Doctors have reported a groundbreaking success in treating Huntington’s disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that combines symptoms of dementia, Parkinson’s, and motor neurone disease. A gene therapy trial at University College London slowed disease progression by an average of 75%. This means that a decline expected in one year would now take four, offering patients decades of improved quality of life. The therapy, delivered in a single dose through 12–18 hours of intricate brain surgery, permanently reduces production of the toxic huntingtin protein that kills brain cells. Early treatment may even prevent symptoms from developing. Among 29 trial participants, markers of brain cell death decreased instead of rising, and some patients regained independence: one returned to work after medical retirement. For families like Jack May-Davis’s, who lost his father to Huntington’s and carries the faulty gene himself, the breakthrough brings unprecedented hope. While the treatment will likely be costly, researchers call the results ‘spectacular’ and potentially life-changing.

The long-delayed trial of 'Soldier F’, the only veteran to face charges over the Bloody Sunday shootings in 1972, will proceed after a Belfast judge ruled key statements from fellow soldiers admissible as evidence. Soldier F is accused of murdering James Wray, 22, and William McKinney, 26, and attempting to murder four others during the civil rights march in Londonderry. Judge Patrick Lynch confirmed that contemporaneous statements to the Royal Military Police and the Widgery Tribunal could be used, despite defence claims they were inadmissible. Prosecutors admitted these statements are the only evidence linking Soldier F directly to the shootings. Relatives of the victims welcomed the ruling with relief, while veterans’ groups expressed disappointment, fearing unfair treatment compared to IRA members who escaped prosecution under the Good Friday Agreement. Bloody Sunday saw 13 protesters killed, a defining moment in Northern Ireland’s Troubles, later deemed 'unjustified and unjustifiable' by the Saville Inquiry. Soldier F, who denies the charges, listened from behind a screen as proceedings continued.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has urged the Labour Party to pursue 'wholesale change' to confront what he described as an 'existential threat' to Britain. Speaking ahead of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, Burnham criticised the party’s leadership style under Keir Starmer as 'factional and divisive’. Though often tipped as a future leader, he insisted he was not plotting an immediate return to Westminster, but challenged Labour to present a clear plan to 'turn the country around’. He said he was willing to work with anyone serious about radical reform, citing his efforts to re-nationalise Manchester’s bus network as an example, and suggesting that core services such as housing, energy, water, and rail should return to public ownership. His intervention comes amid political turbulence for Starmer, following Angela Rayner’s resignation over tax errors, the sacking of Peter Mandelson for links to Jeffrey Epstein, and the departure of a senior aide over offensive leaked messages.

The Government’s expansion of free childcare in England, offering thirty hours a week from nine months of age, has been welcomed by some parents but criticised as poorly designed and underfunded. For Alec, a father in Sheffield, the policy reduced his family’s nursery bill by 55%; he calls it the first initiative with immediate positive impact on his life. Yet many providers say the funding does not cover costs, forcing them either to reject places, cap hours, or raise fees for other families. Parents in Oxford, Kent, and Hampshire described waiting lists of more than two years, rising charges, and nurseries unable to offer the full entitlement. Some households not eligible for the scheme reported fee increases of up to 30%, while others reduced working hours or diverted income to qualify. Critics say the expansion risks increasing demand without addressing structural shortages, leaving families with little flexibility and higher costs. While hailed as a major investment, many see the system as unsustainable, a 'sticking plaster' rather than a long-term solution for childcare. See

An Ethiopian asylum-seeker has been jailed for a year after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex. Hadush Kebatu, who had arrived in the UK by small boat just eight days earlier, was found guilty of harassment, two sexual assaults, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempted sexual assault. His arrest sparked protests outside the Bell Hotel, where he had been housed. At Chelmsford magistrates’ court, judge Christopher Williams described the offences as 'disgusting and sickening’, noting the lasting fear inflicted on the schoolgirl, who said she now feels unsafe going out with friends. Kebatu also assaulted a woman who had offered to help him with his CV, placing his hand on her thigh. He is subject to automatic deportation under the UK Borders Act 2007 once his sentence is served. Essex police praised the victims for their bravery in testifying. The case has reignited public concerns over safeguarding, asylum accommodation, and the protection of vulnerable people from predatory behaviour. See also

Days before crucial parliamentary elections, Moldova’s president Maia Sandu has warned that Russian-backed plots are threatening her nation’s independence and European aspirations. Police have arrested 74 people accused of planning violent unrest, seizing weapons and explosives allegedly supplied through Russian training in Serbia. Sandu accused the Kremlin of pouring hundreds of millions of euros into Moldova to spread disinformation, buy votes, and intimidate pro-EU supporters, echoing past meddling during the 2022 EU-accession referendum which was narrowly approved by just 50.4%. Pro-Russian parties deny wrongdoing and claim Sandu is stifling opposition, while Moscow’s SVR intelligence agency countered with disinformation alleging European plans to falsify the vote and occupy Moldova. Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity faces stiff competition, especially in Russian-speaking regions like Gagauzia where many favour closer ties to Moscow. She is calling for high voter turnout, particularly from the diaspora, to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and keep its path toward EU membership.

Thousands of Italian workers and students staged a nationwide general strike and demonstrations on 21 September. Organised by grassroots unions and supported by Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, the walkout disrupted public transport, trains, schools, and ports. Major cities such as Rome and Milan experienced severe transit delays, while sit-ins at Genoa and Livorno ports slowed the movement of goods. The action, which followed a similar strike the previous day, was called to protest about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel’s blockade of aid, and threats against the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. USB, a key union federation, criticised the government and the EU for refusing to impose sanctions on Israel and for maintaining economic ties despite ongoing violence. Rome authorities reported about 20,000 demonstrators at midday near Termini station, though organisers said there were up to 100,000. Meanwhile, Giorgia Meloni’s government faces rising domestic pressure over its stance on the Israel-Hamas war.

Recent protests in Indonesia over economic hardship have coincided with a landmark climate lawsuit filed by four residents of Pulau Pari, a tiny island only three metres above sea level which has already lost 11% of its land. Backed by international organisations, the plaintiffs are suing Swiss cement giant Holcim in a Swiss court, demanding proportional compensation, urgent emission cuts of 43% by 2030, and support for climate adaptation. Pulau Pari’s homes, fishing livelihoods, and freshwater supplies are being threatened by rising seas and saltwater intrusion, with projections suggesting the island could largely disappear by 2050. The case is historic: it seeks to hold a major corporation legally accountable in its own country for climate damages, echoing the International Court of Justice’s call for ‘full reparation’ for climate victims. It highlights the severe inequity facing low-emission coastal communities like Bangladesh. What lies ahead is a whole new discussion, but this case has surely created a path where victims are not defenceless and corporate giants are not untouchable.

On 24 September Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest tropical cyclone globally this year, slammed into Yangjiang, southern China, after killing 17 people in Taiwan and battering Hong Kong with destructive winds and torrential rain. The storm, which reached Category 5 strength with winds over 260 kph before weakening, inundated Hong Kong’s coastal areas, submerging roads and buildings. China’s authorities ordered the evacuation of over two million residents across Guangdong province, and dispatched tens of thousands of tents, folding beds, lighting equipment and other rescue supplies. While Hong Kong kept its stock market open as a sign of infrastructure resilience, authorities warned of continued flooding risks. Experts link Ragasa’s ferocity to climate change and predict stronger typhoons ahead, highlighting the need for urgent climate action and preparedness across vulnerable coastal regions as global temperatures and sea levels rise.

New prime minister Sushila Karki, a former chief justice known for her uncompromising stance against corruption, faces an immense challenge just weeks after taking office. Chosen after huge protests which toppled her predecessor KP Sharma Oli, she has six months to deliver elections and satisfy demands from Nepal’s energised Gen Z movement. Protesters are urging her to arrest senior leaders accused of graft, purge politically connected bureaucrats, and investigate the 74 protest-related deaths. Their support remains conditional, with leaders such as Sudan Gurung warning they will oust her if progress stalls. Karki has pledged an anti-corruption committee and a panel to examine the violence. Yet entrenched party power - especially Oli’s influence as head of the Communist Party - poses obstacles. With youth unemployment above 20% and decades of political instability, Nepal stands at a pivotal moment reminiscent of the 2008 Maoist uprising. Karki must balance swift action and careful diplomacy to prevent renewed turmoil, while proving that democratic reform is possible.