump about Pentagon funding.
They want the administration to be tougher on Russia.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is leading the push for more military money.
The request is for at least $350 billion in new defense spending.
This spending is planned as part of a partisan budget package called reconciliation.
Some Republicans are ready to block funding if their conditions are not met.
The issue highlights divisions within the Republican Party on defense and foreign policy.
The proposal aims to increase U.S. military strength amid global concerns.
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Large protests against rising fuel prices and living costs took place across French cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Lille. While most demonstrations were peaceful, some groups turned violent, causing damage to shops and public buildings, leading to about 1,800 arrests.
Key Facts
Around 550,000 people protested against fuel price increases, high living costs, and poor public services.
Rioters set fire to cars, buildings, and public offices in Paris, Marseille, Lille, and other cities.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to control violent crowds and arrested about 1,800 people.
At least 150 police officers were injured during the disturbances.
Shops including designer stores (Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Versace) and an Apple store were looted or damaged.
Fires damaged historic buildings like Lyon’s tourist office and the Limoges town hall.
Some residents and shop owners said looters took advantage of the protests, with little police presence during some attacks.
Students have been protesting over poor school conditions, including overcrowding and lack of teachers.
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An 80-year-old flying instructor and a 16-year-old boy died when their light aircraft crashed near Loch Lomond, Scotland. The plane had left Glasgow Airport and lost contact shortly before the crash; authorities are investigating the accident.
Key Facts
The pilot who died was Ian Haggis, an 80-year-old flying instructor.
A 16-year-old boy, who has not been identified, also died in the crash.
The plane crashed near the village of Drymen, close to Loch Lomond.
The aircraft was a Piper Tomahawk II, registered to Leading Edge Flight Training.
The plane took off from Cumbernauld Airport, stopped at Glasgow Airport, and then made its final flight before crashing.
Emergency services arrived at the crash scene around 16:45 on a Friday.
Temporary airspace restrictions were implemented during the investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
People who knew Ian Haggis described him as an experienced and respected flying instructor.
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