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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The former Yemeni prime minister says the fight for control of the city of Taiz is crucial for security in the West because it affects control of a key sea passage, Bab al-Mandab. He warns that if the Iran-backed Houthi rebels take the city, they could control all of Yemen and affect wider security in the region.
Key Facts
Taiz is a city in southwestern Yemen, near important hills and mountains.
The Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital waterway for global trade, is near Taiz.
The Houthi rebel group is backed by Iran and is trying to take control of all Yemen.
The Yemeni government and its main supporter, Saudi Arabia, have mainly light weapons.
A ceasefire in 2022 paused fighting for four years, but the Houthis started a new campaign last month.
Houthis are trying to take control of Taiz and surrounding areas, including the road to Aden.
The fall of Taiz would hurt the idea of a modern Yemeni state and increase Houthi influence.
The former prime minister called for more western help to stop the Houthis from gaining control.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French teenagers have been seriously injured during school protests, with some suffering wounds similar to those seen in war. Police have launched investigations into multiple cases of violence against young protesters, while thousands of children have been taken into custody since the protests began.
Key Facts
Several teenagers were hurt by police weapons during school protests in France.
Police have opened 36 internal investigations into alleged violence against protesters.
One 15-year-old boy, Evan, lost his hand and fingers after a police stun grenade exploded near him.
Another 14-year-old, Eden, suffered broken jaw and teeth injuries from a grenade launcher shot fired at close range.
A 16-year-old named Maël lost the use of one eye from a rubber-bullet shot; a police officer faces charges.
Since mid-September, about 6,773 children under 18 were arrested and taken to police custody during the protests.
Over 1,000 children arrested faced no charges, while others have legal actions or alternatives like community service.
Concerns exist about the police treatment of children, including reports of physical harm and verbal abuse.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police have locked down a large part of Dulwich Hill in Sydney to find a man carrying a shotgun. The man reportedly stole a car, set it on fire, and then ran away on foot.
Key Facts
Police locked down Dulwich Hill in Sydney's inner west.
The man was seen with a shotgun and inside a stolen car.
He allegedly set the stolen car on fire before fleeing.
Police used a helicopter and armed officers to search the area near Williams Parade and Constitution Road.
The man is described as a thin, 20s Caucasian with shaggy hair, about 160 cm tall.
No shots were reported fired, and no injuries have been reported.
Residents were told to stay indoors, and nearby schools, businesses, and light rail services were closed or suspended.
Police advised people outside the lockdown zone to avoid the area.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A fast-moving wildfire called the Bryson Fire has spread in Malibu, California, burning 102 acres in about two hours. Officials have issued evacuation orders and warnings as strong Santa Ana winds of up to 60 mph are expected to continue, and firefighters are prepared to respond.
Key Facts
The Bryson Fire started near Mulholland Highway and Encinal Canyon Road around 5 p.m. local time.
The fire has burned 102 acres within about two hours.
Evacuation orders cover areas labeled KAN-U017 and SYC-U016-A; warnings extend to nearby beaches.
The National Weather Service forecasts very strong winds overnight, with gusts possibly reaching 50 to 60 mph.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated the city is monitoring the fire closely and has emergency resources ready in nearby areas.
Firefighters are pre-positioned in locations including the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills, and West LA.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
The situation is ongoing, and further updates will follow as the fire develops.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Israeli President Isaac Herzog to stop and reverse the building of settlements in the West Bank. Wang said China supports a two-state solution and wants all sides to return to talks to reach a peaceful agreement.
Key Facts
China called Israel’s West Bank settlements a “forced establishment” and urged Israel to stop and undo them.
Wang Yi described the Palestinian issue as the biggest historical injustice of this century.
China supports the two-state solution, meaning Israel and Palestine should exist as two separate states.
Wang stressed the need to allow full access to the Gaza Strip to avoid a humanitarian crisis.
China wants to work with other countries to restart peace talks between Israel and Palestine.
Wang represented President Xi Jinping at a meeting in Azerbaijan.
China’s President Xi recently visited the Middle East to promote peace and reduce outside influence in the region.
China has strong trade and political ties with Iran, while also maintaining good relations with Gulf nations and Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Huancayo, Peru, residents of a building facing eviction threw flaming gasoline on officials trying to remove them. Nine workers were badly burned in the incident.
Key Facts
The event happened in Huancayo, a city in Peru.
Residents of a condemned building were being evicted by officials.
During the eviction, residents threw flaming gasoline at the workers.
Nine eviction workers suffered severe burns.
A bystander recorded the attack on video.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney is urging people in Alberta to vote to stay part of Canada in a referendum happening on Monday. The vote asks if Alberta should begin the process to become independent from Canada, with many people already voting early or by mail.
Key Facts
Alberta is holding a referendum on October 19 about whether to start separating from Canada.
More than 450,000 Albertans have already voted early or by mail.
Polls show most Albertans want to stay in Canada.
Prime Minister Carney says the vote is very important and turnout will decide the result.
Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum after a petition from 300,000 people.
Supporters of separation feel Alberta is ignored by the federal government, especially on oil and gas policies.
Opponents warn that independence could cause job losses and economic problems.
Carney plans to fast-track an oil pipeline to support Alberta’s economy and reduce reliance on the U.S. market.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Students and professors at the University of Buenos Aires protested against President Javier Milei’s spending cuts on public universities. They are worried that his austerity plan will harm free higher education by reducing funding and lowering salaries for teachers and staff.
Key Facts
Students held an assembly and occupied the university building to protest austerity measures.
Public universities face funding cuts and salary reductions under Milei’s austerity plan.
Many professors are leaving public universities for private ones due to low pay.
Milei’s government wants to reduce inflation and spending by laying off workers and cutting subsidies.
Inflation has dropped to about 2% per month since Milei took office in 2023.
Opposition lawmakers passed laws to increase university funding and support for disabled people, but the government has not enforced them.
A judge is fining the government daily for not restoring university funding and scholarships.
Protests in Buenos Aires turned violent, with police using tear gas and detaining around 25 people.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A school rooftop collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 34 children and one teacher. More than 50 people were injured, and police said the building was weak.
Key Facts
The collapse happened on a school rooftop in Peshawar, Pakistan.
At least 34 children died in the accident.
One teacher also died in the collapse.
More than 50 people were injured.
Thousands of people gathered for funeral prayers for the victims.
Police said the cause was weak building infrastructure.
The disaster happened at a school during a time when many students were present.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump called Ukraine’s recent attacks on Russian oil refineries a "disgrace" because he believes they raise global energy prices. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected calls for a halt to such strikes and sought more support from European allies in Brussels.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Ukraine's renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries.
Trump said these strikes increase energy prices worldwide.
Zelensky rejected Trump's idea of an "energy ceasefire."
Zelensky met with European leaders at an EU summit in Brussels to ask for more support.
Trump said Zelensky is harder to work with than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine said it felt betrayed by the U.S. due to gaps in intelligence sharing.
Elon Musk claimed delays in the Starlink system, used by Ukraine’s military, were caused by Trump and the U.S. military.
The war between Ukraine and Russia is ongoing, with efforts from both sides to gain international support.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Myanmar’s coup leader and current president, Min Aung Hlaing, received a welcoming visit in Malaysia despite his role in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war. Malaysia invited him to discuss the return of Myanmar nationals living there and support Myanmar’s return to the regional group ASEAN, even though the group had previously excluded him.
Key Facts
Min Aung Hlaing led a coup in Myanmar in 2021 and became president afterward.
His coup sparked a civil war causing about 100,000 deaths and 3.5 million people displaced.
Malaysia hosts around 193,000 Myanmar nationals, many of whom are Rohingya Muslims facing persecution.
Malaysia welcomed Min Aung Hlaing with honors and discussed taking back refugees at Myanmar’s expense.
Malaysia supports Myanmar rejoining ASEAN, where Min Aung Hlaing had been barred for rejecting a peace plan called the Five Point Consensus.
Min Aung Hlaing has also visited other ASEAN countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
He has traveled to countries outside Southeast Asia, including India, China, Russia, and Belarus, promoting his government as stable.
The US has begun limited talks with Myanmar’s military government, focusing on stopping scams targeting Americans, despite sanctions against Min Aung Hlaing for human rights abuses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Protesters in Buenos Aires, Argentina, clashed with police during demonstrations calling for a law to increase university funding. The government, led by President Javier Milei, has resisted passing the law, saying it would harm efforts to balance the national budget.
Key Facts
Protests took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Students and teachers led the protests.
The protesters want the government to pass a law that would increase funding for universities.
Police and protesters had clashes during the demonstrations.
President Javier Milei opposes the funding law.
The president says the new law would threaten plans to keep the government budget balanced.
Education funding is a key issue in the protests.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A minibus carrying truck drivers crashed into a vehicle shuttle train at the French entrance of the Channel Tunnel near Calais, injuring 19 people. The accident caused a temporary 90-minute suspension of vehicle shuttle services, while Eurostar passenger and freight trains were not affected.
Key Facts
The crash occurred at the Channel Tunnel entrance in Coquelles near Calais, France.
The minibus veered off course and hit the side of a train that transports vehicles through the tunnel to England.
Nineteen men were injured; two were seriously hurt but not in life-threatening condition.
All injured people were passengers on the minibus, which carried truck drivers of various nationalities.
About 200 emergency personnel responded to the accident.
Vehicle shuttle services stopped for 90 minutes but restarted by late evening.
Eurostar passenger trains and freight services continued to run without disruption.
The cause of the crash is unknown, and an investigation is ongoing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
