Becky Gilmour is skateboarding across Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way to raise awareness about suicide after losing a friend to it. She started her journey in June and plans to finish by December, covering a distance of 1,553 miles. Along the way, she is visiting schools and creating murals to spread hope.
Key Facts
Becky Gilmour is from Banbridge and is skateboarding across the Wild Atlantic Way.
The journey spans 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) from County Cork to County Donegal.
Becky started in June and aims to complete the trip by December.
She is raising awareness about suicide following the loss of a friend.
Becky travels 20 to 60 kilometers (12 to 37 miles) daily and shares her experiences on social media.
She has stopped to visit schools and is leaving murals in each county.
Locals sometimes offer her food and accommodations during her journey.
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President Donald Trump mentioned he might meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his trip to Asia, but no meeting is confirmed yet. He will visit Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea for trade talks, and he is expected to meet with China's President Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
President Trump is visiting Asia for trade discussions and international meetings.
He expressed openness to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
There is no confirmed plan for a meeting with Kim Jong Un during this trip.
Trump will attend the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, aiming to sign a trade deal.
He plans to meet Japan's first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, in Tokyo.
The main focus of the trip is the APEC summit in South Korea, where Trump will meet China's President Xi Jinping.
Trump's previous meetings with Kim Jong Un focused on nuclear diplomacy, but no current talks are scheduled.
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The article discusses the urgent medical needs of children and other patients in Gaza who are unable to leave for treatment due to border restrictions. A ceasefire has allowed some medical evacuations, but the World Health Organization (WHO) is pushing for more, highlighting Israel's control over key border crossings. Israel has kept the Gaza border with Egypt closed, linking its reopening to conditions under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Key Facts
Gaza hospitals are overwhelmed and lack adequate facilities after two years of war.
Approximately 15,000 patients in Gaza require urgent medical evacuations, according to the WHO.
A limited number of patients have been evacuated to hospitals abroad since the ceasefire began.
The WHO wants to increase medical evacuations, including through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.
Israel has kept the Rafah crossing closed, pending conditions related to the ceasefire with Hamas.
The WHO head and EU officials have called for allowing Gazan patients to receive treatment in the West Bank.
Some patients have already been taken to Jordan for medical care since the ceasefire through another crossing.
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President Donald Trump is on a nearly week-long trip to Asia. He plans to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as well as leaders from Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, to discuss trade and other issues. The trip occurs amidst ongoing trade tensions and a government shutdown in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump is visiting Asia for a week, with stops in Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.
A key meeting will be with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the APEC summit in Korea.
The U.S. has unresolved trade agreements with Japan and Korea.
There are increased trade tensions between the U.S. and China, but Trump is hopeful for a deal.
Trump will oversee a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia.
Trump will meet Japan's new prime minister and is set to discuss trade with Korea.
South Korea is led by new President Lee Jae Myung, and recent agreements include potential investments in the U.S.
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President Donald Trump's approach to Latin America involves ending aid to countries like Colombia, aligning with right-wing leaders, and using symbolic actions such as renaming bodies of water. His strategy is influenced by older U.S. policies and aims to create unpredictable situations for negotiation advantages.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to stop all U.S. aid to Colombia.
He posted on Truth Social, calling Colombian President Gustavo Petro an "illegal drug leader."
The Trump administration supported right-wing leaders like Argentina's Javier Milei and El Salvador's Nayib Bukele.
Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil, supporting former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Trump's strategy is compared to the Monroe Doctrine, which involves U.S. dominance in Latin America.
His actions include renaming the Gulf of Mexico and imposing sanctions for symbolic reasons.
Experts suggest his policies mimic older American doctrines and focus on personal and ideological goals.
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Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has taken a strict stance on immigration. She has proposed tighter immigration controls and discussed concerns about foreign residents and tourists. Japan faces challenges with a shrinking workforce and increasing foreigner population.
Key Facts
Sanae Takaichi is Japan's 104th and first female prime minister.
Takaichi is part of the conservative wing of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
Japan is dealing with labor shortages as its birth rate is low and its population ages.
Foreign residents make up about 3% of Japan's population in 2024.
Japan has seen a 48% increase in tourism in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Takaichi plans to crack down on illegal immigration and visa overstays.
She has appointed Kimi Onoda, who is strict on immigration, to a key ministerial role.
Official statistics show that crime among foreigners in Japan has been declining for over a decade.
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The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean as part of a campaign against drug trafficking. This move includes deploying troops, warships, and aircraft, and conducting attacks on Venezuelan vessels accused of drug trafficking. However, President Trump stated that these actions do not amount to a declaration of war on Venezuela.
Key Facts
The U.S. has placed thousands of military personnel, along with warships and aircraft, in the Caribbean since August.
Military bases in Puerto Rico have been reopened, and military drills have been conducted in the region.
The U.S. carried out at least ten deadly strikes on Venezuelan boats since September, resulting in at least 43 deaths.
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) oversees these operations, focusing on counter-narcotics efforts.
President Trump authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela and has considered a land attack.
The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of several Navy ships, forms a core part of this military presence.
The operations raise questions about the legality of U.S. actions in international waters.
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President Donald Trump is visiting Asia, but a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is not planned during his trip. However, President Trump has said he is open to the idea of meeting Kim in the future.
Key Facts
President Trump is on a trip to Asia but does not have a meeting scheduled with Kim Jong Un.
A senior U.S. official confirmed that no meeting with Kim is planned during this visit.
President Trump expressed a willingness to meet with Kim at some point in the future.
South Korea’s unification minister mentioned a significant possibility of a meeting between Trump and Kim.
President Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip.
Trump will start his Asia trip in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN summit.
Trump and Kim met three times during Trump's first term as president.
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Ivorians will vote in a presidential election on October 25, while tensions are high due to President Alassane Ouattara's decision to seek a fourth term, which some argue is against constitutional limits. The country has a past of election-related violence, and key opposition figures like Tidjane Thiam are barred from running, raising concerns about potential unrest.
Key Facts
Ivorians will vote on October 25 in a presidential election.
President Alassane Ouattara is running for a fourth term despite a constitutional two-term limit.
Ouattara argues that a 2016 constitutional change reset the term limit.
Ivory Coast is a major producer of cocoa and cashew nuts and is the second-largest economy in West Africa.
The capital is Yamoussoukro, but the commercial center is Abidjan.
The official language is French, with several indigenous languages spoken.
There is a history of electoral violence in the country, including a deadly conflict in 2011.
Key opposition figures such as Tidjane Thiam have been barred from the election.
Around 8.7 million Ivorians are registered to vote, though turnout is usually low.
Over 44,000 police and military personnel are deployed to ensure security during the election.
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Two men in the UK received long jail sentences for leading arson attacks backed by the Russian Wagner Group. They are the first to be convicted under the UK's National Security Act, aiming to counter foreign threats. The attacks caused significant damage and were part of a broader alleged Russian campaign of espionage and sabotage in the UK.
Key Facts
Dylan Earl and Jake Reeves were sentenced for arson attacks in the UK, supported by the Russian Wagner Group.
Earl received a 17-year sentence plus six years on extended license.
Reeves got a 12-year sentence plus one year on extended license for recruiting others for attacks.
The UK's National Security Act was used to convict them; it was introduced in 2023 to handle foreign threats.
The arson attack caused about one million pounds of damage to a warehouse with aid for Ukraine.
Evidence against Earl included videos of the fire and communication with Wagner members via Telegram.
Three other men were previously sentenced for their involvement in the warehouse fire.
UK authorities claim Russia is increasing espionage and sabotage activities in the country.
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President Donald Trump's trade policies are affecting Southeast Asia's economy. New US tariffs are challenging the region, which is trying to balance its relationships with both the US and China.
Key Facts
In 2018, President Trump's trade war with China led manufacturers to move to Southeast Asia to avoid tariffs.
The region benefited from new investments and technology due to the "China Plus One" strategy.
Since President Trump returned to office, new US tariffs have put pressure on Southeast Asia's export-driven economies.
In April, tariffs of up to 49% were imposed on countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, although some tariffs have since decreased.
A 40% tariff on "transshipments," goods routed through Southeast Asia to avoid tariffs on Chinese products, was announced.
The Asian Development Bank lowered its 2025 growth forecast for Southeast Asia due to these trade challenges.
Chinese exports to Southeast Asia have been increasing, while exports to the US have decreased.
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On October 25, 2025, a grenade explosion at a train station in Ovruch, Ukraine, killed four people, including the attacker, and injured 12. Various military events occurred in Ukraine, including shelling and drone attacks. In diplomatic and military aid developments, several countries, including France and the United States, have pledged additional support to Ukraine.
Key Facts
A grenade attack at a train station in Ovruch, Ukraine, killed three women and the attacker, and injured 12 more.
Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region killed two people and damaged apartment buildings.
Ukrainian shelling in a Russian-controlled area of Kherson killed two people.
Russian forces captured a village in the Donetsk region and reportedly shot down 111 Ukrainian drones.
France announced new military aid to Ukraine, including sending missiles and aircraft.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for more sanctions on Russian oil companies, with support from other European leaders.
Finnish Prime Minister suggested that President Trump should provide more weapons to Ukraine.
Regional security tensions rose with Lithuania and Croatia taking measures due to the ongoing conflict.
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Thailand's Queen Mother, Sirikit, who was the wife of the late King Bhumibol and the mother of the current king, has died at 93. She passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital after dealing with health issues, including a blood infection.
Key Facts
Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand has died at the age of 93.
She is the mother of the current Thai King, Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Queen Sirikit was the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in 2016.
Sirikit suffered from various health problems in recent years.
She had a blood infection since October 17.
The royal family is highly respected in Thailand, with their images commonly displayed in public and private spaces.
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Newspapers report on a sex offender mistakenly released from a UK prison, prompting a police search. There are also updates on discussions about Prince Andrew leaving the Royal Lodge, and concerns about the Labour Party's election performance in Wales. Additionally, President Trump has announced new tariffs on China and paused trade talks with Canada.
Key Facts
A former asylum seeker, who is a sex offender, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford in the UK.
The UK justice secretary has ordered an urgent investigation into the prison release error.
Police are actively searching for the released offender, last seen boarding a train in Chelmsford.
Prince Andrew is in talks to potentially leave the Royal Lodge amid ongoing public scrutiny.
The Labour Party faced a significant by-election defeat in Caerphilly, Wales.
President Trump announced plans for new tariffs on China and paused trade talks with Canada.
President Trump is set to attend a summit in South Korea with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Former Queen Sirikit of Thailand died at the age of 93. She passed away in a Bangkok hospital after having health issues since 2019. Queen Sirikit was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's longest-reigning monarch, and was the mother of the current king, King Vajiralongkorn.
Key Facts
Queen Sirikit died at 93 in a Bangkok hospital.
She was the mother of Thailand's current King Vajiralongkorn.
Queen Sirikit had been suffering from multiple illnesses since 2019.
She was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej for over 60 years.
Queen Sirikit had a stroke in 2012, limiting her public appearances.
She met King Bhumibol while in Paris, where her father was the Thai ambassador.
Their wedding took place on 28 April 1950.
Her birthday is celebrated as Mother's Day in Thailand due to her role as a maternal figure.
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Bill Gates made a special appearance on an Indian TV drama to discuss maternal and child health. The show, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," features former minister Smriti Irani and is popular in India. The Gates Foundation works with Indian states to improve health outcomes in mothers and children.
Key Facts
Bill Gates appeared on a popular Hindi TV show to talk about maternal and child health.
The show's leading actress, Smriti Irani, is a former Indian minister.
The Gates Foundation collaborates with the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to reduce infant and maternal mortality.
Health improvements have been recorded in these states, but challenges still exist.
"Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" first aired in 2000 and recently returned to television.
The show has a wide audience in India, making it an effective platform for health messages.
Gates' cameo involved a video call scene with the character Tulsi, played by Irani.
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Britney Spears and her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, have differing views on past events, as revealed in their recent memoirs. Spears reflects on the 2007 incident when she shaved her head under public scrutiny and the 13-year conservatorship she was under. Federline offers his perspective on their tumultuous relationship and the conservatorship, which he supported.
Key Facts
In 2007, Britney Spears shaved her head during a public breakdown and felt pressured by paparazzi.
Spears and Kevin Federline were involved in a public custody battle for their two sons.
Spears published a memoir, "The Woman In Me", sharing her experiences and criticisms of her conservatorship.
Kevin Federline released a book, "You Thought You Knew", offering his side of their relationship and family struggles.
Spears was under a court-ordered conservatorship from 2008 to 2021, controlled by her father.
Spears claims the conservatorship made her feel like a "shadow" of herself but went along for her sons' sake.
Federline argues the conservatorship was necessary for Spears' well-being, though he found it hard to watch her struggles.
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The article discusses how people in the UK cope with longer nights during winter, especially as the clocks go back. It highlights the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects over a million people in the UK, and outlines ways to manage its symptoms, including the use of light therapy.
Key Facts
When clocks go back, parts of the UK, like Scotland's northern isles, experience very short days with only about six hours of daylight.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression that becomes more common during winter months due to shorter daylight hours.
SAD can cause symptoms like low mood, irritability, and sleepiness during the day.
Professor Norman Rosenthal first identified SAD in the early 1980s and introduced light therapy as a treatment.
People in rural areas or on islands might find winter more challenging due to limited access to support.
In Orkney, therapeutic lamps and resources are provided to help people cope with SAD.
The resources include 'Wintering Well' boxes with lamps, activity guides, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) materials.
Learning from Scandinavian countries, a focus is placed on creating cozy and comforting interior light environments to help manage SAD.
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The TikTok Awards highlight various content creators from the UK, including Coco Sarel and Henry Rowley, who have gained large followings on the platform. These awards celebrate individuals from diverse categories like comedy, education, and beauty. Nominees have together amassed over 83 million followers.
Key Facts
The second annual TikTok Awards honor creators that shape online culture in the UK.
72 nominees are in 12 different categories, including comedy, education, and food.
Coco Sarel is known for her informal style and has over one million TikTok followers.
Henry Rowley, recognized for comedy sketches, also has over a million followers.
Nominees collectively have more than 83 million followers.
Sarel has performed live at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.
Both creators face challenges such as transitioning to live performances and dealing with social media criticism.
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In Ireland, the vote count for the presidential election is starting soon. Citizens voted to choose the 10th president to succeed Michael D. Higgins, with the main candidates being Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys. Ballot boxes open at 9 AM local time on Saturday, and results will be announced at Dublin Castle later that evening.
Key Facts
The election aims to select the 10th president of Ireland, replacing Michael D. Higgins.
Two main candidates are running: Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys.
Jim Gavin, who withdrew too late to be removed from the ballot, is the third candidate.
Voting turnout may be low, similar to the 2018 record low of just under 40%.
Catherine Connolly, from Galway, is an independent backed by left-wing parties.
Heather Humphreys, from Monaghan, is the Fine Gael candidate with a background in senior government roles.
The count will take place in 43 constituencies, with results expected in Dublin Castle.
Approximately 3.6 million people were entitled to vote in this election.
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