A family shares the story of their daughter Elana, who died in a car crash caused by a drunk and drug-impaired driver. To honor her memory, they started a foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and encourage safer choices.
Key Facts
Elana was a college student set to return to the University of Arkansas for her third year.
She died on July 28, 2024, as a passenger in a crash caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol and marijuana.
The crash was so severe that Elana could only be identified by dental records two weeks later.
Elana was known for her kindness, connecting people, and helping others, even those she had never met.
The family created Ollie's Angels Foundation in October 2024 to educate high school students about impaired driving.
Their therapy dog, Ollie, helps spread joy and awareness in Elana's memory.
The foundation uses the slogan "Catch a Safe Ride" to encourage safe driving decisions.
They stress the importance of speaking up if someone is unfit to drive and want to stop calling such crashes "accidents" because they are preventable.
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Victims of secret police spying accuse the UK government of trying to stop an ongoing inquiry into undercover police misconduct. The inquiry has been running for more than 10 years, investigating abuses such as false relationships and spying on political groups, but the Home Office wants to reconsider its future because of time and cost.
Key Facts
The spycops inquiry started in 2015 and was meant to last three years but has taken over a decade.
It investigates undercover officers who spied on political activists, deceived women, and committed other abuses.
The inquiry has cost £144 million so far and is led by retired judge Sir John Mitting.
The Home Office, led by Secretary Shabana Mahmood, is holding a public consultation on the inquiry’s future, which ends soon.
Victims say the government wants to limit or stop parts of the inquiry, which they call a cover-up.
The inquiry examines units like the Special Demonstration Squad (1968-2008) and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit (1999-2011).
One undercover officer, Mark Kennedy, deceived women into relationships and gathered evidence that affected criminal cases.
The Home Office says it wants to ensure justice but also considers the inquiry’s length and cost.
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A recent poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating is below 50% in 41 states and all major battleground states, 20 months into his second term. Nationally, his approval is 33%, with 61% disapproving, and only nine states have more people approving than disapproving of his performance.
Key Facts
President Trump’s national approval rating is 33%, disapproval is 61%, resulting in a net approval of minus 28.
Only nine states have a positive net approval rating for Trump, with Wyoming (+19) and North Dakota (+11) as his strongest.
Major swing states like Nevada (-26), Georgia (-24), and Pennsylvania (-23) all have more voters disapproving than approving of Trump.
Approval ratings have fallen in every state since January 2025; Kentucky saw the largest drop, from +23 to -11.
Younger voters (ages 18-34) and independents show particularly low approval, with only 20% and 26% approval respectively.
Women disapprove of Trump by a margin of 65% to 29%, while men are more evenly split but still lean negative.
Postgraduates also disapprove Trump’s performance, with 73% disapproval compared to 22% approval.
States that were once strongly supporting Trump have seen significant drops in approval, indicating decreasing political support.
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The U.S. military struck a boat in the Caribbean Sea that it suspected was smuggling drugs, killing four people. This attack is part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign against drug traffickers in Latin America.
Key Facts
The U.S. military killed four people in a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea.
Since President Trump’s campaign began almost a year ago, at least 231 people have died in 69 similar military strikes.
The U.S. Southern Command said the attacks target suspected traffickers along known drug-smuggling routes.
The military has not provided proof that the latest struck vessel was carrying drugs.
President Trump calls these actions part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels to reduce drug flow into the U.S.
The Trump administration seeks agreements with Latin American countries for joint military actions against criminal groups.
Some countries, like Guatemala, have denied making deals to allow U.S. military operations on their soil.
Ecuador has already started similar joint missions with the U.S. since March 2026.
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Thousands of low-income families in parts of England are missing out on NHS Healthy Start payments, which help pay for healthy food like fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk. Charities want the government to make the program easier to access and increase support because food prices are rising.
Key Facts
Families earning less than £400 a week with children under four, or who are pregnant, can get weekly payments of £4.65 or £9.30 for babies under 12 months.
Some areas like Redcar and Cleveland have 87% of eligible families enrolled, while others like Eden have as low as 64%.
Overall, more than 6,000 eligible families in the North East and Cumbria are not claiming the money.
Feeding Britain and other charities say the current payments are not enough to cover the real cost of healthy food and baby formula.
Rising food prices make it harder for families to provide nutritious meals.
Charities suggest the government should automatically enroll eligible parents to make it easier to get the payments.
Some families report skipping meals or cutting costs on essentials to feed their children.
The government has been asked for comment but had not responded at the time of the report.
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Around 20,000 pregnant women in England speak to maternity services each year about domestic abuse. Midwives often find out about this abuse because they see pregnant women regularly, but they need more training and support to help these women properly.
Key Facts
About 3.3% of maternity bookings in NHS trusts in England include a report of current or past domestic abuse.
This equals roughly 20,000 disclosures of domestic abuse during pregnancy per year in England.
Midwives often see pregnant women alone, which gives them a unique chance to notice and respond to signs of abuse.
Experts say midwives need better training to respond correctly to abuse disclosures.
Maternity wards are busy and sometimes short-staffed, which makes it harder for midwives to provide support.
The NHS mandates safeguarding training for maternity staff, including how to ask about abuse.
Midwives can refer women to specialized services for help with housing, legal advice, and other support.
The pregnancy and early time after birth are seen as a critical chance to help women and babies affected by abuse.
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Josh Babarinde, the president of the Liberal Democrats and a new MP, spoke strongly about making big changes to help people and challenge powerful forces like big tech and wealthy investors. At the party’s conference in Brighton, he encouraged members to be bold in addressing problems and improving their political reach beyond traditional supporters.
Key Facts
Josh Babarinde is the president of the Liberal Democrats and was elected MP in 2024.
He wants the party to challenge large powerful groups, including big tech companies and cryptocurrency billionaires.
The Lib Dems held their annual conference in Brighton with about 5,000 members attending.
In 2024, the party won 71 seats in Parliament but remains around 11% in opinion polls.
The Lib Dems gained some local election seats in England and Scotland, though less than other smaller parties like the Greens and Reform UK.
Party leader Ed Davey struggles to get media attention compared to figures like Nigel Farage.
Babarinde emphasizes strong policies exist but says better digital campaigning is needed to reach new voters.
Before politics, Babarinde created a social business helping former offenders and vulnerable youth with phone repairs.
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President Donald Trump has banned CNN, MSNBC, and Politico reporters from the White House. These news organizations say this action limits press freedom and goes against the First Amendment, which protects a free press.
Key Facts
Reporters from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico are not allowed inside the White House.
President Donald Trump made the decision to ban these three news outlets.
The news organizations argue this move limits their ability to cover the government.
They also say this ban breaks First Amendment rights that protect freedom of the press.
The White House usually allows many news outlets to report from inside the building.
Banning these outlets means their reporters cannot attend briefings or events at the White House.
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The U.S. military killed four people in a strike on a boat suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea. This is part of an ongoing campaign by President Donald Trump's administration targeting alleged drug traffickers in Latin America.
Key Facts
The strike happened on a boat thought to be used for smuggling drugs.
Four people were killed in this latest U.S. military attack.
Since the campaign began about a year ago, 231 people have died in 69 strikes.
The U.S. Southern Command targets boats along known smuggling routes.
The military has not shown proof the boat was carrying drugs.
The Trump administration is trying to work with other Latin American countries for joint military actions.
Some countries deny agreements with the U.S. for land operations against drug groups.
Lawmakers and legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of some strikes, especially follow-up attacks that may violate war laws.
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Ed Sheeran held a concert in Philadelphia where some fans were surprised that the show had no opening acts or support band after Macklemore was removed. Macklemore was dropped because he made public comments supporting Palestine, which caused a controversy. Protesters also gathered nearby to support Macklemore and encourage Ed Sheeran to address the situation.
Key Facts
Ed Sheeran performed a concert without opening acts or his usual support band.
Macklemore was originally scheduled to perform but was removed from the lineup.
Macklemore made public remarks supporting Palestine, which led to the controversy.
Fans attending the concert had mixed feelings about the changes in the show.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the concert venue to support Macklemore.
Protesters urged Ed Sheeran to speak about the controversy.
The concert took place in Philadelphia.
BBC correspondent Carl Nasman reported on both the fans and protesters at the event.
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President Donald Trump ended his weekend trip to Camp David early and returned to Washington, D.C. on Saturday evening. His arrival was reported just before 8 p.m., and the White House shared a video showing him leaving Marine One, the presidential helicopter.
Key Facts
President Trump cut short his trip to Camp David by one day.
He arrived back in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening.
His arrival time was just before 8 p.m. at the Ellipse, near the White House.
The White House’s official social media posted a video of him leaving Marine One.
This return coincides with the State Department issuing security alerts for the Middle East.
Camp David is a presidential retreat located outside Washington, D.C.
Marine One is the helicopter used to transport the president.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom signed several new laws to improve election security and prevent interference from the federal government, especially from President Donald Trump. The laws include extending mail-in ballot drop-off hours, making it a crime to take ballots or election records without permission, and requiring political campaigns to disclose paid social media promotions.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom approved bills focused on strengthening election security in California.
One law extends the hours for dropping off mail-in ballots to make voting easier.
The bills aim to stop federal efforts, particularly from President Trump, to limit vote-by-mail use.
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump’s administration from making changes to mail voting rules.
A new law makes taking ballots or election records without permission a felony crime.
The bills include rules that require political campaigns to clearly disclose paid endorsements on social media.
These measures respond to concerns about election interference and recent controversies involving ballot handling and political ads.
California officials say these steps ensure fair elections and protect voters’ rights.
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President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., has contributed another $5 million to the Texas Senate race. This money is going to a Virginia media company to pay for TV and online ads against the Democratic candidate.
Key Facts
MAGA Inc. is a super PAC supporting President Donald Trump.
The group added $5 million more to the Texas Senate race.
The funds are directed to Del Ray Media LLC, a political media company in Virginia.
The money will be used for TV and digital advertising.
The ads target the Democratic candidate in the Texas Senate race.
The new contribution was reported in a Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing on Saturday.
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Older LGBTQ+ people in England often face poor health, less money, and loneliness more than other older adults. A new housing project in Manchester, Kindred House, will offer special care and community for people over 55 in the LGBTQ+ group.
Key Facts
Mindy Meleyal is a 75-year-old lesbian who has seen major changes in LGBTQ+ rights since 1967.
Older LGBTQ+ adults can feel ignored or forced to hide their identities, especially in care settings.
The Centre for Ageing Better reports that older LGBTQ+ people may delay seeking care because of fear of discrimination.
Adam Porter works with the LGBT Foundation and says many older LGBTQ+ people hide symbols of their identity when carers visit.
Kindred House in Manchester will open in 2025 with 80 apartments and specially trained staff to support LGBTQ+ older adults.
Older LGBTQ+ people often face ageism in addition to past discrimination for their sexuality or gender identity.
They are less likely to have children and may be estranged from families compared to heterosexual peers.
Mindy shared how assumptions about her sexuality, like hospital staff mistaking her wife for a husband, show a lack of training about LGBTQ+ older people.
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Kemi Badenoch criticized Andy Burnham for opposing cuts in welfare spending to increase defense funds. She argues the UK needs better military funding due to threats from Russia and wants the government to make tough decisions on the budget.
Key Facts
Kemi Badenoch called on the government to reduce welfare budgets to increase defense spending.
She said Andy Burnham’s refusal to cut welfare sends the wrong message about national security.
The UK has promised to spend 3.5% of its national income on defense by 2035, following NATO targets.
Former military leaders warn Britain’s military is in a weak state and faces ongoing security threats like cyber-attacks.
The Conservative Party suggests capping housing benefits to raise £4 billion for defense spending.
Political debate is growing over balancing social welfare and national security funding.
The Conservative Party conference is planned to take place in Birmingham in two weeks.
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With 45 days left before the midterm elections, President Donald Trump's low approval ratings are a key issue for Republicans. Polls show many voters disapprove of his job, which could affect control of Congress, as both parties compete closely.
Key Facts
Republicans hope issues like immigration and crime will attract voters despite Trump's unpopularity.
Democrats focus on inflation, gas prices, and how President Trump is handling the Iran conflict to gain support.
Recent polls show around 35-39% approval for President Trump, with most voters disapproving.
Democrats lead Republicans 54% to 41% in some congressional ballot polls.
President Trump told supporters to act like he is on the ballot to encourage voter turnout for Republicans.
Inflation and cost of living remain top concerns for voters, influencing election opinions.
Many voters think U.S. military actions in Iran were a mistake and feel the administration lacks a clear plan for the conflict.
The election outcome could decide which party controls both the House and Senate.
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A UMass Dartmouth football player died after being stabbed in a parking lot in Providence, Rhode Island, following a nightclub fight. Another player was injured but is expected to recover. A fellow student was arrested and charged with murder.
Key Facts
Marvins Antoine, an 18-year-old freshman running back at UMass Dartmouth, was stabbed and died from his injuries.
A second player, 19-year-old defensive back Kensley Macean, was stabbed but has non-life-threatening injuries.
The stabbing happened after an argument at a nightclub and continued outside at a Wendy’s parking lot around midnight.
The suspect, 19-year-old Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, also a UMass Dartmouth student but not on the football team, was arrested on campus.
Police used nearby security cameras to identify the suspect’s car and track him down.
Authorities said the victim and suspect did not know each other, and the fight began involving a female in line at the club.
The university expressed condolences and hopes for the injured player’s recovery.
Marvins Antoine was remembered by former teammates as a role model and a peaceful person.
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The Texas Supreme Court ruled that a baby born through a surrogate can be moved from Texas to California for medical treatment. The baby, who has a serious heart condition, needs urgent surgery, and the court prioritized the child’s health in its decision.
Key Facts
The baby, named Rumi, has a rare heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, requiring complex surgery.
The baby was born via surrogate McKenna West in Texas, where abortion is illegal.
The biological parents, a California couple, want to take Rumi to Los Angeles for medical care.
McKenna West tried to stop the baby from being moved out of Texas.
Texas doctors said the transfer to a California hospital must happen quickly for the baby's survival.
There is a legal dispute over who has custody and decision-making authority for the baby.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton got involved to ensure the baby would get medical care.
The surrogate argued she should have rights to the baby as the birth mother under Texas law, but a California court recognized the biological parents’ custody rights.
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President Donald Trump announced plans to create a new "AI Force" and appoint an AI czar to oversee artificial intelligence development in the U.S. He called fears about AI risks a "hoax" and said the government will support AI growth while monitoring for harmful uses with existing laws.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to form an "AI Force" similar to the Space Force created during his first term.
He will appoint an AI czar to lead the government’s efforts on AI.
Trump dismissed fears about AI dangers as a "hoax" and a "sick conspiracy."
He said the U.S. will not stop AI growth but will watch over it and help the industry.
It is unclear what specific duties the new "AI Force" will have.
Space Force was established by Congress as a new military branch; an AI Force may need similar approval.
Trump believes existing criminal and civil laws can handle AI-related risks.
Some tech leaders and lawmakers have called for slowing AI development and adding new rules.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom signed 13 new laws to protect the state’s election process from interference before the upcoming midterm elections. The laws aim to strengthen security and prevent outside influence on how elections are run in California.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a set of 13 bills in Los Angeles.
These laws focus on making elections safer from outside interference.
The new laws are intended for California’s midterm elections.
Newsom has expressed concerns about interference from President Donald Trump’s administration.
The legislation package aims to improve election security measures in the state.
The laws cover different aspects of election administration to prevent tampering.
This move shows California’s effort to protect its voting process from possible outside influence.
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