Eleven-year-old Yuki Kurihara from Japan won the gold medal in the Puyo Puyo Champions e-sports event at the Asian Games. He is one of the youngest competitors and beat much older players to win the prize in front of a home crowd.
Key Facts
Yuki Kurihara is 11 years old and from Japan.
He won gold in the Puyo Puyo Champions puzzle game at the Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Kurihara beat opponents up to 28 years old, including a 10-2 win in the final match.
Puyo Puyo is a game where players clear colored blobs by matching them.
Kurihara obtained his professional gaming license earlier in the year.
He balances school and gaming and has been competing since his first year of primary school.
He is believed to be the youngest athlete in Japan’s Asian Games history.
Previous youngest medallists at the Asian Games include a 12-year-old skateboarder from Indonesia.
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Bangkok has declared a flood emergency after two days of heavy rain caused severe flooding and submerged many roads. People living near canals have been told to move their belongings to safer places, and rain is expected to continue, increasing the risk of more flooding.
Key Facts
Bangkok experienced heavy rainfall for 48 hours, overwhelming the city's drainage system.
All 50 districts of Bangkok are now emergency zones due to flooding.
Roads in the city are underwater, causing traffic problems.
People near canals have been advised to move belongings to higher floors.
So far, no deaths have been reported from the current floods in Bangkok.
The city's governor said the east side is the hardest hit area.
The rain is forecasted to continue through the week.
Flooding is worse than in 2011, a year when Thailand had severe floods with many deaths nationwide.
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Pope Leo XIV is holding a large open-air Mass in Paris at Place de la Concorde, with around 600,000 people expected to attend. The event is part of his visit to France and draws crowds along the Champs-Élysées avenue.
Key Facts
The Mass takes place outdoors at Place de la Concorde in Paris.
About 600,000 people are expected to attend the Mass.
The event is happening on the last day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Paris.
Crowds are spread along the Champs-Élysées, a major avenue in the city.
The Pope’s visit includes messages about technology and youth engagement.
The Mass is a significant religious gathering for the Catholic Church in France.
This is part of the Pope’s efforts to connect with young Catholics and the public.
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Meals on Wheels Jersey delivers hot meals to about 100 people four days a week. Rising fuel costs make it harder for them to find new volunteer drivers since volunteers have to pay for their own fuel.
Key Facts
Meals on Wheels Jersey helps people who cannot cook by delivering meals.
The group received £38,000 from the Jersey Community Foundation to support its work.
About 100 people receive meals each week, delivered four days a week.
The organization is run completely by volunteers, with no paid staff.
Fuel costs are making it difficult to recruit new volunteer drivers.
Volunteers often drive long distances, sometimes twice across the island daily.
Most volunteers are retired people, some with limited pensions.
People who get the meals pay £5, which covers the cost of the food.
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Heavy rains have caused serious flooding in Bangkok, Thailand. The city’s governor has officially declared the area a disaster zone due to the damage and danger from the floods.
Key Facts
Bangkok has experienced nearly 300 millimeters (about 11.8 inches) of rain over several days.
Floodwaters have covered many roads, making travel difficult and stranding some vehicles.
More rain is expected to fall in the coming days, possibly worsening the flooding.
The governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, declared the city a disaster-affected area.
Videos show the extent of flooding, with streets submerged under water.
The situation is ongoing and being monitored by local authorities.
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At the United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron gave very different speeches about the future of the world. Trump focused on U.S. power and threats against Iran, while Macron defended international law, fairness, and cooperation among countries.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about U.S. military and economic strength and threatened harsh action in the war with Iran.
President Macron criticized ideas that might makes right and defended a world ruled by international rules and fairness.
Macron pointed out that Western countries often apply double standards to different regions, like Europe versus the Middle East or Africa.
Macron has supported European independence in security and politics, saying Europe should not fully rely on the U.S. for defense.
Macron’s calls for European reforms have mostly failed due to opposition and political challenges within Europe.
The current international order guided by rules has been breaking down since Trump took office in early 2021.
Macron’s recent domestic political troubles in France have limited his influence internationally.
This speech was Macron’s last at the UN before he steps down as French president next spring.
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Families in Gaza are living in damaged and unsafe buildings after many homes were destroyed during the recent war with Israel. Many people cannot leave these dangerous places because there are few options for safe shelter and rebuilding is very slow and expensive.
Key Facts
The war between Israel and Gaza caused heavy damage to homes in Gaza.
Over 370,000 housing units, or about 77% of Gaza's homes, are damaged or destroyed.
Rebuilding Gaza’s homes will cost more than $71 billion over the next ten years.
Some buildings in Gaza are unstable and have partially collapsed, causing deaths.
Residents, like Masada Abu Jarad, live in partly ruined homes and have no safe places to move.
Local authorities and aid groups have warned people to leave dangerous buildings.
Many families have been forced to move several times because their homes were destroyed.
The ongoing conflict and restrictions have stopped proper rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
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U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says less support for Israel in the U.S. is because many people lack knowledge of the Bible. He also blames false information and dislike for religious beliefs. Polls show that many Americans have a negative view of Israel, and some accuse Israel of serious crimes, which Israel and its leaders deny.
Key Facts
Mike Huckabee is the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
He believes declining support in the U.S. for Israel is due to “biblical illiteracy” (not knowing the Bible).
Huckabee also blames false information and hatred of religious beliefs for changing views.
He denies claims that Israel committed genocide or practices apartheid.
A Pew Research poll found 65% of white evangelicals have a positive view of Israel, but 60% of all U.S. adults view Israel negatively.
An AP-NORC poll showed more Americans believe Israel committed genocide in Gaza than do not, with many unsure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized new New York officials who are critical of Israel and said some Jewish residents feel unsafe.
New York politician Zohran Mamdani opposes hatred but supports international legal action against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.
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Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said the party must bring progressive voters back together to win the next UK election. She highlighted the need to unite those who have drifted to smaller left-leaning parties and offered plans to expand anti-harassment education in schools.
Key Facts
Lucy Powell is Labour’s deputy leader and won the position 12 months ago.
Labour aims to reunite progressive voters, including those who have supported Reform UK, the Greens, SNP, or Plaid Cymru.
Labour’s poll ratings have improved, making the next election competitive.
Powell believes Labour needs to clearly show its values to win back voters who have lost faith.
Labour plans to expand anti-harassment work in schools to better address misogyny and online abuse.
Schools will be asked to include healthy relationships and a sense of belonging throughout their culture, not just in lessons.
Labour is prepared to speak more openly about workers’ rights and free childcare hours.
The next UK general election is expected in 2029, according to the prime minister.
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Andy Burnham is preparing for challenges after the Labour party conference, including economic difficulties, international tensions from the war in Iran, and political contests at home. Key issues ahead include managing the national budget, improving relations with the European Union, competing with the Green party in a by-election, and decisions on oil and gas drilling.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Labour leader making his first speech at the party conference in Liverpool.
The UK faces economic pressures due to the Iran war raising energy prices and causing inflation.
The government’s budget announcement is due on 28 October, with limited ability to increase spending or cut taxes.
Energy prices could rise significantly in January, with a decision on fuel duty freeze expected by year-end.
Talks on improving trade ties with the European Union are expected in early November, following Brexit-related challenges.
A key election on 8 October in Holborn and St Pancras will test Labour’s ability to win back voters from the Green party.
The government is considering new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea but has delayed decisions on two projects.
Some Labour members want wealth taxes to help public finances, but promises have been made not to raise income tax or VAT.
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New reports reveal conflicts within India’s Election Commission about changes to the voter list that removed over 13 million names, mostly affecting poorer and minority groups. Two commissioners opposed the chief commissioner’s decisions, raising doubts about the fairness of elections in the world’s largest democracy.
Key Facts
India’s Election Commission manages elections for over 1.4 billion people.
The commission has three members: Chief Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
Since June 2025, the commission removed more than 13 million names from voter lists.
Critics say these removals mostly affected vulnerable groups like poor people and minorities.
Sandhu and Joshi objected at least 14 times to Kumar’s decisions, calling some actions illegal and unauthorized.
Opposition parties say changes help Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party and challenge the commission’s independence.
The Supreme Court approved the voter list revisions despite opposition concerns.
Voting rights in India also affect eligibility for government welfare programs.
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Heavy rain over two days has caused serious flooding in Bangkok, Thailand. Authorities have issued red alerts in the hardest-hit areas to warn people of the danger and manage the situation.
Key Facts
Bangkok experienced continuous heavy rain for 48 hours.
The rain caused widespread flooding across the city.
Traffic was severely disrupted due to the floods.
Thai authorities issued red alerts for areas most affected by the flooding.
The alerts aim to help people stay safe and respond quickly to emergencies.
Floodwaters have impacted daily life and transportation in Bangkok.
Officials are monitoring the situation closely to provide assistance and manage risks.
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Bangkok declared a flood disaster after nearly 300 millimeters of rain fell in less than two days, causing canals to overflow and streets to flood. The city governor said the situation is stabilizing and urged people to stay home while officials work to drain the water.
Key Facts
More than 300 millimeters of rain fell in Bangkok in under 48 hours.
Canals overflowed, flooding streets, homes, shops, and restaurants.
The flood disaster was declared across all 50 districts of Bangkok.
Around 980 people are staying in temporary shelters; 36 bed-ridden individuals were moved to hospitals.
Bangkok’s canals are full, limiting drainage capacity; pumping stations are working at maximum.
The governor said if no more rain falls, floodwaters will take 2-3 days to drain.
Officials are working with nearby provinces to help drain water out of the city.
Roads are flooded, causing transport disruptions, but food shortages are not expected.
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A U.S. official said that President Donald Trump has a strong position in talks with Iran. Representatives from both countries met during the United Nations General Assembly, but they have not reached an agreement yet.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is involved in talks with Iran.
The talks include officials from both the U.S. and Iran.
The meetings happened on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
A U.S. State Department spokesman named Tommy Pigott made statements about the talks.
Tommy Pigott said that President Trump "holds all of the cards," meaning the U.S. is in a strong position.
So far, no official deal has been reached between the U.S. and Iran.
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Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States agrees to certain conditions. Talks between Iran and the U.S. are ongoing with the help of mediators during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as leaders in the region consider the wider impacts of the conflict.
Key Facts
Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz in seven days.
The reopening depends on the U.S. meeting Iran’s conditions.
The proposal was made during the UN General Assembly meetings.
Negotiations are happening through mediators, not direct talks.
Regional leaders are concerned about the broader consequences of the war affecting the area.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
The conflict mentioned relates to tensions affecting regional security and trade routes.
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Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won the most seats in the recent parliamentary election but did not get enough to control the government alone. PAM will need to team up with other parties to form a ruling coalition. The voter turnout was low, and the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) increased its seats but will stay in opposition.
Key Facts
PAM won 97 out of 395 seats in Morocco’s House of Representatives.
A majority requires 198 seats, so PAM does not have enough to govern alone.
King Mohammed VI must appoint a prime minister from the party with the most seats.
The PJD increased its seats from 13 in 2021 to 54 but will remain in opposition.
PAM is likely to form a coalition with the monarchist Istiqlal party and others.
Voter turnout was 38%, one of the lowest since 1999.
Potential prime ministers from PAM include Fouzi Lekjaa and Fatima Ezzahra Mansouri.
Mansouri could become the first female prime minister of Morocco if chosen.
The new government will manage investments related to Morocco cohosting the 2030 World Cup.
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Yemen’s government has offered an amnesty to Houthi rebels who decide to leave their group. President Rashad al-Alimi also urged Yemeni citizens to join the armed forces as fighting continues near an important sea passage.
Key Facts
Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi offered amnesty to Houthi rebels who defect.
The Houthis are supported by Iran.
The Yemeni government is calling for more citizens to join the armed forces.
Fighting has increased recently near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key shipping route.
The amnesty aims to encourage Houthi fighters to leave the conflict.
The government controls part of Yemen, while the Houthis control other areas.
The conflict has caused a long and ongoing war in Yemen.
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Leaders met at the United Nations to discuss peace efforts, but ongoing wars continue. Experts are questioning what diplomacy can accomplish while fighting and bombings are happening.
Key Facts
Leaders gathered at the United Nations to talk about peace.
Wars and bombings are still ongoing despite diplomatic talks.
Al Jazeera reporter Emma Withrow interviewed Al Anoud Al Thani, a Middle East expert.
The interview focused on what diplomacy can realistically achieve during active conflicts.
The article highlights the challenge of making peace when violence continues.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has banned all online gambling and sports betting just days before the presidential election. The ban must be approved by Congress within 120 days to remain in effect, and it aims to stop gambling addiction and its negative effects on families.
Key Facts
Lula signed a provisional order banning online casinos and sports betting in Brazil.
Online gambling was legalized in Brazil in 2018 but has led to household income losses due to addiction.
The ban comes ahead of Brazil’s presidential election, where Lula is running for a fourth term.
Lula said online gambling grew without proper rules during the previous Bolsonaro administration.
The new ban needs congressional approval within 120 days to stay valid.
Lula described gambling addiction as harmful and mentioned families selling their possessions because of it.
Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula’s main opponent and son of former President Bolsonaro, criticized the ban as politically motivated.
Most types of gambling were already illegal in Brazil except for online betting, which became very popular.
A recent survey shows nearly 60% of Brazilian adults support banning internet betting.
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Yemeni leader Rashad al-Alimi asked citizens to join the Saudi-backed government forces to fight the Houthi rebels, who recently gained control of parts of the western Red Sea coast. He also offered an amnesty, or official forgiveness, to any Houthi fighters who leave the group and join the government forces.
Key Facts
Rashad al-Alimi is the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, the country’s governing body.
Houthis have pushed forward toward the important Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key shipping route.
The Yemeni government wants to regain control of Sana’a, the capital taken by the Houthis in 2014.
Al-Alimi called for general and national mobilization, urging people to join security and armed forces.
He offered an immediate amnesty to Houthi fighters who defect, following legal procedures.
Military leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan met as part of a defense agreement called the Mecca Pact amid ongoing conflict.
The Saudi-led coalition intercepted missiles and drones launched by Houthis toward Saudi territory on March 29-30, 2026.
This speech and call to arms coincided with the 64th anniversary of Yemen’s 1962 military coup, which started a long civil war.
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