A report from the Prosperity Institute, supported by Conservative shadow minister Andrew Sharpe, suggests freezing the minimum wage at £12.71 for five years to reduce youth unemployment. The report warns this freeze could reduce workers’ real earnings by nearly £9,000 over five years due to inflation but argues it could increase youth jobs by 270,000. Labour opposes the plan, saying it would hurt low-paid workers.
Key Facts
The report recommends a 5-year freeze on the national living wage at £12.71.
This freeze could lower the purchasing power of minimum wage workers by 9% to 12% over five years.
The report predicts a freeze might increase youth employment by about 270,000 jobs.
It also proposes abolishing the Low Pay Commission, which advises on minimum wage changes.
The Labour business minister criticized the plan, saying it would harm low-paid workers.
The Low Pay Commission recently recommended a 4.1% wage rise for adults and 8.5% for youth wages.
The government is expected to decide on minimum wage changes in October for the 2027/28 financial year.
The Labour Party wants to give 18- to 20-year-olds the full minimum wage but faces pressure due to rising youth unemployment.
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Mahmoud Khalla, a man from Gaza, lost 39 family members when an Israeli strike destroyed his home in Jabalia in December 2023. Since then, he has been alone, moving between places to find food and shelter amid ongoing attacks and a blockade on Gaza.
Key Facts
Mahmoud Khalla’s family home in Jabalia, northern Gaza, was hit by an Israeli strike on December 21, 2023.
The strike killed 39 of his relatives, including his wife, children, parents, siblings, and their families.
Mahmoud had left the house shortly before the attack to find food due to shortages caused by an Israeli siege.
After the strike, ongoing Israeli air attacks and drone surveillance made rescue efforts impossible.
Ambulances and civil defense teams could not reach the site on the night of the attack.
Mahmoud spent months displaced, homeless, and searching for shelter and food.
Many other family members were also killed in earlier Israeli attacks nearby.
The conditions in Gaza include ongoing violence, food scarcity, and difficulties in finding safe shelter.
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New U.S. sanctions have caused major problems for Iranian airlines and travelers. Flights between Iran and several countries have been canceled or severely delayed, making trips much longer and more expensive.
Key Facts
Before late September, a flight from Tehran to Dubai took less than 3 hours and cost $100-$200. Now it can take up to 18 hours and cost more than $1,000.
The sanctions began after a U.S. deadline on September 23, targeting Iranian airlines and companies serving them.
Many countries, including the UAE, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, suspended or canceled flights from Iran.
The U.S. operation called “Operation Economic Outcast” aims to increase pressure by sanctioning 27 Iranian airlines and their service providers.
Companies helping Iranian airlines face "secondary sanctions," risking being cut off from the U.S. financial system.
Some flights to China and Russia are still operating, but most international flights to and from Iran are restricted.
The sanctions have caused serious issues for Iranians abroad needing medical care in Iran, requiring complicated travel routes.
Domestic travel within Iran has also been affected due to the sanctions and their impact on airline operations.
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Some businesses in Jersey are worried about the effect of rising global fuel prices on their costs. The Government of Jersey plans to freeze fuel duty in 2027 to help ease the pressure on households and businesses, but some companies say this may not be enough if fuel prices keep increasing.
Key Facts
Diesel prices in Jersey and the UK recently went above £2 per litre.
Jersey froze fuel duty from 2023 to 2025 and increased it only with inflation in 2026.
The government proposes freezing fuel duty again in 2027 to avoid extra costs for transport users.
Some companies, like A&A Scaffolding Solutions, say rising diesel prices raise their costs and shrink their profit margins.
Tree surgery businesses also face higher fuel costs affecting their equipment operation and job profitability.
Some firms are adding fuel surcharges to their prices to manage costs.
The government prefers targeted financial help for families over cutting fuel duty to support the economy.
Fuel prices are mainly influenced by global markets and political events beyond local control.
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Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the seizure of a truck carrying explosives meant for use against Israel. Hezbollah admitted the materials were theirs, but Lebanon says it is investigating and taking steps to control illegal weapons. Rubio urged Lebanon to hold those responsible accountable and suggested direct communication between Lebanese and Israeli militaries to avoid conflict.
Key Facts
A truck with 780 kg (1,720 lb) of explosives was intercepted in Lebanon on a highway between Beirut and the Bekaa Valley.
The explosives included 250 kg of TNT and 550 lb of C4 plastic explosives.
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah confirmed the group’s connection to the truck and asked for the explosives to be returned.
Lebanese President Aoun told Rubio that Lebanese security forces are working to confiscate illegal arms.
Rubio pressed Lebanon to hold those who ordered and funded the explosives shipment accountable.
Lebanon officially made Hezbollah’s military activities illegal in March 2024.
Despite this, Hezbollah said it will continue transporting weapons as part of its conflict with Israel.
Israeli attacks continue in southern Lebanon, with ongoing damage and military presence despite a ceasefire agreement from November 2024.
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Smart glasses with cameras help people with sight loss to navigate and live independently. However, some people wrongly call these glasses "pervert glasses" because they worry about secret filming, causing difficulties for users who rely on them.
Key Facts
Fraser Fleming, who is blind, uses AI-powered Meta smart glasses to help him get around and read signs.
Some people have used similar glasses to secretly film others, leading to negative nicknames like "pervert glasses."
This reputation makes users like Fraser remove their glasses in public to avoid confrontations.
Tracey Rogerson, another user, says the glasses are important for her independence.
Meta has sold about two million pairs of these glasses since 2022 and includes a light to show when the camera is recording.
Some events, like ComicCon Scotland, have banned Meta glasses to prevent secret filming.
Gordon Brown, who is severely sight-impaired, will not attend ComicCon this year due to the ban on smart glasses.
Event organizers have banned wearable recording devices to protect privacy but have been criticized for not considering disabled users’ needs.
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Four people died while fighting a wildfire in a national park on Java island, Indonesia, during the country's worst forest fires in over ten years. These fires have created thick haze affecting neighboring countries and have led Indonesia’s president to accept help from other nations.
Key Facts
Four firefighters died in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park on East Java island.
Two others were seriously injured and are receiving medical treatment.
The fires are the worst Indonesia has seen in more than a decade.
Thick haze from the fires has spread to nearby countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
Satellite data showed 799 high-confidence hotspots across Indonesia, an increase from the previous day.
President Prabowo Subianto approved aid from neighboring countries to help fight the fires.
Malaysia and Singapore have offered assistance, including helicopters and personnel.
The fires caused health problems, school closures, and criticism of Indonesia’s response efforts.
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Experts and police warn that children as young as five are increasingly targeted for grooming on social media and gaming platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. The number of online sexual abuse cases involving children has risen sharply, with authorities urging parents to talk to their children and encourage open communication about online safety.
Key Facts
Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram are the top platforms where children report online sexual abuse.
Children as young as five can be targeted by groomers through social media, gaming, and messaging apps.
Sexual communication crimes involving children in the South West of England have more than doubled over seven years.
Avon and Somerset Police recorded 300 such crimes in 2024/25, while Gloucestershire and Wiltshire police recorded 96 and 61 respectively.
A case in Bristol led to a man named Suleman Aqeel being jailed for 17 years for grooming and abusing young girls via social media.
The NSPCC reports a 19% increase in counselling sessions mentioning Snapchat for online abuse between April 2025 and March 2026.
The Internet Watch Foundation sees a rise in young people contacting their helpline about fears of sexual images being shared online, highlighting the growing problem of sextortion (blackmail using sexual images).
Police and experts advise parents not to punish children for sharing images but to create a trusting environment where children feel safe to talk.
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On October 21, 1966, a coal waste tip collapsed in Aberfan, Wales, covering a primary school and nearby homes with slurry. Nansi Williams, a dinner lady at the school, died while protecting five children who were found alive beneath her after the disaster that killed 144 people, including 116 children. Her bravery will be honored with a purple plaque as the 60th anniversary of the tragedy approaches.
Key Facts
The Aberfan disaster happened on October 21, 1966, when a coal waste tip collapsed onto Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes.
A total of 144 people died, including 116 children, on the last day of class before the half-term holiday.
Nansi Williams, aged 44, was a dinner lady collecting money from pupils when the disaster struck.
She protected five children by shielding them under a table and died doing so.
One survivor, Paul Harries, was one of the children saved by Williams and has spoken publicly about her heroism.
The King, Queen, and Prince of Wales plan to visit Aberfan to mark the 60th anniversary.
Williams was well known and loved by the children and other locals for her kindness and care.
A purple plaque will be placed outside to honor Williams’ courage and sacrifice.
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The Metropolitan Police in London are changing how they handle street sex work after a convicted sex offender, Simon Levy, killed two women and attacked another. They have started a new program with female officers to build trust with street sex workers so these women can safely report crimes against them.
Key Facts
Simon Levy, a convicted sex offender, killed two women and raped another who were involved in street sex work.
Sexual activities like sex work are legal in most of the UK, but related actions like soliciting on the street and pimping are illegal.
Police often target street sex workers, which makes these women afraid to report violence against them.
The Met Police have started Operation Amicus, a team of two plain-clothed female officers in north London to connect with and support street sex workers.
Many women involved in street sex work experience violence regularly but do not report it because they fear the police or expect abuse.
The new team encourages women to report crimes and works to ensure their reports are taken seriously.
Officers involved say criminalizing street sex workers is unfair because many women are trying to survive difficult situations.
Residents have concerns about sex work on their streets, and police also want to address organized crime related to it.
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Patrick Hughes quit as landlord of The Royal Mail Cart pub in Spalding after just over a year due to lower customer numbers caused by rising costs, roadworks, and changing habits like drinking at home. Many pubs in Lincolnshire have closed recently, and pub groups are seeking government support to make pubs more affordable and competitive with supermarkets.
Key Facts
Patrick Hughes became landlord of The Royal Mail Cart in August 2025 and quit after about a year.
He says fewer people visit pubs because they prefer drinking cheap alcohol at home, watching TV, or ordering food deliveries.
Roadworks outside the pub further hurt customer numbers and sales.
Pubs in Lincolnshire have seen a big drop, with 27% closing since 2009, and South Holland has lost 53% of its pubs.
Alcohol sold in supermarkets is generally cheaper than in pubs due to lower taxes and fewer business costs.
The UK government announced a 20% discount on business rates for pubs and similar venues starting in April 2027.
Local groups like The Shipmates are trying to save closed pubs by raising money and securing community rights to buy them.
Industry leaders want the business rate discount made permanent and beer taxes frozen to help pubs survive.
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The British Chambers of Commerce leader says fixing the economic problems caused by Brexit should be the main goal for Andy Burnham and the Labour Party. Many businesses feel the current UK-EU trade deal is not working well, and the economic damage from Brexit is significant.
Key Facts
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) wants the UK government to prioritize repairing Brexit's economic impact.
More than half of surveyed business leaders say the Brexit trade deal is not helping their companies.
Economists estimate Brexit has cost the UK economy up to £240 billion so far.
The UK’s income per person is between 6% and 8% lower than it would have been without Brexit.
Labour’s Andy Burnham said Brexit has done more harm than good and is open to options including rejoining the EU.
The BCC plans to consult its 50,000 members, who employ over 6 million people, about future UK-EU relationship options.
Rising costs from energy prices and international conflicts are putting extra pressure on UK businesses.
Business leaders want the government to take strong action to help companies, not just maintain the current budget approach.
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A young man in Saudi Arabia, Youssef al-Manasif, faces execution for attending protests and funerals between the ages of 15 and 17. Human rights groups say he was tortured, forced to confess, and sentenced to death despite laws against executing people for crimes committed as minors.
Key Facts
Youssef al-Manasif was arrested in 2017 for attending Shia religious freedom protests and funerals.
He was convicted by a special criminal court and sentenced to death.
Human rights groups allege he was tortured and made to sign a false confession.
He only met his state-appointed lawyer five years after arrest, in 2022.
Saudi Arabia’s supreme court has upheld his death sentence.
Saudi Arabia abolished the death penalty for minors in 2020 but continues to execute some who committed crimes as children.
The country executed a record 356 people in the past year, including many foreigners for minor crimes.
The UN and Human Rights Watch have called for stopping executions of people convicted for crimes committed as minors.
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A 16-year-old student opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a teacher. An armed bystander confronted and shot the suspect inside the school, stopping the attack. The community held a vigil to remember the victims.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.
Three children and one teacher died in the shooting.
The shooter was a 16-year-old student at the school.
An armed bystander confronted and fatally shot the suspect inside the school.
The attack was stopped by the bystander's intervention.
Community members held a vigil to mourn the victims.
The event has caused grief and concern in the local area.
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The number of ship attacks near the Strait of Hormuz has reached a new high amid increased tensions related to the US-Israeli war with Iran. These attacks have slowed down oil shipments through this key waterway, although commercial traffic continues with US and regional military protection.
Key Facts
Twelve ships were attacked between 5 and 11 October, the highest weekly total reported near the Strait of Hormuz.
Six vessels were struck in one day last Sunday, marking a new daily high.
Attacks include the use of drones, as seen in the Petro Dolphin tanker incident near Oman, where two crew members remain missing.
The container ship GFS Pride sank after being hit by an unknown projectile; 21 crew members were safely evacuated.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the GFS Pride attack, accusing the ship of carrying contraband and taking an unauthorized route.
Oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz have decreased from about 17 million barrels per day before the conflict to 12.6 million barrels per day recently.
The US Navy has increased ship escort operations by 85% in October compared to August to protect vessels in the area.
Iran opposes the current shipping route used by Gulf Arab states’ tankers, demanding vessels take a route closer to Iran’s shore.
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In August 2026, wildfires in the Midlands destroyed 38 homes. A report by Mary Rhodes talks to people affected and looks for ways to stop future fires from causing so much damage.
Key Facts
Wildfires burned and destroyed 38 homes in the Midlands in August 2026.
Mary Rhodes interviewed residents affected by the fires.
The report explores what can be done to prevent similar wildfires.
The story was first shown on October 16, 2026.
The report is available for 11 months after first airing.
The Midlands is a region located in central England.
Wildfires can spread quickly and cause major damage to homes and land.
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Many Russians who fled their country and sought asylum in Western countries are now being deported back to Russia. Those deported face risks such as arrest, forced military service, and imprisonment, especially if they opposed the Russian government or avoided military duty.
Key Facts
Russians who left the country during the Ukraine war and opposed the government have been deported from the US and Europe.
The number of deportations from the US rose from 222 in 2023 to over 1,200 in 2025 under President Donald Trump's second term.
Deportees often face interrogation by Russian security services, forced military registration, or threats of imprisonment.
Some deported activists, like Leonid Melekhin, have received harsh prison sentences after returning to Russia.
Germany and other EU countries have also increased the deportation of Russian asylum seekers, with lower rates of asylum acceptance.
Germany suspended its humanitarian visa program for Russians in 2024 amid stricter asylum policies.
The Anti-War Committee, a Russian opposition group in exile, advises dissidents that Europe may no longer be safe for them.
Russian security services use deportations to target those they consider political opponents, military deserters, or critics of the government.
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Ben Roberts-Smith, an Australian soldier charged with war crimes, has launched a brand called EPIC 1 TWO to support his family and pay for legal costs. He denies all allegations related to the murders of unarmed detainees during his Afghanistan deployment between 2009 and 2012.
Key Facts
Ben Roberts-Smith is accused of murdering or ordering the murders of five unarmed detainees in Afghanistan.
He launched the brand EPIC 1 TWO, named after his radio call sign from a mission that earned him the Victoria Cross.
Roberts-Smith says the brand aims to provide income for his family and represent hope during difficult times.
He denies all charges and says he acted within military rules and values.
The charges concern three separate incidents between 2009 and 2012 involving the deaths of Afghan men.
Roberts-Smith was arrested in April and released on bail after a $250,000 surety was paid by his father, a former judge.
The allegations include shootings witnessed by Australian soldiers and orders to kill detainees.
The case has attracted public and media attention, including commentary from public figures supporting Roberts-Smith’s right to a fair process.
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The US midterm elections are only weeks away and will decide who controls Congress. President Donald Trump faces challenges as voters in Iowa, a mostly Republican state, think about issues like rising costs and the war in Iran when deciding who to support.
Key Facts
Midterm elections will decide control of the US Congress.
The elections are happening soon, with active campaigning across the country.
President Donald Trump’s time in office could be affected by the election results.
Voters are concerned about rising costs and the war in Iran.
Iowa is a predominantly Republican state important to the election.
BBC reporter Sarah Smith talked with voters in Iowa ahead of the midterms.
The report looks at whether some Iowa Republicans might reject President Trump in the elections.
The midterms will influence US government policies and leadership choices.
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The number of cloned vehicle number plates involved in offences on UK roads has reached a record high. More than 11,400 drivers contacted the DVLA last year after receiving fines for offences they did not commit, mostly due to cloned plates that copy legitimate number plates to avoid cameras.
Key Facts
Over 11,400 drivers complained to the DVLA last year about fines for offences they did not commit.
The number of complaints increased by 9% from 2024 and nearly doubled since 2018.
Cloning means copying a real car’s number plate onto a similar vehicle to avoid detection by enforcement cameras.
More than 130 official UK number plate suppliers were found selling cloned plates.
“Ghost” plates are designed to be unreadable by automatic cameras and help drivers avoid fines.
The UK has about 18,000 automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras enforcing road safety rules.
The government plans a new crackdown on illegal plates, including funding a new roads policing team.
Drivers caught with illegal plates can be fined up to £1,000.
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