Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was sentenced to 15 years in prison for child sex offenses committed between 1985 and 2008. He was convicted of multiple charges including rape and indecent assault against two girls; Donaldson denies the crimes and plans to appeal.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Donaldson led Northern Ireland’s largest unionist party, the DUP, and was Northern Ireland’s longest-serving lawmaker in the UK Parliament.
He was convicted of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency involving two girls.
The offenses occurred between 1985 and 2008.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison but will likely serve about 7.5 years because of legal remission rules.
Donaldson denied the charges and has not apologized; he is seeking to appeal the convictions.
His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was accused of helping him but was found unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues.
Donaldson resigned as DUP leader when charged in March 2024.
He played a key role in post-Brexit trade talks affecting Northern Ireland before his arrest and was knighted in 2016 but asked to give back the honor after his conviction.
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A new poll shows Senator Flavio Bolsonaro slightly ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s upcoming presidential run-off vote on October 25. Bolsonaro has 46% support, while Lula has 44%, with the race too close to call.
Key Facts
Flavio Bolsonaro leads Lula by 2 percentage points, but the difference is within the margin of error.
Neither candidate won a majority in the initial vote on October 4, leading to the run-off.
Bolsonaro outperformed expectations in the first round by narrowly beating Lula.
Lula has held large rallies to gather support since the first vote.
Bolsonaro is gaining endorsements from right and center-right political parties.
Brazil’s Senate approved reducing the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours without cutting pay, a key goal of President Lula.
Lula recently banned sports betting to help reduce gambling addiction and household debt.
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Somalia’s election commission announced that parliamentary elections will be held on April 15, 2027, followed by presidential elections on May 15, 2027. The government declared a transition period after the previous president’s term ended earlier this year, but opposition parties have rejected the changes and called for wider agreement before elections take place.
Key Facts
Somalia plans to hold parliamentary elections on April 15, 2027, and presidential elections on May 15, 2027.
The president’s term is five years, starting from the day they are sworn in.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s second term ended earlier this year, leading to a constitutional amendment declaring a transition period.
Opposition parties boycotted the constitutional amendment vote and oppose the current election plans.
The president wants to move from clan-based to party-based elections, which some critics see as an attempt to increase his power.
Former Somali leaders warned that contested elections could cause conflict or civil war.
Somalia faces ongoing security risks from the armed group al-Shabab, though the group no longer controls major cities.
Somalia maintains good relations with Ethiopia, allowing Ethiopia access to Somali ports, despite past disagreements over Somaliland.
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Drones attacked two chemical tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast, causing fires and leaving seven sailors missing. A Romanian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) warned that the region faces serious security risks and that European casualties are likely in the future.
Key Facts
Two chemical tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast were hit by drone strikes.
The attacks caused fires on the tankers.
Seven sailors are missing after the attacks.
The area is an important shipping route used by Ukraine.
Nicolae Stefanuta, a Romanian MEP, said the Danube delta region faces strong threats from Russia.
He said it is likely that Europeans will be harmed sooner or later.
The incident has raised new security concerns in the region.
The news was reported by FRANCE 24, with video by Armen Georgian.
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Missiles and drones fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels hit the presidential palace in Aden, Yemen, killing several people and injuring others. The attack targeted the Saudi-led coalition’s forces and command centers, escalating the ongoing conflict in Yemen and causing disruption in the region, including flight delays in Saudi Arabia.
Key Facts
At least six explosions occurred near Aden’s presidential palace, killing 2 to 4 people and injuring around 10.
Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks using missiles and drones.
The Yemeni prime minister was reportedly at the palace but was unharmed.
The strikes hit command centers used by the Saudi-led coalition forces.
The Houthis have targeted Saudi Arabia before, including airports and oil facilities.
Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles and drones over several provinces, including Medina and oil-producing areas.
Fighting in Yemen has increased since July, ending several years of relative calm in the civil war.
The city of Taiz in Yemen is facing shortages of food and fuel due to the conflict.
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At least five people died and 16 were injured after Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on a palace in Aden, Yemen. The palace is used by Yemen’s internationally recognized government, and the attack is part of ongoing fighting between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition.
Key Facts
The attack targeted a palace in Aden, the temporary capital controlled by Yemen’s recognized government.
Five people were killed and 16 wounded, according to Yemen’s health minister.
Houthis, supported by Iran, claimed responsibility for the missile and drone strikes.
The explosions caused panic, and local residents fled the area.
The Houthis said they aimed at a military operations center involving Saudi forces.
The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting missiles and drones within Saudi Arabia on the same day.
The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi coalition is part of a larger regional war involving Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The ongoing violence has disrupted flights and affected oil markets in the region.
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The Wall Street Journal reports that the Houthis, a group in Yemen, are trying to build their own ballistic missiles using parts from China. This development could affect the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The Houthis are a militant group based in Yemen.
They are attempting to produce ballistic missiles, which are missiles that can travel long distances.
The missile parts they are using come from China.
This missile development is reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The news was discussed on CBS News with Aaron MacLean, host of "The School of War" podcast.
The Houthis have been involved in recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's capital.
The missile program could impact regional security and conflicts in the Middle East.
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Johnny Venus, a member of the music groups EARTHGANG and Spillage Village, released his first solo album called The 11th Hour. The album reflects his personal growth, honesty, and willingness to work alone to express his experiences and emotions.
Key Facts
Johnny Venus is part of EARTHGANG and has collaborated with Spillage Village and Dreamville artists.
The 11th Hour is his debut solo album, focusing on personal resilience and self-acceptance.
He emphasizes honesty and authenticity in his music.
Collaborations with artists like Angélique Kidjo and Tiana Major9 continue to influence his work.
Venus’s creative process involves unlearning societal expectations about manhood, love, and art.
He draws inspiration from Lauryn Hill’s album for its truthful emotional expression.
The song “Can You Pray for Me” addresses difficult personal topics with vulnerability.
Venus balances openness with privacy, working closely with trusted collaborators outside the studio.
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Nobel Peace laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk says that President Donald Trump is supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine by making a deal to supply diesel to Moscow. She explains that lifting sanctions lets Russia earn more money, which can be used to buy weapons and cause more civilian deaths.
Key Facts
Oleksandra Matviichuk is a Nobel Peace laureate and director of the Centre for Civil Liberties.
She spoke about the situation in an interview with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen.
President Trump made a diesel-supply deal with Russia.
This deal involves lifting sanctions that limit Russia’s earnings.
More money earned by Russia could be spent on rockets, drones, and other weapons.
The increased weapons could lead to more deaths among civilians in Ukraine.
The article focuses on the impact of U.S. actions on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces tough challenges in the October 27 general elections. He is being criticized for not stopping the October 7, 2023 attacks, despite warnings about possible violence on the Gaza border.
Key Facts
The Israeli general elections are scheduled for October 27, 2023.
Netanyahu’s campaign is affected by criticism over his handling of security threats.
The October 7 attacks have raised questions about his leadership and response.
The former chief of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, said he warned Netanyahu about potential violence.
Other warnings about escalation on the Gaza front were also reportedly given to Netanyahu.
There are increasing demands for Netanyahu to be held responsible for the attacks.
Experts from journalism, defense, and crisis analysis fields are discussing Netanyahu’s political future.
The article looks at how these issues may influence voters in the upcoming elections.
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The White House and Pentagon have prepared plans to use a large bomb called the Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) on military targets in Iran if President Trump orders it. Last week, President Trump said the U.S. would not attack Iran before the midterm elections and mentioned ongoing talks with Iran.
Key Facts
The MOAB is a large, powerful bomb known as the "mother of all bombs."
It is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal, weighing about 30,000 pounds.
Each MOAB costs about $170,000.
The Pentagon plans for many different military actions to follow orders from the President.
President Trump used the MOAB in 2017 against an Islamic State target in Afghanistan.
Recent plans include using the MOAB against military sites in Iran if ordered.
President Trump recently said the U.S. would avoid attacking Iran before midterm elections.
He also mentioned having productive talks with Iran but did not provide details.
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Nigel Farage and Reform UK have been accused of protecting a mayoral candidate, Chris Parry, who made racist comments about MP David Lammy and others. Undercover footage shows Farage and party officials handling the controversy carefully, delaying Parry’s removal until months later. Female Reform MP Sarah Pochin also reported widespread sexist attitudes in the party.
Key Facts
Chris Parry, a Reform UK mayoral candidate and retired rear admiral, made racist remarks including telling David Lammy to “go home to the Caribbean.”
Reform UK kept Parry as a candidate for months after racist comments became public, only suspending him in March 2024.
Nigel Farage pushed for Parry to apologize rather than be immediately removed from the party.
Reform communications head Ed Sumner called Parry “clearly a racist” and wanted him removed quickly.
Female Reform MP Sarah Pochin described the party as “chauvinistic” and said women were often excluded.
Reform has faced several controversies, with other councillors recorded making racist and violent threats.
The revelations come from an ITV undercover investigation, to be shown in a documentary called Undercover: A Year in Reform.
Reform UK criticized the investigation, accusing ITV of using deceptive methods to gather footage.
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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama refused to quit despite large student protests in the capital. The students are angry about corruption, poor education, and the sale of coastal land for a luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law.
Key Facts
Thousands of students protested in Albania's capital.
Protesters broke windows and clashed with riot police.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to control crowds.
Students accuse the government of corruption and ignoring education problems.
The protests also focus on the sale of southern coastline land.
The land sale is connected to a luxury resort project supported by Jared Kushner.
Prime Minister Edi Rama refused to resign amid the unrest.
The protests happened on October 15, 2026.
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Several cargo and chemical ships were attacked by drones near the Black Sea coasts of Bulgaria and Romania, including in Romanian territorial waters. These attacks, believed to involve Russian drones, have led NATO to increase its counter-drone defenses along its eastern border.
Key Facts
At least seven ships have been attacked near the Black Sea in the exclusive economic zones of NATO countries.
Some attacks occurred inside Romanian territorial waters, a first for these incidents.
The chemical tankers Yara J and Wine Trader caught fire; all crew on Yara J were rescued, but seven sailors from Wine Trader are missing.
Other ships targeted include the Sea Destiny, Dania J, Chelsea 3, and Dignity, with some casualties and missing crew reported.
These attacks happened near key shipping routes used for Ukrainian exports, especially around the Sulina canal and Danube River.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed boosting counter-drone systems after talks with Bulgaria and Romania.
Bulgaria and Romania are increasing cooperation to protect shipping after repeated drone attacks believed to be conducted by Russia.
The pattern of attacks began earlier in October, involving drones sinking or damaging cargo ships in the Black Sea near NATO members.
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Ethiopian forces and their allies have expanded control in the Tigray region and entered the city of Aksum. Fighting continues near the Eritrean border, where Eritrean troops reportedly withdrew, but Eritrea denies these claims.
Key Facts
Ethiopian government forces and the allied Tigray Peace Force (TPF) entered the city of Aksum in northern Tigray.
The TPF claimed Eritrean troops suffered losses and retreated toward their border, but Eritrea called this false.
Independent group ACLED confirmed government advances and Eritrean troop movements near the border town of Zalambessa.
Residents of Zalambessa report no current fighting but have been without power and water for a week.
Ethiopian tanks and heavy weapons moved toward the Eritrean border, raising fears of a wider conflict.
Ethiopia accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting a rebel alliance against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government; all deny involvement.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) withdrew from Mekelle, the regional capital, and government forces retook several towns without fighting.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Ethiopia to reduce tensions during a call with Prime Minister Abiy amid concerns over the border situation.
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The article discusses concerns about whether President Donald Trump and Elon Musk might stop SpaceX’s Starlink internet service, which is important for Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks. Starlink service was slowed but has been restored, though Ukraine’s future in the conflict remains uncertain.
Key Facts
Ukraine depends on Starlink internet service provided by SpaceX to communicate during Russian drone attacks.
The U.S. slowed down Starlink service temporarily, affecting Ukraine’s air raid warnings.
Elon Musk’s Starlink system was quickly restored after the slowdown.
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have influence over the continued support Ukraine receives through Starlink.
Ukraine is trying to rely less on the U.S. for defense after decades of dependence.
The situation raises questions about the future of Ukraine, NATO, and the European Union amid the conflict.
Kyiv is facing ongoing Russian attacks, including new motor-powered drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is seeking more support from Washington and European leaders.
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Pope Leo XIV’s doctors reported that an X-ray showed he is recovering well after lung surgery. They also said he is able to do his daily activities on his own and can complete all physical therapy exercises.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV had lung surgery recently.
Doctors used an X-ray to check his recovery.
The X-ray results were positive, indicating good recovery.
He can carry out daily activities independently.
His physiotherapy includes a full range of physical exercises.
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Nicolas Maduro, the ousted president of Venezuela, and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to new U.S. charges accusing them of torturing political opponents and U.S. citizens. They have been held in U.S. custody since January after a military capture and face trial for these and other accusations, including drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Key Facts
Maduro and Flores denied U.S. charges accusing them of torture and called the accusations false.
They appeared in a New York court and pleaded not guilty to new torture-related charges.
Prosecutors say they tortured victims with electric shocks, beatings, starvation, and forced injections to suppress opponents.
The couple is accused of torturing an American in 2022 on suspicion of assassination plotting.
Maduro and Flores are already charged in the U.S. with drug trafficking and firearms crimes related to cocaine smuggling.
They were captured in a U.S. military raid at their Caracas home in January 2026.
Maduro claims immunity as the president of Venezuela, but U.S. courts do not recognize this claim.
Since their capture, Venezuela's vice president Delcy Rodriguez has taken over as acting leader and pushed reforms in the oil sector under U.S. pressure.
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An Australian rock band named Fathom traveled about 700 kilometers to play nine concerts in 12 hours. They set a new Guinness World Record for the most concerts performed in that time across different cities.
Key Facts
Fathom is a rock band from Australia.
They played nine shows in 12 hours.
The band traveled roughly 700 kilometers to different cities for these shows.
The record required venues to be at least 50 km apart in cities with more than 15,000 people.
At least half of the cities had to have populations over 100,000.
Fathom worked with Beyond Blue, a mental health service.
Half of the money made from tickets and merchandise went to Beyond Blue.
The BBC interviewed the band about their experience and challenges during the day.
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Wes Streeting, the British defence secretary, visited Washington to ask the US to keep supporting Ukraine, especially after recent problems with the Starlink satellite internet service that Ukraine's military uses. He emphasized that helping Ukraine benefits both the US and the UK and urged the two countries to work together during this critical time.
Key Facts
Wes Streeting spoke in Washington before meeting US defence official Pete Hegseth.
The US recently limited the use of Starlink internet by Ukraine’s military, causing problems for Ukraine’s war efforts.
Support from the US has been important for Ukraine in fighting Russia.
There are tensions between the US and UK about Ukraine, Iran, and Middle East issues.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said he felt betrayed by President Trump over the Starlink issue.
The UK government pledged to continue backing Ukraine.
Starlink limits affected drone communications, halting some military attacks by Ukraine.
Streeting said supporting Ukraine aligns with American values and long-term interests.
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