A recent survey from YouGov shows that Princess Anne has become Britain's most popular royal, surpassing Prince William and Princess Kate. While William and Kate remain well-liked, Anne's approval ratings increased in mid-2026, and King Charles III also saw a rise in positive opinions during this period.
Key Facts
Princess Anne's popularity rose from 62% to 67% positive approval from early to mid-2026.
Prince William and Princess Kate both saw drops in their approval ratings over the same time.
Princess Anne's net approval rating was higher than both William's and Kate's in the third quarter of 2026.
King Charles III's approval rating increased from +21 to +31 between the first and third quarters of 2026.
YouGov Ratings is a polling agency that measures public opinion throughout the year and reports quarterly scores.
The British monarchy's popularity has declined since the 1980s, with more people supporting the idea of a republic, though it remains a minority view.
Younger generations have less interest in the monarchy, but there is hope that support might grow when younger royals like Prince George get older.
Princess Anne represents a traditional style of monarchy and believes younger generations want a different approach.
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President Donald Trump announced that large-scale exploration for oil, gas, and minerals will start in Greenland, which has large reserves of these resources. This follows a recent security deal between the US, Denmark, and Greenland that allows the US military a bigger presence on the island.
Key Facts
Greenland is a self-governing territory under Denmark.
President Trump said Greenland has some of the world’s largest easily accessible oil reserves.
The US will begin massive exploration for oil, gas, and minerals in Greenland soon.
Last month, the US, Denmark, and Greenland signed a security deal expanding US military bases on the island.
The deal allows for two new US military bases and a missile defense system called the “Golden Dome.”
The agreement confirms Danish sovereignty over Greenland and respects Greenland’s right to govern itself.
Trump highlighted Greenland’s strategic position for US defense against possible air attacks.
No immediate response came from Greenland or Denmark leaders regarding Trump’s announcement.
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A child safety officer wrongly marked Elizabeth Struhs as "safe" one day after she entered a coma from neglect by her parents. Despite medical warnings, Elizabeth was returned to her family, where she later died due to lack of proper medical care linked to their religious beliefs.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Struhs, a six-year-old with type 1 diabetes, was hospitalized in a coma on July 17, 2019.
A child safety officer assessed her as "safe" despite limited information.
Medical experts opposed Elizabeth returning home because her mother did not believe in medicine.
Elizabeth’s parents belonged to a small religious group and waited for a miraculous healing instead of giving medical care.
In 2021, both parents were convicted for failing to provide necessary life care; her mother was jailed.
It was later recognized that the safety plan for Elizabeth could have been stronger.
Elizabeth was returned home under a voluntary safety agreement, not a full legal protection order.
Her father gave her medical care for two years but stopped after joining the religious group and ceasing insulin treatment.
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Ukrainian soldiers have had their access to Starlink internet terminals restricted, disrupting military missions. This happened as the Trump administration pressured Ukraine to stop attacks on Russia’s oil industry and amid large Russian missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Key Facts
Starlink terminals, run by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, help Ukraine’s military communications.
Access to Starlink was suddenly limited, causing some military missions to fail.
The outage occurred during ongoing Russian missile attacks on Ukraine without US advance warnings.
This restriction seems linked to political pressure from President Trump to stop Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil targets.
Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and 120 drones hitting power plants and substations in Ukraine.
About 600,000 people in Ukraine lost power after the strikes.
Ukrainian officials suspect the outage was deliberate and coordinated with the political situation.
Elon Musk, who supports President Trump, had cut Starlink service to Ukrainian forces before during certain attacks.
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The UK will speed up sending special missiles to Ukraine to help fight Russian drone attacks. British official Andy Burnham will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to show strong support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
Key Facts
The UK plans to send more Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine faster than before.
These missiles work well against faster, jet-powered Russian drones attacking areas including Kyiv.
The UK has already promised £1.6 billion for over 5,000 LMMs over four years.
An extra £10 million of missiles will be sent sooner to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs this winter.
Andy Burnham will meet President Zelenskyy at Downing Street to show UK support.
Burnham said the UK is committed to backing Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”
Russia’s drone attacks are harder to stop because the drones fly faster and higher than older types.
The UK government views supporting Ukraine as important for UK security and European peace.
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Azerbaijan has introduced new rules banning clothing that breaks the country's principle of secularism in public schools, which has led to some teachers and students being denied entry for wearing hijabs. This change has caused protests, detentions, and debate over religious freedom and education policies in a majority-Muslim country.
Key Facts
New school rules in Azerbaijan ban clothing that violates secularism but do not explicitly mention the hijab.
Teachers and students wearing hijabs have been denied entrance to some schools, including an experienced teacher and her daughter in Baku.
At least 37 people were detained for disrupting public order during protests against the hijab restrictions.
Azerbaijan’s Labour Code prohibits discrimination in employment, which some argue the hijab ban violates.
Religious leaders see the hijab as an important religious duty but stress following state decisions.
Some citizens believe the dress code should be followed without debate, viewing the policy as part of maintaining secularism.
Opposition politicians suggest exploring compromise solutions for younger students while opposing restrictions on teachers.
The controversy has caused tensions with Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, where officials have condemned the hijab restrictions.
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President Donald Trump called Greenland "our new and beautiful Greenland" while promoting a program to explore its oil, gas, and minerals. This followed a security agreement between the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark that allows the U.S. to access Greenland’s airspace and territory while Greenland remains part of Denmark.
Key Facts
President Trump referred to Greenland as "our new and beautiful Greenland."
He promoted plans to explore oil, gas, and mineral resources on the island.
A security agreement was signed in September by the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark.
The deal allows the U.S. to access Greenland’s airspace and territory for military and security purposes.
Greenland remains an autonomous part of the kingdom of Denmark.
President Trump had previously threatened to take over Greenland by force if needed.
He stated that Greenland is important for U.S. and European defense against future attacks.
Trump mentioned that Greenland’s location helps track and stop enemy drones, missiles, or weapons early.
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Palestinians living in the West Bank feel they have little hope for change as Israelis prepare to vote in elections. They face travel limits, growing Israeli settlements, and the risk of being forcibly moved, but they cannot vote in the Israeli elections that affect their lives.
Key Facts
Palestinians live under Israeli control in the occupied West Bank.
They face restrictions on their movement in the area.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank continue to grow.
Palestinians worry about being forced to leave their homes.
Palestinians cannot vote in Israeli elections.
Israeli elections impact the policies and realities affecting Palestinians.
Palestinians express frustration and cynicism about the idea of Israeli democracy.
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Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, demolishing homes and infrastructure in dozens of villages despite a peace agreement signed in June. The Lebanese government is negotiating with Israel to end the occupation, but the area remains tense following recent military actions by Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
Key Facts
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in June aimed at securing Israel’s phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Israel still controls a zone about 10 kilometers deep into southern Lebanon, called the “Yellow Line,” where it has demolished many villages.
Over 1.2 million people have been displaced due to conflict and Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese group backed by Iran, fired rockets at Israel on March 2, prompting Israeli military responses.
The Lebanese government entered U.S.-brokered talks with Israel despite Hezbollah’s opposition.
The agreement includes “pilot zones” where Lebanese Armed Forces would replace Israeli troops and disarm Hezbollah fighters.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has indicated that Israeli troops may stay longer, similar to the previous 22-year occupation.
Satellite images show significant destruction of villages and homes on the Lebanese side near the “Yellow Line.”
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Former President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has formed a new political and military alliance with rebel groups called the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN). This group opposes the current government, and Kabila’s involvement follows allegations linking him to rebel activities and a death sentence from a military court.
Key Facts
Joseph Kabila, former president of the DRC, officially joined forces with M23 rebels by creating the new coalition FRN.
The FRN aims to end what they call tyranny, including the use of force against the government.
Kabila was sentenced to death by a military court last year for alleged ties to rebel groups and other crimes.
The M23 conflict in eastern DRC has lasted nearly 15 years, causing millions to be displaced and millions more facing food shortages.
The United Nations and the United States accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, but Rwanda denies this.
Kabila’s new alliance leadership includes former rebel leaders and his political allies.
Kabila previously served as army chief and led the country from 2001 to 2019, with his final years marked by delays in elections and corruption accusations.
Tensions rose after Kabila’s handover of power to current President Felix Tshisekedi, followed by political disputes and investigations into Kabila’s circle.
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Sri Lanka’s former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was arrested for allegedly misusing charity donations meant for a children’s hospital. Other family members, including their son Namal Rajapaksa, face separate bribery charges amid investigations into corruption linked to the Rajapaksa family, who ruled Sri Lanka for nearly 20 years.
Key Facts
Shiranthi Rajapaksa was arrested on October 7 for allegedly misusing about $30,000 donated for hospital equipment.
Namal Rajapaksa, their son and a key member of the Rajapaksa political party, is in custody on bribery charges.
The Rajapaksa family governed Sri Lanka from 2005 until a public uprising in 2022 forced them out.
Mahinda Rajapaksa was President and is credited with ending a 26-year civil war against Tamil separatists.
Mahinda’s brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, served as defense secretary during the war and later became president in 2019.
The family borrowed nearly $7 billion from China for infrastructure, facing corruption accusations.
After economic crises and protests in 2022, Gotabaya fled the country, leading to a caretaker government.
The new president, elected in 2024, has promised to pursue anti-corruption measures against the Rajapaksa family.
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A new bridge connecting China and North Korea is set to open after more than ten years of delays. The bridge will connect the Chinese city of Dandong with the North Korean city of Sinuiju and is expected to improve trade and transportation between the two countries.
Key Facts
The New Yalu River Bridge is 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) long with four lanes.
Construction on the Chinese side was finished around 2014, but North Korea delayed its side, causing a long wait.
The bridge will reduce traffic on the older, single-lane bridge built in 1937 that handles most trade between China and North Korea.
The old bridge only allows one-way vehicle traffic at a time, slowing down transport.
North Korea’s hesitation to complete the bridge earlier may have been due to concerns about economic dependence or political disagreements with China.
The new bridge will support two-way traffic, including heavy trucks and containers, improving logistics.
The opening follows another recent bridge opening between North Korea and Russia and may affect regional trade dynamics.
China remains North Korea’s biggest trading partner, but North Korea has been developing closer ties with Russia.
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Russian missile and drone attacks have cut electricity for at least 600,000 people in Ukraine, hitting key energy facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv. President Zelensky said Ukraine is open to stopping its own attacks on Russian energy sites if Russia agrees to a ceasefire, but Russia's officials have rejected this idea.
Key Facts
Over 600,000 Ukrainians lost power after overnight Russian strikes.
The attacks targeted critical energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and surrounding areas.
At least three people died and 21 were injured in Kyiv during the strikes.
Russia claims it hit Ukrainian military communications and energy sites.
Ukraine reported that 39 Russian missiles and 128 drones were launched; most were shot down.
Russian officials say Ukraine does not deserve a ceasefire because it would allow more Western weapons to arrive.
President Trump stated on social media that an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was in effect.
Russian President Putin began the full invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine’s land.
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A hidden video recording device was found in the cabin of the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Leeuwin while it was docked in Cairns. The Defence Department confirmed the discovery and said police are investigating the matter, but they have not shared many details due to the ongoing investigation.
Key Facts
The hidden video device was found on October 11, 2026, aboard HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns, Queensland.
The ship stayed docked while the investigation took place to support the crew and help with inquiries.
Police and military investigators are involved in the case.
Senator Jacqui Lambie, a former Defence member, raised concerns in the Senate about cameras hidden in female sailors’ shower areas on the ship.
Lambie mentioned that footage from the cameras may have been uploaded online without permission.
The Defence Department did not disclose if anyone responsible has been identified or if other navy locations have similar issues.
The investigation aims to protect the privacy and welfare of those affected.
Senator Lambie urged Defence to check other naval vessels and facilities for similar hidden cameras.
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Russian air attacks killed at least six people in Ukraine and caused power outages in Kyiv. These strikes targeted Ukraine’s communications and energy infrastructure despite a recent “energy ceasefire” announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Russian forces carried out a large missile strike on Ukraine’s energy and communication systems.
At least six people died in various regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia.
Kyiv experienced power cuts after missile strikes hit energy facilities.
Kyiv’s mayor urged residents to stay in shelters due to ongoing attacks.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Ukraine did not get early warnings from Western allies before the missile attacks.
Zelenskyy accused Russia of breaking the “energy ceasefire” announced by President Trump.
Russia reported Ukrainian drone attacks in Russia’s Saratov region, killing one person.
Russian air defenses claimed to have shot down hundreds of Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow and surrounding areas.
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Most Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank cannot vote in the upcoming Israeli election on October 27, even though Israel controls many parts of their lives. Meanwhile, around 700,000 Jewish settlers in illegal settlements in the same area can vote and continue to expand their communities.
Key Facts
About three million Palestinians live in the occupied West Bank, but almost none can vote in Israeli elections.
Around 700,000 Jewish settlers live in about 300 settlements and outposts there, and they can vote.
Jabal al-Baba is a small Bedouin community in Area C, which is fully controlled by Israel.
Palestinians in Area C face strict restrictions on building homes, schools, or roads because getting permits is almost impossible.
Israeli authorities demolish many Palestinian structures because they lack permits; over 100 demolitions happened recently in Jabal al-Baba.
Israeli settlements, considered illegal under international law, are growing quickly, with 34 new settlements approved recently.
Palestinians say these actions aim to push them out and make room for settlers.
The upcoming Israeli election is closely contested, but Palestinian residents in the West Bank expect little change to their situation regardless of the government outcome.
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A UK environmental charity, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), has warned that stocks of European hake and coley fish are declining due to overfishing. The charity advises shoppers to avoid buying coley and to choose more sustainable seafood options like UK wild-caught sea bass instead.
Key Facts
The MCS uses a traffic-light system to rate seafood on sustainability and environmental impact.
European hake ratings were lowered from green to amber due to falling numbers and more fishing.
UK-caught coley ratings dropped from amber to red, meaning it should be avoided.
Most UK seafood eaten comes from five types: cod, haddock, salmon, tuna, and prawns, putting pressure on these stocks.
Cod stocks have been declining since 2015 mainly because of overfishing and environmental changes.
The MCS recommends diversifying seafood choices to protect threatened fish populations.
UK wild-caught sea bass is suggested as a sustainable alternative to cod because of similar taste and texture.
UK Atlantic bluefin tuna has improved in numbers and now has a green rating due to better management over 20 years.
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A long-term study in the UK shows that plants often called "weeds," like ivy, hogweed, and bramble, attract the most pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies. Citizen scientists have been monitoring insect visits to flowers in gardens since 2017, revealing important plants that support pollinators.
Key Facts
Ivy flowers got the most insect visits, with an average of 22 visits in 10 minutes.
Hogweed and bramble are also highly attractive to pollinating insects.
Non-native buddleia attracts four times more butterflies and moths than many other flowers.
The study lasted eight years and involved volunteers counting insect visits in UK gardens.
Hoverfly numbers declined by about one-third in both numbers and species in the last eight years.
Solitary bees, honeybees, beetles, and flies (except hoverflies) increased in numbers during the study.
The study was done by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Volunteers can participate in future counts from April to September through the Pollinator Monitoring Scheme.
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Russia launched a missile and drone attack that hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving about 600,000 people without power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said damage to power plants and gas facilities could cause the outages to spread further.
Key Facts
Around 600,000 Ukrainians lost electricity after the Russian attack.
The attack targeted energy infrastructure covered by an energy ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump.
At least 26 power plants and 4 gas and oil facilities were significantly damaged.
President Zelenskyy warned that power outages could become more widespread.
The attack happened soon after an energy ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia was announced.
The situation is still developing, and updates are expected.
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Students in Albania protested against problems in education and social inequality. The protest in Tirana became violent when police used tear gas and water cannons after students threw bricks at the Education Ministry.
Key Facts
Hundreds of students protested in Albania’s capital, Tirana.
Students threw bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry building.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Several protesters were detained by the police.
Students are upset about poor university conditions, high costs, and few job opportunities after graduation.
Protesters also expressed anger at growing inequality and dissatisfaction with the political system.
Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister said violence is not a solution.
These protests are part of a wider wave of student activism happening across Europe.
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