Caroline Bailey had sharp stomach pains that she thought were caused by her contraceptive coil. Tests showed a large tumour pressing on the coil, and she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. After chemotherapy and surgery, she now has no signs of cancer.
Key Facts
Caroline Bailey, 54, experienced severe stomach pain starting in March 2023.
She believed her contraceptive coil was causing the pain and wanted it removed.
Scans revealed a 13cm tumour pressing against the coil.
She was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in June 2023.
A CA125 blood test showed elevated protein levels linked to ovarian cancer.
Caroline underwent chemotherapy that reduced the tumour size.
In October 2023, she had surgery to remove her womb, cervix, omentum, and appendix.
After surgery, no evidence of cancer was found, but ovarian cancer can be unpredictable and may return.
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Fifteen critically endangered Afia Birago's puddle frogs were born at London Zoo, marking the first time this species has been bred in captivity. The frogs come from Ghana's Atewa Hills Forest Reserve, where their wild habitat is threatened by mining, and the breeding program aims to help conserve the species.
Key Facts
The Afia Birago's puddle frog lives in only two small pools in Ghana's Atewa Hills Forest Reserve.
Mining activities threaten these habitats.
Twenty adult frogs were brought to London Zoo in September 2025 to learn how to care for and breed them.
The newly born froglets are about 5 millimeters long, the size of a pencil tip.
This species was first discovered by scientists in 2018 and weighs less than 1.75 grams when fully grown.
London Zoo staff developed new breeding methods and are sharing this knowledge with conservationists in Ghana.
The goal is to increase the frog population in the wild through conservation efforts in Ghana.
The frog is named after Ghanaian conservationist Caleb Ofori-Boateng’s mother, Afia Birago.
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The BBC found 254 cases where the Israeli military said it was investigating killings or injuries caused in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Israel, but no public results were made available. Only 28 of these investigations had outcomes published, and the military often did not provide updates when asked.
Key Facts
BBC Verify used AI and manual checks to examine over 60,000 reports about harm caused by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since the Gaza war began.
Of 300 investigated cases identified, only 28 had published results, and 18 were unclear if concluded.
The IDF said it treats all allegations seriously but provided limited information to the BBC.
The International Committee of the Red Cross recommends transparency in investigations of possible war law violations.
Most incidents (158) happened in Gaza, with others in the West Bank (48), Lebanon (32), and Israel or in IDF custody (16).
Some incidents date back to late 2023, including a strike in Gaza in August 2024 that killed at least 93 people including women and children.
The IDF sometimes labels probes as “looking into” or “reviewing” without further updates.
Some cases led to criminal investigations, including killings of civilians and Palestinian emergency workers.
The IDF's internal investigation system, called FFAM, reviewed about 150 cases and passed them to Military Prosecution, but did not detail results.
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The global economy is facing many problems, such as regional wars, energy shocks, inflation, and trade conflicts between China and the US. Despite these challenges, growth has been better than expected so far, helped by factors like artificial intelligence investment, oil stockpiles, and cheap Chinese exports. However, risks remain high, and governments face tough decisions on spending and cooperation.
Key Facts
Two major regional wars are disrupting prices and supply chains worldwide.
Rising inflation is making it more expensive for governments to borrow money.
The US and China are in conflict over trade policies.
Growth has been stronger than usual despite historical challenges like oil shocks.
The US leads in AI investment, boosting its economic growth within the G7 group.
Countries used existing oil reserves to reduce the impact of supply loss from the Middle East.
Cheap Chinese goods are lowering import prices but threatening manufacturing jobs in countries like Germany.
Leaders warn that governments need to control spending and deficits despite voters wanting more support.
Global supply chains are fragile, making national self-sufficiency a growing focus.
International organizations like the WTO, IMF, and World Bank face challenges in promoting global cooperation.
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Since October 2023, Israeli forces have detained over 2,000 Palestinian children, with at least 350 currently held in difficult conditions. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society reports harsh treatment of these children, including cases of sickness and death in prison, and calls for international efforts to stop these practices.
Key Facts
More than 2,000 Palestinian children have been detained by Israeli forces since October 2023.
At least 350 Palestinian children remain in Israeli prisons under harsh conditions.
Israeli authorities arrested at least six children from Hebron recently.
Information about children detained in Gaza is unclear due to disappearances and restrictions.
Palestinian children face detention without formal charges or release dates.
Reports describe treatment including intimidation, torture, starvation, and lack of healthcare.
Some detained children have suffered serious health problems; one 15-year-old lost a leg, and another 17-year-old died in prison.
Several American children have also been detained by Israeli forces without charge.
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The UK will experience unusually warm temperatures up to 23°C (73°F) in parts of southern and eastern England this Thursday, caused by warm air coming from the south. However, cooler weather with lower temperatures, frost, and fog will move in from the north by the weekend, bringing a more typical autumn feel to the whole country.
Key Facts
Thursday’s high temperatures in southern and eastern England will be about 5-8°C (9-14°F) above normal for mid-October.
Northern and western UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, will have temperatures close to the average.
A weather front will bring rain to northern England, Wales, and parts of south-west England on Thursday.
Warm air is pushed by strong southerly winds due to a deep low-pressure system near Iceland.
Cooler air will spread southwards by Friday and continue through the weekend, lowering temperatures across the UK.
Daytime temperatures over the weekend will be closer to normal October levels, between 10-16°C (50-61°F).
Nights may be cold with frost and fog in some areas, and some locations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England could drop below freezing.
There is uncertainty about the weather next week, with possible wetter and windier conditions returning due to Atlantic weather systems.
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Indonesia is trying a new method to fight toxic smoke from fires by dropping dry ice over South Sumatra. The fires have burned almost 900,000 hectares this year, causing thick haze and health problems in Indonesia and nearby countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
Key Facts
Indonesia faces serious wildfires, the worst in over ten years, burning nearly 900,000 hectares since January.
The government previously used cloud seeding, water bombing, and army personnel to fight the fires.
Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, will be dropped from a plane over South Sumatra as a trial to reduce haze.
The fires and smoke haze have caused many respiratory illnesses and led to school closures in nearby countries.
Singapore and Malaysia see very poor air quality, ranking among the most polluted cities globally due to the haze.
Regional neighbors like Timor-Leste and the Philippines are also affected, with health warnings issued.
Experts say dry ice might only help locally and briefly, as wind keeps bringing smoke.
The air pollution index in parts of Indonesia has reached levels far above what is considered hazardous.
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Heavy rain caused flooding in the Anhangabau tunnel in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The flood trapped vehicles and people inside until rescue teams could arrive after the water went down.
Key Facts
Flooding happened in the Anhangabau tunnel in Sao Paulo.
Vehicles got stuck and piled up inside the tunnel.
People inside the tunnel were stranded by the floodwaters.
Rescue teams waited for the water to decrease before helping.
The flooding disrupted travel and safety in the area.
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An Australian woman has been charged with poisoning her colleague’s curry with snail poison. The victim noticed unusual green pellets and numbness in her tongue after tasting the curry, leading to a police investigation.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Western Australia.
The victim is 58 years old and made the curry for coworkers.
The accused is a 43-year-old woman in a relationship with the victim.
The accused allegedly put snail poison pellets containing metaldehyde in the curry.
The victim noticed bright green granules and numbness in her tongue before reporting it.
Police tested the food and confirmed the presence of a toxic chemical.
The accused faces charges of endangering another person’s life or health.
She will appear in court on 5 November.
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Victoria will become the first Australian state to make abortion care free for everyone, regardless of who wins the upcoming election. Both the current Labor government and the opposition Coalition have promised to cover the costs of abortion services up to 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Key Facts
Victoria will provide free abortion care, including doctor visits, scans, tests, and medication up to 16 weeks of pregnancy.
The Coalition agreed to match Labor’s promise to cover abortion costs shortly after it was announced.
Women in regional Victoria who must travel for abortion care will get help with travel and accommodation costs.
Labor wants to allow medical abortion up to 10 weeks and possibly review extending it to 12 weeks, but the Coalition does not support this.
Medical abortion is currently covered up to nine weeks by Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Abortion was decriminalised in Victoria in 2008; termination is allowed up to 24 weeks and later with two doctors’ approval.
Labor accuses One Nation of wanting to make abortion illegal, but the Coalition says it will not change abortion laws.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson said abortion is a personal choice and promised no changes to current laws if the Coalition wins.
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Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has taken leave from his party after complaints about inappropriate comments were made. An independent review is underway to look into the allegations, while Steele-John denies the claims and supports a fair investigation.
Key Facts
Seven members of the Greens party asked for an investigation into Steele-John’s behavior.
Steele-John rejects the accusations and wants a fair, independent review.
He has referred the matter to the Western Australian Greens for investigation.
The new Greens leader, David Shoebridge, accepted Steele-John’s request for leave.
Shoebridge emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all parties involved.
Steele-John stated that he has experienced family violence himself.
The investigation aims to follow principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
The Greens as a party take such complaints seriously and are conducting a formal process.
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Rotterdam, a Dutch city known for its modern style and diversity, has been printing poetry on its garbage trucks since 1988. This unique practice was recently given official cultural recognition by a Dutch organization that protects national traditions.
Key Facts
Since 1988, poems have been displayed on all waste collection trucks in Rotterdam.
The poetry project began during a local poetry festival to bring art into everyday city life.
The Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage gave the poetry on bin lorries official cultural heritage status.
The initiative makes poetry accessible to everyone, not just those with formal education in culture.
Waste workers feel more connected to the city through the poems, with some even writing their own lines.
The program is seen as part of Rotterdam’s modern identity and cultural uniqueness.
The cultural heritage list documents over 400 Dutch traditions, including other unique customs like Pride Amsterdam and shepherding.
Some Dutch customs from this list have also been recognized internationally by UNESCO.
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Romania is investigating a possible drone attack on a tanker near its Black Sea coast. The incident follows recent suspected Russian drone strikes on ships off Romania and Bulgaria related to the Ukraine conflict.
Key Facts
A tanker near Sulina, Romania, may have been hit by a drone attack.
The tanker, flagged in the Comoros Islands, had a fire that the crew extinguished themselves.
Romanian officials are treating the incident seriously because it happened in their territorial waters.
Several ships off Romania and Bulgaria have been targeted by suspected Russian drones recently.
The drone strikes are linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine and its effects on the Black Sea region.
Russian air strikes in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region killed two people recently.
The UK finance minister called for stricter sanctions on Russian shipping to stop covert activities.
Ukrainian President Zelensky reported targeted Russian strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure, leaving many without power.
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Argentina’s President Javier Milei asked US President Donald Trump to strengthen his position in the upcoming US midterm elections, saying the vote is important for Western countries. Milei spoke at a Hispanic Heritage event in Washington, where he also met investors and planned to address the US Chamber of Commerce.
Key Facts
Milei called the US midterm elections “crucial for the West” at a gala in Washington.
He received an award from a Hispanic association at the event.
Milei arrived in Washington for meetings with investors and to speak at the US Chamber of Commerce.
Trump supported Milei during Argentina’s legislative elections last year, calling him his “favorite president.”
The US Treasury agreed to a $20 billion currency swap with Argentina’s central bank to support Milei’s government.
Trump linked US support to Milei’s electoral success, saying support would end if Milei lost.
US Democratic lawmakers criticized the bailout deal during a US government shutdown.
The Argentina stock market fell after Trump warned about ending support if Milei lost elections.
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Hundreds of students protested in Tirana, Albania, asking for changes in education and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The protests come amid growing dissatisfaction with Rama’s leadership after his recent election win.
Key Facts
The protests took place in Tirana, the capital of Albania.
Hundreds of students participated in the demonstrations.
Protesters demanded reforms to the education system.
They also called for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Rama won a fourth term as prime minister in May 2025.
There are ongoing corruption allegations against Rama.
Controversies include issues related to a coastal resort project.
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An orange haze of thick smog covers the Indonesian city of Palangka Raya and the Kalimantan region, caused by ongoing wildfires. The air pollution level is extremely high, affecting millions in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, with farming practices like "slash and burn" making the haze worse.
Key Facts
A thick orange smog has covered Palangka Raya and the Kalimantan region in Indonesia.
Wildfires are still burning near the area, producing the haze.
The air pollution index reached over 1,200, four times above the hazardous level of 300.
The haze is affecting millions of people in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Authorities say "slash and burn," a farming method where land is cleared by burning trees and plants, is partly responsible.
The haze creates toxic air conditions, which are harmful to health.
The situation is ongoing and being monitored by environmental agencies.
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North Korea tested two submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles off its east coast to check their reliability and improve naval skills. These tests are part of ongoing military developments amid rising tensions with South Korea and stalled diplomatic talks.
Key Facts
North Korea fired two types of strategic cruise missiles from submarines into the sea off its east coast.
One missile was the Pulhwasal-3-31, which was also test-fired from land last week.
The tests aimed to assess missile reliability and train the navy for strategic missions.
North Korea does not yet have a fully operational modern missile submarine but is building one.
Leader Kim Jong Un criticized a U.S.-South Korea nuclear submarine deal as a threat to regional stability.
Recent weeks saw several missile launches by North Korea, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles.
South Korea recently tested its own hypersonic missile with President Lee Jae Myung present.
Inter-Korean relations are strained due to a landmine incident that wounded South Korean soldiers, with Seoul blaming North Korea.
Diplomatic talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been frozen since 2019 despite President Trump’s interest in meeting Kim Jong Un again.
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Heavy rain caused severe flooding in Istanbul, Turkey, leading to the death of a 14-year-old boy who was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle. The floods damaged homes, roads, and public places, causing traffic disruptions and forcing school closures.
Key Facts
A 14-year-old boy died from electrocution during heavy rain floods in Istanbul’s Fatih district.
Hundreds of homes and businesses were flooded, and several roads collapsed in the city.
Authorities suspended school classes and banned motorcycles to improve safety.
Emergency teams with about 8,000 personnel and 2,000 vehicles were deployed across Istanbul.
The rain caused over 1,200 floods and 15 landslides, leaving 47 people stranded.
Some neighborhoods had roads underwater, and floodwater entered two hospitals and a metro station.
The heaviest rainfall hit the Omerli area with nearly 194 mm (7.6 inches) in a short time.
Istanbul’s mayor reported traffic was very heavy but flights continued as usual.
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China and North Korea have opened a new road bridge called the New Yalu River Bridge, which links the Chinese city of Dandong with North Korea's city of Sinuiju. The bridge was delayed for many years but is now expected to boost trade and connections between the two countries, which are long-time allies.
Key Facts
The New Yalu River Bridge is 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long and connects Dandong in China with Sinuiju in North Korea.
Construction began over 12 years ago, but North Korea stopped work for many years, delaying the bridge’s opening.
The bridge will become the main land route for trade between China and North Korea, replacing the older Friendship Bridge built during Japan's occupation.
China is North Korea’s largest trading partner, and trade between them reached $2.7 billion last year.
UN sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear program remain in place, limiting sudden large increases in trade.
North Korea has close ties with China, supported by a mutual defense treaty, but their relationship has had tensions, especially over North Korea's nuclear tests.
Recently, China has been improving relations with North Korea, including reopening flights and train services and welcoming North Korea’s leader for a state visit.
North Korea also has a growing relationship with Russia, with military cooperation and a new road bridge opened between the two countries in 2024.
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