French far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon is popular with many young voters in France, especially those from Generation Z. His supporters like his plans for big social changes, fighting climate change, and backing Palestine. Polls show he might reach the second round of the 2027 presidential election, possibly facing far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.
Key Facts
Jean-Luc Mélenchon is a far-left candidate in the 2027 French presidential election.
Young voters, especially Gen Z, admire his promises for a "citizen's revolution" and wealth redistribution.
He also focuses on fighting climate change and supporting Palestine.
Critics accuse Mélenchon of being too soft on Russia and of antisemitism.
Recent polls suggest he could qualify for the election’s second round.
In the second round, he would likely compete against Marine Le Pen, a far-right candidate.
The article explores why many French young people support Mélenchon despite his controversies.
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St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London received donations from individuals who made money through the transatlantic slave trade. Records show that many wealthy donors linked to slavery helped fund hospitals, churches, and schools in Britain from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Key Facts
St Bartholomew’s is London’s oldest hospital, with walls displaying boards honoring past donors.
Many donors invested in companies involved in enslaving African people between the 1500s and 1800s.
The Register of British Slave Traders tracks investors connected to the transatlantic slave trade.
Around 900 organizations have links to these donors, many of which benefited British society.
At least 50 donors connected to St Bart’s had strong financial ties to slavery.
Sir Jeffrey Jeffreys, a notable donor, funded ships that transported enslaved Africans under harsh conditions.
The 1694 ship Hannibal, linked to Jeffreys, had nearly a 50% death rate among enslaved people during its voyage.
African captives were branded, abused, and many died from disease, starvation, or suicide on these voyages.
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An Israeli human rights group, B’Tselem, released a report saying Israel is carrying out a planned effort to remove Palestinians from the West Bank and replace their presence with permanent Israeli control. The report describes actions like violence, land seizure, movement restrictions, economic harm, and crackdowns on political activity as part of this effort.
Key Facts
B’Tselem calls the plan the “Elimination Project” aimed at erasing Palestinian life in the West Bank.
Since late 2022, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has accelerated these policies.
Between October 2023 and September 2026, at least 1,107 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank.
Over 75 Palestinian communities have been forcibly displaced.
Armed settlers have taken control of more than 1,070,000 dunams (about 1,070 square kilometers) of land in the West Bank.
Around 33,000 Palestinians were displaced from refugee camps in northern West Bank areas.
There are 925 movement obstacles like roadblocks and checkpoints restricting Palestinians.
The West Bank’s unemployment rate rose from 13.1% in 2022 to more than 31% in 2024 due to economic restrictions.
Since October 2023, Israel arrested at least 60 Palestinian journalists in the West Bank.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has canceled his public events for Monday and Tuesday after his father, Roy, passed away. Burnham had previously discussed his father’s Alzheimer’s disease and how it motivated his efforts to improve care for adults in England.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
His father, Roy Burnham, recently died.
Andy Burnham canceled planned public engagements for two days due to this.
Roy Burnham had Alzheimer’s disease, a brain illness affecting memory and thinking.
The PM has spoken before about how his father’s illness inspired changes in adult social care.
Burnham’s father did not know he became Prime Minister in July because of his illness.
The Prime Minister was scheduled to meet business leaders at Downing Street soon.
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Andy Burnham has canceled his public events after the death of his father, Roy, who had Alzheimer’s disease. Burnham had planned to speak at a major conference but is now focusing on family and reflecting on his father’s care.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the prime minister.
His father, Roy, passed away after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Roy Burnham lived in a care home before he died.
Andy Burnham canceled all his engagements for Monday and Tuesday.
He was scheduled to speak at the TUC conference in Brighton on Tuesday.
Burnham shared that his father was unaware of his political success due to Alzheimer’s.
He wants to improve social care, inspired by his experiences with his father’s care.
Burnham praised care workers for their skill and professionalism and supports higher pay for them.
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A flash flood hit northern Nepal on August 26, causing major destruction and loss of life. About 1,400 people have died, and over 5,100 remain missing, including many foreigners. Rescue efforts continue amid difficult conditions, and Nepal is calling for compensation for climate change damage from the international community.
Key Facts
A flash flood struck northern Nepal on August 26, causing widespread damage.
Nearly 1,400 people are confirmed dead; more than 5,130 are still missing.
About 600 missing people are foreign nationals from 35 different countries.
Rescue teams are working to find and identify hundreds of bodies.
Thousands of homes were destroyed, and water and infrastructure were damaged.
Survivors face challenges like finding shelter, medical care, and rebuilding.
Nepal produces very little greenhouse gases but suffers greatly from climate change.
Nepal wants the global community to pay compensation for climate-related losses, not just provide emergency aid.
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The London production of the musical Sunday in the Park With George has been cancelled after stars Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey withdrew from the show. The theatre company said the musical might be produced in 2028 instead.
Key Facts
Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey were set to star in the London revival of Sunday in the Park With George.
The musical was planned to take place at the Barbican theatre in 2027.
Ariana Grande pulled out to take a break from public life after finishing her tour.
Jonathan Bailey also withdrew from the production earlier in September.
The production company, Empire Street Productions, said the 2027 show will not go ahead but they may try to stage it in 2028.
Sunday in the Park With George is a musical inspired by the painting by Georges Seurat.
The original musical was created by American composer Stephen Sondheim and playwright James Lapine and debuted in 1984.
Both Grande and Bailey previously starred together in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked.
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A US embassy staff member accused of having indecent images was removed from the UK without being questioned by British police. The person was flown back to the US under diplomatic protection, which has caused anger among Harry Dunn’s family, whose son was killed in a crash involving a US citizen with diplomatic immunity.
Key Facts
A US embassy worker in London was accused of possessing indecent images.
This person was sent back to the US before British police could question him.
The staffer was not a diplomat but had diplomatic protection.
Charlotte Charles, Harry Dunn’s mother, said this reminded her of her son’s case, where a US citizen left the UK claiming diplomatic immunity.
Harry Dunn died in a crash involving Anne Sacoolas, who left the UK before trial.
The US Embassy is working with UK authorities on the case but expects their staff to follow strict conduct rules.
British police continue to communicate with US officials about the investigation.
Harry Dunn’s family and supporters want the US staffer to face justice in the UK.
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Gulf states have delayed a meeting with Iran about the important Strait of Hormuz because Arab countries could not agree and Saudi Arabia is upset with Iran’s support for Yemeni Houthi rebels. Meanwhile, the situation in Yemen worsened with more attacks on Saudi targets and pipeline closures, causing tensions and rising oil prices.
Key Facts
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries postponed talks with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz due to lack of agreement among Arab states.
Saudi Arabia is angry at Iran for backing Houthi rebels who are weakening Saudi control in Yemen.
Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi military bases, including King Khalid airbase.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq caused Saudi Arabia to shut down an east-west oil pipeline after Iran effectively blocked the Hormuz waterway.
Houthis captured Yemen’s Red Sea coast, gaining control over the Bab al-Mandab strait, another key shipping route.
The delay stopped a potential agreement on a temporary shipping route that would have recognized Iran’s control of the strait.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with the US Central Command chief to discuss regional security.
Iran denies involvement in attacks on the pipeline or Yemen, despite US Gulf military bases being targeted by Iran.
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The far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) party has lost ground in Sweden’s recent election, moving from second to third place and missing a chance to join the government. Although their rise to power has stalled for now, their ideas remain influential in Swedish politics, with many mainstream parties adopting similar views.
Key Facts
The Sweden Democrats (SD) were founded in 1988 and have grown steadily since then.
In 2022, the SD nearly entered government by supporting a right-leaning coalition.
In the latest election, the SD fell from second to third place and may not join the government.
SD’s leader Jimmie Åkesson appeared surprised by the party’s lower vote share.
The party’s support may have shifted some to the Moderates, another right-wing party.
Mainstream parties like the Social Democrats have adopted stricter immigration and crime policies similar to SD’s ideas.
Voter turnout was around 80%, lower than usual for Sweden, which might affect results.
Far-right groups outside parliament continue to grow and spread their ideas despite political changes.
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The number of young British people arrested abroad for smuggling drugs, especially cannabis from Thailand and Southeast Asia, has increased sharply in recent years. Many are recruited by gangs through social media and are unaware of the large amounts of drugs they carry in their luggage, facing severe penalties if caught.
Key Facts
Arrests of young British nationals for drug smuggling abroad rose from about 80 in 2023 to over 340 in 2025.
Most arrests involve cannabis smuggling linked to Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.
Gangs recruit young people by promising free travel or quick money, often through social media.
Some caught have carried suitcases with up to 71 kg of cannabis, which they were told contained clothes or valuables.
Cannabis is a Class B drug in the UK, with penalties up to 14 years in prison and unlimited fines.
Since 2024, about 60% of those arrested were aged 16 to 20.
Overseas penalties for smuggling can include prison, fines, corporal punishment, or the death penalty.
The UK government is running a campaign to warn young people about the risks of carrying luggage for others abroad.
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Yemen’s government forces and the Iran-backed Houthis are fighting mainly in the northern region of Marib and the western city of Taiz. Marib is important because it is the government’s last hold in the north and has major oil and gas fields; if the Houthis take it, it could change the course of the war.
Key Facts
Yemeni government forces have launched air attacks to stop Houthi advances in northern Yemen.
The battle is focused on Marib, the last northern government stronghold with large oil and gas resources.
Control of Marib would give the Houthis more power and revenue, affecting peace negotiations.
Fighting is also intense in Taiz, a strategic city linking northern and southern Yemen, important for moving supplies.
Over 85,000 people have fled their homes due to the fighting; more than 2,000 fled to Djibouti.
Marib hosts over half of Yemen’s internally displaced people, many of whom moved there after losing other areas.
Analysts say losing Marib would be a major defeat for the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
Control of Taiz affects control over transport routes between the north, south, and Red Sea coast.
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The leader of Britain’s trade unions, Paul Nowak, called on the government to stop wealthy people from having too much influence in politics. Union leaders are divided about introducing a cap on political donations after two wealthy cryptocurrency businessmen donated £72 million to Reform UK, a political party.
Key Facts
Paul Nowak, head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said big donations from very rich people threaten democracy.
Two crypto billionaires gave £72 million to Reform UK in just two days.
Some union leaders worry a donation cap might hurt union contributions if a right-wing government limits them.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, supports a donation limit.
Nowak wants no political donations from those not living or paying taxes in Britain.
A bill is before Parliament that would allow overseas British donors to give up to £100,000.
Reform UK’s deputy leader said the party followed donation laws but did not provide details on when the donors returned to Britain.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he thinks capping donations is unfair but questioned why the crypto billionaires support Reform UK.
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Autism is recognized more now than before, but many autistic people still do not get the right support in jobs, education, or care. Autism affects people with very different needs, and treating all cases the same ignores the support many individuals require.
Key Facts
In 2021, the World Health Organization estimated that 1 in 127 people had autism.
Autism includes a wide range of needs, from people who live independently to those who need lifelong care.
Public discussions often focus on autistic people who can speak for themselves, leaving others and their families without enough help.
In the UK, only 34% of working-age disabled people with autism had jobs in 2024–25, compared to 82% of non-disabled people.
Employers may exclude autistic candidates who communicate differently or struggle with interviews, despite talking about acceptance.
Autism diagnosis now groups several conditions, like Asperger’s, under "autism spectrum disorder," which covers very different situations.
This broad diagnosis makes it hard for families, schools, and healthcare to decide what support each person needs.
People at the same support level can have very different challenges, but they often get the same treatment or services.
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A planned meeting to discuss a temporary solution for shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was postponed because Saudi Arabia objected to the proposed agreement between Iran and Oman. Tensions in the region remain high due to attacks on Saudi Arabia and ongoing disputes involving Iran, Oman, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Key Facts
Officials from Iran, Iraq, Oman, and GCC nations except Bahrain were set to meet in Oman to discuss new shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting in Salalah, Oman was postponed without a new date given.
Iran's foreign ministry said Saudi Arabia's objection caused the postponement.
Saudi Arabia submitted changes to the Iran-Oman proposal, concerned the original would create an unacceptable status quo.
Saudi Arabia recently shut down its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks, which US President Trump said were ordered by Iran.
The Houthis, controlling Yemen’s Red Sea coast, claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi military sites in retaliation for air strikes.
Iran says it will only negotiate with the US on the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its naval blockade and returns to a previous agreement.
Iran plans to continue working with Oman on their bilateral deal to manage traffic through the strait despite regional tensions.
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A Russian drone struck a passenger train near the Ukraine-Poland border shortly after a convoy of European diplomats, including former leaders, passed through. EU officials say the attack was meant to intimidate Europe but emphasize their continued support for Ukraine.
Key Facts
A Russian drone attacked a passenger train close to the Ukraine-Poland border.
The train had recently carried European diplomats, including Boris Johnson, David Petraeus, and Carl Bildt.
EU officials say the strike was intended to send a threatening message to Europe.
The EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine, approving a €6.1 billion loan tranche to help Ukraine defend itself.
Over 450 Russian drones and missiles were launched across Ukraine in recent attacks, killing at least six people.
Ukrainian air force intercepted most of the incoming drones and missiles.
Poland’s prime minister warned that Russian attacks might escalate and potentially affect Polish territory.
EU diplomatic talks are ongoing to extend sanctions against thousands of Russians involved in the war.
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Russian forces carried out strikes on a train bound for Warsaw near the Poland-Ukraine border shortly after visits by top Western officials. The European Union's top diplomat said these attacks were intended to frighten countries that support Ukraine.
Key Facts
The strike targeted a train heading to Warsaw near the border between Ukraine and Poland.
The attack happened soon after important Western leaders visited the area.
The EU's highest diplomat suggested the strike aimed to scare Kyiv’s supporters.
Russia used drones as part of its attacks on Ukraine.
Poland warned that the strikes could lead to an escalation of the conflict.
The incident raised concerns about increasing tensions between Russia and Western countries.
The situation contributed to ongoing instability near the Ukraine-Poland border.
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Russia launched a large drone attack against Ukraine, sending 453 drones overnight. One drone flew close to the border with Poland, causing the Polish military to respond with fighter jets and helicopters.
Key Facts
Russia increased its air attacks on Ukraine using many drones.
A total of 453 drones were launched in one night.
One drone landed about 800 meters from the Poland-Ukraine border.
Poland reacted quickly by sending fighter jets and helicopters to intercept.
The drone near Poland raised concerns about possible escalation in the conflict.
The event highlights ongoing tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and neighboring countries.
No information was given about damage or casualties from the drone strikes.
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Saudi Arabia stopped a key oil pipeline after drone attacks damaged it. This pause could make the country run out of oil to export in about a week if the pipeline is not quickly fixed.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia shut its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks on Friday.
The attacks likely came from Iranian-backed militant groups in Iraq.
The pipeline moves 4 million barrels of oil per day to Yanbu port on the Red Sea.
The pipeline helps bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which is closed due to the war involving Iran.
Repairs could take up to six weeks to complete.
Without the pipeline, Saudi Arabia can only export oil for 5 to 7 more days.
The pipeline shutdown could threaten about 4% of the world’s oil supply.
Saudi officials have not said how bad the damage is or how long the pipeline will be down.
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Authorities in Zambia have warned people not to eat meat from dead wild animals after at least 60 animals died in an anthrax outbreak. Twelve people who ate this meat have been infected and are receiving treatment, but no human deaths have been reported.
Key Facts
Dozens of wild animals, including hippos, elephants, buffalo, and a crocodile, died from anthrax in Muchinga province.
Twelve people were infected after eating meat from these dead animals.
Officials advise against eating, selling, or handling meat from animals that die suddenly or from unknown causes.
Hunting in the affected area has been temporarily stopped while tests continue.
Anthrax is caused by bacteria that can live in soil for many years and mainly affects grazing animals.
Humans can get anthrax by touching or eating contaminated animal products.
Previous major anthrax outbreaks in Zambia happened in 2011 and 2023, with some human deaths reported.
Authorities are working to find out how far the current outbreak has spread through surveillance and lab testing.
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