UK water companies earned over £340 million last year by accepting industrial and commercial wastewater to treat at sewage works. Many sewage plants use treatment methods that do not remove harmful chemicals, so pollutants often go into rivers, seas, or farmland. Currently, water companies regulate this wastewater trade without independent oversight.
Key Facts
UK water companies earned more than £340 million in revenue last year from industrial and commercial wastewater.
About 608 billion litres of industrial wastewater were sent to sewage treatment works from various sites like power stations and hospitals.
Water companies issue permits called “trade-effluent consents” for businesses to send wastewater but regulate these without an independent body.
Most sewage works use treatment that removes organic material but not many industrial chemicals, such as solvents, flame retardants, and heavy metals.
Pollutants left in treated water flow into rivers, seas, and farmland via sludge used as fertilizer.
United Utilities earned the most revenue from industrial wastewater at £61.6 million, and Thames Water received the highest volume of waste at 113 billion litres.
Industrial and commercial wastewater volumes and related revenues have risen sharply across UK water companies in recent years.
Experts say the permit system is outdated and lacks full understanding of how much toxic waste enters waterworks annually.
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Two major UK health organizations, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Pharmacy, have ended sponsorship deals with Teva UK, an Israeli pharmaceutical company. These decisions followed pressure from pro-Palestine campaigners and concerns about the company’s activities, alongside Teva's recent legal fines for anti-competitive practices.
Key Facts
The Royal College of Pharmacy canceled Teva UK’s sponsorship and exhibition at its annual conference.
The Royal College of Nursing dropped Teva as a sponsor of nursing events and its union.
Both decisions came after reviews flagged Teva’s activities as not aligned with these bodies’ values.
Pro-Palestine activists influenced the move by circulating an open letter urging ethical scrutiny of partnerships related to Israel.
Teva specializes in generic drugs and has faced large fines for blocking competition and price fixing.
The European Commission fined Teva €462.6 million in 2024 for anti-competitive practices with its multiple sclerosis drug.
In 2023, Teva paid $225 million to settle US Department of Justice charges related to drug price fixing.
Campaigners want other UK medical royal colleges to also cut ties with Teva.
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A large illegal waste dump near Ashford in Kent, England, known as Hoads Wood, was cleared after 15 months and £15 million spent from taxpayer money. Criminal gangs had dumped nearly 40,000 tonnes of waste in this special woodland area in 2023, and the cleanup aimed to restore the site and prevent further illegal dumping.
Key Facts
The illegal waste dump was located in Hoads Wood, a protected natural area with rare plants and wildlife.
Around 40,000 tonnes of waste were dumped illegally over six months in 2023.
The cleanup took 15 months and cost £15 million, funded by the UK government.
Removing the waste required 2,500 truckloads to transport rubbish to a landfill site in Essex.
Other biggest illegal waste sites in England have cost £26 million in total for cleanup.
Authorities closed access to the site and created barriers to stop waste trucks from entering again.
There is concern that criminal gangs or others might return to dump waste again without quick police action.
It will take many years for the ancient woodland’s plants and animals to recover, but new open spaces and ponds might attract some wildlife eventually.
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President Donald Trump is taking steps to lower fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. He allowed tax-free red dye diesel, normally for off-road use, to be used on highways temporarily and pushed the G7 to release oil from reserves to increase supply. Fuel prices have risen due to conflicts in the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine war, impacting many Americans and the economy.
Key Facts
Gasoline and diesel prices have more than doubled since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began in February.
Rising fuel costs are affecting transportation, farmers, and drivers across the US.
President Trump announced a waiver to allow red dye diesel (tax-free diesel for off-road use) on highways to reduce fuel costs.
Using red dye diesel on roads causes issues because the dye is hard to remove and can lead to fines as it is considered tax evasion after the waiver ends.
Conflicts in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine have limited oil supplies, causing oil prices to stay above $100 per barrel.
Higher fuel costs are a major part of inflation and are causing financial strain on households and businesses.
The G7 countries, after pressure from Trump, agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from reserves to ease supply shortages.
Some recent small drops in fuel prices may be linked to these government actions.
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Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, faced heavy criticism after the party passed a motion labeling Zionism as a form of racism. The motion supports a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine, including modern-day Israel. Polanski, who did not vote on the motion because he was campaigning, has faced internal party conflict and external criticism but says he will continue as leader.
Key Facts
Zack Polanski has been Green Party leader for just over a year.
A by-election in Holborn and St Pancras was won by Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former refugee from Somalia.
The Green Party passed a motion calling Zionism racism and supporting a single Palestinian state including Israel.
Polanski did not vote on the motion because he was campaigning in the by-election.
Polanski has been criticized by party members, Jewish groups, and European Green parties for the motion.
Caroline Lucas, former Green Party leader, did not back Polanski continuing as leader after the controversy.
Polanski himself is Jewish and has been banned from Israel.
He says there is ongoing genocide and displacement of Palestinians, calling it racist, but Israel denies it is genocide.
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Candidates in three key U.S. Senate races debated issues like the economy, tariffs, the Iran war, and abortion rights as the midterm elections approach. The debates in Michigan, Georgia, and Maine focused heavily on affordability, with candidates exchanging personal attacks and differing views on policies affecting gas prices, taxes, and inflation.
Key Facts
The debates took place in Michigan, Georgia, and Maine, important states for Senate control.
Candidates discussed the high cost of living, including gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare.
In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers both support suspending fuel taxes to lower costs.
El-Sayed criticized Rogers for increasing his wealth while in office, while Rogers accused El-Sayed of being influenced by billionaires and extremist groups.
In Georgia, Jon Ossoff challenged Mike Collins over tariffs and their impact on local families and the economy.
Collins blamed inflation on the Biden administration's spending policies.
In Maine, Troy Jackson talked about rising heating and energy costs, while Susan Collins highlighted rural health funding gains.
The Georgia debate included personal and serious accusations related to white nationalism and antisemitic views linked to Collins’ staff and family.
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A fight at El Castillo prison in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, caused the deaths of 10 people, including nine inmates and one visiting minor, and injured 16 others. Authorities regained control of the prison, suspended visits, and are caring for the injured and informing families.
Key Facts
The fight happened inside El Castillo Penitentiary Centre in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Ten people died: nine prisoners and one visitor who was a minor.
Sixteen inmates were injured and sent for medical care.
Security forces regained control of the prison and are still present there.
Prison visits were temporarily stopped as a safety measure.
Officials say the rest of the prison population is safe.
Sinaloa state has ongoing conflicts involving the Sinaloa drug cartel.
The US State Department advises Americans not to visit six Mexican states, including Sinaloa, due to security risks.
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ICE agents in New York shot a man while he had a five-year-old child in his car. This incident has caused protests and anger in the city, and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has asked President Donald Trump to remove ICE from New York.
Key Facts
ICE agents shot a man in New York while he was in a vehicle with a child inside.
The child in the car was five years old.
The shooting happened after ICE agents surrounded the vehicle.
The incident led to protests and public anger in New York.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani contacted President Donald Trump about the situation.
The mayor requested that ICE leave the city.
The event has sparked a local debate over ICE’s presence in New York.
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An ICE agent in New York City shot a man who was then taken to the hospital. The victim’s 5-year-old child was in the car at the time of the shooting. City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, provided an update on the event.
Key Facts
The incident involved an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shooting a man in New York City.
The man who was shot was hospitalized.
The victim’s 5-year-old son was present in the car during the shooting.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke publicly about the incident.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch also gave an update on the situation.
The shooting occurred on a Thursday.
The event is under investigation by local authorities.
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Egyptian journalists from an independent platform have been arrested and charged with terrorism. They claim they were tortured and forced to give false confessions, but authorities deny these claims. Journalists plan a protest in Cairo to support their detained colleagues.
Key Facts
Six journalists from Matsadaash were arrested in Egypt and charged with terrorism.
Authorities accuse them of working without a license and spreading false news for the Muslim Brotherhood group.
The arrested journalists say they were tortured, beaten, and forced to record false confessions.
Police and the interior ministry deny the torture claims and call them baseless.
Forensic exams reportedly found no signs of physical abuse on the journalists.
Another journalist was questioned and charged for criticizing the arrests on social media.
Journalists are organizing a protest in Cairo to show support and demand their release.
This case is part of a wider crackdown on independent media in Egypt.
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A new giant waterlily species named Victoria colombiana was discovered in Colombia’s jungle after a rare photo appeared on Instagram. The plant is very large, critically endangered, and was confirmed by scientists after a jungle expedition and research.
Key Facts
The giant waterlily can grow up to three meters wide and support the weight of a small child.
It is one of the oldest flowering plants, existing before the continents separated.
Carlos Magdalena, a waterlily expert, saw the Instagram photo of the plant in the Inírida River, Colombia.
The photo was taken by Jeremiah Harris, who first thought the plant was a common species (Victoria amazonica).
Magdalena suspected the plant’s location was unusual, leading to an expedition in the rainforest with local indigenous people.
The team found the waterlily population just before their return flight after searching for several days.
Scientists named the new species Victoria colombiana and estimate only 30-50 plants remain in the wild.
This discovery highlights that many large and important species are still unknown to science.
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As winter approaches, more people in Kyiv are looking for safer places to stay due to ongoing Russian attacks. Many families, including mothers with young children, are leaving the city to avoid power cuts and cold temperatures caused by attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Key Facts
Russia continues attacking Kyiv with drones and missiles, targeting power plants, bridges, and petrol stations.
Last winter was very cold and hard due to power cuts and freezing temperatures caused by damage to Ukraine’s power grid.
Many residents, like Mariia Shostak, are leaving Kyiv early to avoid another difficult winter.
Mariia plans to spend the winter in Egypt because it is warmer and cheaper than Europe.
A survey found 40% of Ukrainians are thinking about moving if conditions worsen.
Families with young children feel especially under stress because of the risk and harsh living conditions.
Some children, like three-year-old Polina, are suffering from health problems and anxiety due to the attacks and cold.
Kyiv’s mayor warned that the city is in a very serious situation because of the ongoing attacks.
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Firmus, an AI data center company supported by Nvidia, has canceled its planned stock market listing in Australia due to market conditions and concerns about its valuation. Instead, the company will seek funding through private markets and explore other financial options.
Key Facts
Firmus builds and runs liquid-cooled data centers, called "AI factories," for clients like OpenAI and Meta.
The company planned to list on the Australian stock market with a valuation over $30 billion AUD.
Market volatility and concerns from investors about the company’s high valuation led to the cancellation.
Major investors like UniSuper chose not to participate in the initial public offering (IPO).
Firmus is backed by Nvidia, Blackstone, and Jane Street.
The company will now focus on raising money privately and consider other public and private options.
OpenAI’s CEO recently expressed caution about public listings in AI technology because of safety and market concerns.
AI-related stocks, including Nvidia and Oracle, have seen share price drops amid worries over AI industry returns.
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Anti-immigration protests in South Africa turned violent in Soweto and Durban, with at least 24 vehicles set on fire and foreign-owned shops looted. The unrest followed a court ruling that requires the government to accept asylum applications from people who entered the country irregularly.
Key Facts
Protests happened in Soweto (near Johannesburg) and Durban (a port city).
At least 24 vehicles were burned, and foreign-owned shops were attacked.
Clashes included confrontations between South African residents and foreign nationals.
The protests followed a July ruling by South Africa's Constitutional Court allowing more people to apply for asylum.
Police used rubber bullets to break up crowds and arrested three foreign nationals connected to a reported assault.
Data from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) shows that student fights and threats have increased compared to four years ago. School safety experts and local police say more action is needed to improve safety and prevent violence in schools.
Key Facts
In the 2025-2026 school year, there were 6,131 fights in LAUSD schools, which is 21% higher than four years ago.
Student threats rose by 11.5% compared to the 2022-2023 school year, with 4,015 incidents reported.
Experts say current consequences for fighting and bullying are not strong enough to stop the behavior.
LA Police are working to increase outreach and teach students better communication to prevent conflicts.
Police have not had a strong presence in LA public schools for the past five years.
The data review came after the death of a 17-year-old student, Xavier Nungaray, which raised concerns about school safety.
Parents have held rallies asking for more police presence and better safety measures in schools.
Bullying prevention programs encourage students to speak up instead of being silent bystanders.
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Northern Irish police have contacted Sinn Fein members about protests that blocked a Protestant parade on a Catholic road. The parade was allowed by court order, but the protests have caused political tension between Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which wants legal action against Sinn Fein leaders involved.
Key Facts
Police are investigating protests that stopped a Protestant Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road, a Catholic area.
Sinn Fein confirmed some of their members received police letters related to the protest.
The parade was allowed by Northern Ireland’s High Court after 28 years of being banned from this route.
Sinn Fein leaders, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill and President Mary Lou McDonald, took part in the protests.
The DUP, which opposes Sinn Fein, wants these leaders to face prosecution.
Sinn Fein supports residents who want to live peacefully without sectarian intimidation.
The Orange Order parades have historically caused unrest before the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which helped bring peace.
The situation has created political difficulties for Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government.
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An ICE agent shot a man in a car with a five-year-old child in New York City, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The man was injured but conscious and is receiving hospital care, while the child was not harmed. The shooting happened during an ICE operation targeting a man with a criminal conviction and is under investigation.
Key Facts
The incident occurred in the Marble Hill neighborhood of New York City.
ICE agents surrounded the man and a five-year-old child in a car before firing multiple rounds.
The child was physically unharmed according to the mayor.
The man shot was described as a Dominican national with a criminal conviction.
The man is conscious and receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
The Department of Homeland Security said the shooting happened during a targeted enforcement operation.
The incident is under investigation.
Mayor Mamdani called President Trump to demand an end to ICE enforcement actions in New York City.
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President Donald Trump said he expects the Nobel Peace Prize announcement soon and highlighted his record on stopping wars, but he admitted he might not win. Prediction markets show higher chances for humanitarian groups like Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms and activists like Mykola Kuleba, with the Nobel Committee keeping its decisions secret.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed to have settled eight wars and saved millions of lives but acknowledged it is unlikely he will win the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
The Nobel Committee received 287 candidates this year: 208 individuals and 79 organizations.
Prediction markets showed Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms with about a 15% chance of winning, higher than Trump’s 1%.
Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms are volunteer groups providing aid during Sudan’s civil war.
Mykola Kuleba, founder of Save Ukraine, is also a leading candidate for helping Ukrainian children affected by the war.
Humanitarian organizations are often favored for the prize because their work is less controversial.
The Nobel Committee’s nominations and decisions are confidential and sealed for 50 years.
Markets reflect public expectations but do not represent the official views of the Nobel Committee.
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Arlington County has sued to stop President Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot triumphal arch. The project was approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in April, but the county is worried the arch could harm tourism and cause safety problems.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to build a large 250-foot triumphal arch.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the arch project in April.
Arlington County filed a lawsuit to block the construction of the arch.
The county’s lawsuit raises concerns about the arch’s impact on local tourism.
The lawsuit also says the arch could create safety risks for nearby residents.
The county wants to prevent the project from moving forward while legal action proceeds.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 30 percent, the lowest in his second term, according to a Pew Research Center survey. This rating is lower than President Biden's rating at a similar time before the 2022 midterm elections, and many Democratic voters are more motivated for the upcoming midterms.
Key Facts
Trump’s current approval rating is 30 percent, down from 95 percent at the start of his term.
Biden had a 38 percent approval rating at a similar point before the 2022 midterms.
The survey was done from September 28 to October 4 with about 5,000 U.S. adults, including nearly 4,000 registered voters.
63 percent of registered voters say Trump will influence their congressional vote, but more than twice as many are voting against him rather than for him.
Democratic voters show higher engagement, with 78 percent saying which party controls Congress matters, compared to 69 percent of Republicans.
About 77 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the state of the nation.
A large number of voters (42 percent) are still undecided about their midterm vote.
Trump continues to be a key figure in the Republican campaign, urging voters to act as if he is on the ballot.
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