The Duchess of Sussex said the Metropolitan Police told her in 2018 about serious allegations involving her father. She expressed that she was very upset after reports said images of child sexual abuse were found at her father's former home in the Philippines.
Key Facts
The Duchess of Sussex received information from the Met police in 2018.
The information involved troubling claims about her father, Thomas Markle Sr.
Reports say images of child sexual abuse were found at her father’s old house in the Philippines.
The Duchess said she was deeply distressed by these reports.
The story is still developing, and more details will be shared later.
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New Apple iPhone 18 phones and other electronics have appeared in Tehran shortly after their U.S. release, despite Iran facing international sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade that limits imports. However, the cost of these devices in Iran is much higher due to government fees, import rules, smuggling, and difficulties caused by U.S. sanctions.
Key Facts
The iPhone 18 launched in the U.S. on September 18 and reached Tehran within days, even without Apple stores in Iran.
U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade have reduced normal trade routes through Iran's southern ports and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran imports many electronics via neighboring countries like the UAE and Oman, but regional conflicts and trade restrictions have disrupted these routes.
After U.S. sanctions targeted Iranian airlines in September, fewer flights bring goods, increasing reliance on smuggling through land borders like near Iraqi Kurdistan.
Imported mobile phones must pay a government registration fee for service, which can add 6 to 30 percent or more to the price based on the phone’s value.
Other government fees and extra charges from local companies can increase phone prices by over 50 percent in total.
Despite registration, internet access on phones is limited by government filtering and U.S. sanctions blocking global payment and service options.
In the last Iranian year, about $1.6 billion worth of mobile phones entered Iran legally, with a significant portion of high-value phones brought in by air passengers; smuggled phone data is not clear.
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Serbia is holding an early parliamentary election on October 25 to decide if President Aleksandar Vucic’s party can stay in power after 14 years. The election follows mass protests led by students demanding changes due to government corruption and a deadly accident, with a new student-backed group challenging the ruling party.
Key Facts
Serbia’s snap parliamentary election will take place on October 25, 2024.
The election was moved up after President Vucic resigned ahead of his term ending and is now running for prime minister.
A deadly accident in November 2024, where 16 people died due to a roof collapse in Novi Sad, triggered nationwide protests.
Students lead the protest movement focused on fighting corruption and improving government accountability.
The main challenger is a student-backed political group made up of academics, teachers, and professionals new to politics.
The students' campaign avoids divisive issues like Kosovo or foreign relations, focusing on rule of law and ending corruption.
Some opposition parties support the student group instead of running separately, while others may not pass the election threshold.
The election result could either continue the current ruling party’s control or bring major political changes in Serbia’s government and institutions.
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Final screen tests for the new James Bond actor are happening this weekend, with about three to five actors in the final stages. Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O'Connor are believed to be among those auditioning to replace Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond.
Key Facts
Screen tests include stunts, camera presence, and dialogue.
Tests were delayed from early October due to scheduling issues.
Actors auditioning include Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O'Connor.
Other names previously linked to the role are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton, and Paul Mescal.
No final decision has been announced yet about the new James Bond.
Amazon MGM Studios now control the Bond franchise and started the casting process in May.
Daniel Craig played James Bond for 15 years in five films, last starring in 2021.
Only six actors have officially played James Bond since the series began.
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The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, said the conflict with Iran might continue for another year unless Iran agrees to a deal on its nuclear program. Meanwhile, global oil prices have risen after attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, and several countries are holding talks to address regional tensions.
Key Facts
Mike Waltz, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., said the Iran war could last another year without a deal on Iran’s nuclear program.
President Trump had originally predicted the conflict would last only four to five weeks.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it disabled seven tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to rise to $114 per barrel.
Saudi Aramco increased oil flow through a pipeline that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz from 2 million to 7 million barrels per day.
President Trump accused Iran of lying about attacks on ships to raise oil prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
Foreign ministers from Europe and Gulf countries met in Istanbul to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, Middle East conflicts, and the Ukraine war.
The U.K. committed fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia from attacks tied to the conflict in Yemen.
The talks aim to find diplomatic solutions and stabilize vital shipping routes threatened by regional conflicts.
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In Israeli schools, military life starts early and influences the education of teenagers. Ava Warriner from Al Jazeera spoke with Israeli students about how the military affects their school experience.
Key Facts
Military influence begins during the school years for Israeli teens.
Israeli students experience early exposure to military life through their education.
The military’s role is integrated into school activities and curriculum.
This early involvement prepares teenagers for future military service.
The report is based on interviews conducted by a journalist from Al Jazeera.
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In Adamawa State, Nigeria, a local pastor named Daniel Musa was kidnapped and held for three days before being rescued by Pulaku, a vigilante group. Pulaku is a mainly Fulani organization that fights kidnapping and cattle theft in northeastern Nigeria.
Key Facts
Daniel Musa, a pastor, was abducted from his home at night on May 23, 2023.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 15 million naira (about $11,256).
Musa and others were blindfolded and held in harsh conditions for three days.
The kidnappers threatened to kill hostages if approached by police or vigilantes.
Pulaku, a vigilante group, rescued Musa and other captives during a gunfight with kidnappers.
Pulaku members wear olive-green uniforms and work against kidnapping and cattle rustling.
Musa reunited with his family after the rescue and credited Pulaku for saving his life.
The vigilante group received an award from Musa’s church for its community work.
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Five Israelis were hurt and two suspected Palestinian attackers were killed in a shooting at a military checkpoint near Hebron in the West Bank. Israeli security forces said they found many bullets in the attackers’ vehicle and believe a larger attack was planned.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a military checkpoint at the entrance to Hebron.
Five Israelis sustained injuries in the attack.
Two suspected Palestinian attackers were killed by Israeli forces.
Israeli military found a large amount of ammunition in the attackers’ car.
The military believes the attackers planned a bigger attack.
The city of Hebron was put on lockdown by the Israeli government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled campaign events in the morning.
The attack occurred during rising tensions in the West Bank, including settler violence and an upcoming Israeli election.
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Israel’s Prime Minister has ordered the military to get ready to shut down the occupied West Bank after a shooting near Hebron. Israeli forces killed two Palestinians who were suspected of attacking near a military checkpoint.
Key Facts
A shooting took place near a military checkpoint in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli forces killed two Palestinians suspected of carrying out the shooting.
The Israeli Prime Minister has instructed the army to prepare for a full shutdown of the West Bank.
The shutdown means restricting movement and activities in that area.
This event is part of ongoing tensions and conflicts in the West Bank region.
Al Jazeera reported on the situation through correspondent Nida Ibrahim.
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Young people in France, Albania, Italy, and India are organizing protests driven by concerns about their economic situations and fairness. These protests show that Gen Z is becoming aware of their financial struggles and demanding solidarity and social justice.
Key Facts
Protests involve youth from Gen Z in four countries: France, Albania, Italy, and India.
The movement reflects worries about material insecurity, meaning people don’t feel financially safe or stable.
Young protesters are also frustrated with institutions like governments that they feel have let them down.
They are asking for fairness, social justice, and solidarity, which means support among people.
The protests are not just isolated events but part of a wider political awareness among this generation.
Sociologist Gökçe Tuncel studies this trend and highlights the strong connection between the protests and young people’s living conditions.
The protests include activities like strikes and demonstrations.
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Israel faces an election debate over whether ultra-Orthodox Jewish men should be required to serve in the military. About 80,000 young Haredi men currently avoid military service, causing political tension and protests ahead of the October 27 election.
Key Facts
Around 80,000 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men aged 18 to 24 do not serve in the Israeli army.
Haredi political parties argue their supporters preserve Israel’s religious identity through Torah study instead of military service.
Critics say these men avoid their military duty, especially after the Hamas attack in 2023 increased security concerns.
A 2024 Supreme Court ruling ordered the military to draft more ultra-Orthodox men, sparking protests and political crises.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition depends on Haredi party support, which has softened military draft laws for them.
Netanyahu opposes arresting draft evaders and says protecting Torah study is important for Israel’s survival.
Public opinion polls show about 72% of Israelis want the ultra-Orthodox to serve in the military like other citizens.
Netanyahu’s political rivals use the issue to criticize his government and pressure for universal conscription.
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A British man living in Sweden faces deportation, which could separate him from his 16-month-old son. Swedish authorities denied his request to stay, saying the country's immigration rules are more important than his family life, though he is appealing the decision based on his son's rights as a German citizen.
Key Facts
Simon Montgomery, a British photographer, lives in Sweden with his son, who is a German citizen through his mother.
Montgomery applied to stay in Sweden after his son was born but was rejected by the migration agency and court.
He is appealing the decision to a higher migration court, citing EU freedom of movement rights.
The couple separated after the child's birth, but Montgomery has joint custody and a parenting plan.
Swedish authorities said he has no proof of “actual care” for the child when the son stayed overnight with his mother.
The court prioritized Sweden’s immigration rules over the father’s private and family life rights.
Montgomery cannot leave Sweden to visit elderly relatives without risking being barred from returning.
His lawyer argues deportation would harm the child’s stability.
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Thousands of Israelis living abroad plan to fly back to Israel to vote in the October 27 election, as Israeli law requires voters to be physically present in the country. Many are motivated by concerns over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s potential re-election and its effects on Israel’s future.
Key Facts
About 53,000 Israelis living abroad are expected to return to Israel to vote in the upcoming election.
Israeli law generally does not allow absentee voting for citizens abroad, except for diplomats and some government workers.
Travel to Israel for voting can be costly, with round-trip flights from New York to Tel Aviv costing around $1,800.
Fly&Vote, an organization helping Israeli voters abroad, assists with travel logistics but does not subsidize airfare.
Netanyahu’s Likud party challenged Fly&Vote, claiming the assistance might break election rules, but a compromise was reached.
Some activists involved in recent protests and hostage aid efforts are now helping organize voter turnout among Israelis abroad.
Some expatriates see the election as important not only for Israel but for Jewish communities outside Israel, including in the U.S.
Concerns about rising antisemitism in places like New York also motivate some Israelis abroad to vote.
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President Emmanuel Macron will meet with high school student representatives in France amid ongoing protests about the education system. Students want better schools, more teachers, and changes to the university admissions process, while the government plans increased police presence and some funding increases.
Key Facts
Macron will meet students for the first time since protests began in September.
Students protest against teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and poor school buildings.
Students want a major change to Parcoursup, the university admissions system, which they find unfair.
They demand more funding for schools, permanent teacher contracts, and more university places.
The government announced 3,000 more substitute teachers and an extra 1.1 billion euros for education by 2027.
Police will increase their presence by 20 percent during upcoming protests, with curfews in Paris and protest bans in other cities.
Students say the protests show a breakdown in communication between young people and the government.
Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste rejects abolishing Parcoursup but is open to major reforms.
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French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to ban protests he called "illegitimate" following recent riots and looting. French shop owners and authorities are preparing for more unrest as tensions remain high.
Key Facts
Recent protests in France included riots and looting.
President Macron criticized ultra-left groups and vandals for causing violence.
Macron said some protests would be banned in the coming days.
French shopkeepers are worried about future looting during new protests.
A curfew has been set in parts of Paris until Monday morning to help control unrest.
French students continue to protest despite school holidays.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is meeting political leaders to address the issues.
An NGO found that pro-Russian accounts amplified anger in France before the protests.
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Typhoon Champi caused hundreds of flight cancellations and closed schools and offices in Taiwan as it approached the island’s northeast coast. The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds, injuries, and one death, while it also affected parts of Japan and the Philippines.
Key Facts
Hundreds of flights in East Asia were cancelled due to Typhoon Champi.
Schools and offices across Taiwan were closed on Friday to prepare for the storm.
The typhoon brought 90 cm (35 inches) of rain and wind gusts up to 191 km/h (119 mph).
One person died after being swept away by waves; 171 people were injured and around 1,000 were evacuated in Taiwan.
Taiwan’s stock exchange was closed because of the severe weather.
Power outages affected over 8,400 homes in Japan’s Okinawa region.
Champi passed northeast of Taiwan and is expected to move near China’s coast and then northeast toward Japan.
This is part of an active typhoon season influenced by a strong El Niño event warming the Pacific Ocean.
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The New York Times reports that the United States and Israel plan to launch new military strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections. This move is seen as part of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The planned strikes are to take place after the US midterm elections in 2026.
Both the US and Israel are involved in preparing these actions.
This is part of the broader conflict involving Iran in the Middle East.
The report comes amid political events in the US and Israel.
Previous joint attacks by the US and Israel on Iran have not drastically changed the conflict.
The news highlights ongoing regional instability involving several countries.
The information is based on New York Times reporting and includes insights from a correspondent in Tehran.
The report is linked to wider concerns about Middle East security and diplomacy.
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Karla Bradley from Arkansas thought her fifth baby at age 35 would be her last, but she kept having children until she was 43 and now has 10 kids. She said all her pregnancies felt similar, and she did not experience major health issues despite being older than 35, an age often linked to higher pregnancy risks.
Key Facts
Karla had her fifth child at age 35, expecting it to be her last.
She had more children after age 35, continuing to give birth up to age 43.
Karla now has 10 children with her husband, Lucas, who is 46.
She reported feeling healthy during all her pregnancies without major problems like morning sickness.
The term "advanced maternal age" refers to pregnancy at 35 or older and is linked to some increased risks, but risks vary by individual.
Karla says she has never chased the idea of having a "complete" family but sees every child as a blessing.
Her household is busy with many children, including friends of her kids visiting often.
Karla feels more patient and calm with each new child and enjoys watching the bonds among the children.
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Children in Ivory Coast are at serious risk of lead poisoning from paint. This health danger is a concern because lead can harm their development and well-being.
Key Facts
Lead in paint can cause severe health problems, especially for children.
Ivory Coast is facing a challenge in controlling dangerous lead levels in paint.
Lead exposure can affect brain development and cause long-term damage.
The report was released by journalists Jean Barrère and Guillaume Gougeon.
Health risks from lead in paint are a public health issue in many parts of Africa.
The article is part of broader coverage on health and safety issues in Africa.
Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead than adults.
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Israeli forces carried out a night raid in Jamla, southern Syria, during which they reportedly shot and killed a Syrian man who had an intellectual disability and hearing problems. Locals found his body some distance away near a United Nations peacekeeper base, with his hands tied.
Key Facts
The incident happened during a nighttime raid in the town of Jamla, southern Syria.
The victim was a Syrian man with an intellectual disability and hearing difficulties.
Israeli forces are reported to have shot him dead during the raid.
Locals discovered the man's body several kilometers from the raid site.
His body was found near a UN peacekeeper base, with his hands bound.
No official statements from Israeli forces about the incident are mentioned in the article.
The raid took place in a region monitored by United Nations peacekeepers.
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