US judge temporarily blocks Trump's planned Washington arch after federal approval
A federal judge has temporarily blocked construction of President Donald Trump's planned 250-foot arch in Washington, hours after a federal planning body approved the project. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered a 14-day pause before any work can begin, preventing the administration from starting construction this week as it had hoped. The ruling adds an immediate legal hurdle to a project that has already drawn strong opposition.Earlier on Thursday, the National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 to allow the arch to go ahead after nearly nine hours of public comment. Supporters on the commission said the structure would be a... [Continue Reading]
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Global tech shares fall after US midterm results fuel fears of tighter AI regulation
Asian technology shares fell sharply on Friday after a Wall Street sell-off triggered by fears that Democrats' victory in this week's US midterm elections could lead to tighter regulation of artificial intelligence. Trading in Seoul and Tokyo led the declines, with investors moving away from a sector that had helped push markets to record highs earlier this year. The sell-off also reflected concern that political pressure on data centre development could slow the pace of AI investment.The immediate market reaction followed a broad drop in US equities, where the Nasdaq fell 5.5% in its worst percentage decline since April last... [Continue Reading]
Trump's planned Washington arch wins federal approval amid protest threats
Construction of President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch in Washington has won federal approval, despite public opposition and the prospect of legal challenges. The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 on Thursday to allow the 250-foot, 72-metre structure to go ahead. The project is intended to stand near Arlington National Cemetery and has already drawn criticism from opponents who say it would affect views of the cemetery.The commission's approval came after nearly nine hours of public comment. Trump administration officials have said construction could begin as early as this week, although the timing remains uncertain because several lawsuits are seeking... [Continue Reading]
Israeli settlers seize eight Palestinian homes in Jericho, displacing dozens
The United Nations has condemned the seizure of eight Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho, saying the takeover forced dozens of residents to flee. The incident took place in Ein a-Duyuk a-Tahta, on the outskirts of Jericho, on Wednesday afternoon. According to the UN, the settlers assaulted residents during the takeover and used live ammunition.UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the settlers also threw stones and physically assaulted Palestinian residents, prompting families to leave for their own safety. He said some of those displaced now lack adequate shelter. The Israeli military has since declared... [Continue Reading]
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Qantas warns of fare rises and 4% domestic flight cuts as fuel prices stay elevated
Qantas has said it will raise fares and cut domestic capacity as it continues to face higher fuel costs linked to the Middle East war. The airline said domestic flights across Qantas and Jetstar will be reduced by a total of 4% in 2027. It also said it expects fuel prices to remain high through the new financial year.In a market update released on Friday morning ahead of its annual general meeting, the carrier said it would continue to adjust fares and capacity in response to higher fuel costs. Qantas said it expects fuel costs of A$3.8 billion for the... [Continue Reading]
EU and Western Balkans forum in Budva focuses on cybercrime, migration and sanctions
EU and Western Balkan ministers met on 5-6 November 2026 in Budva, Montenegro, for the annual EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs. Ireland's Minister for Justice, Migration and Home Affairs Jim O'Callaghan represented the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, alongside European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath. Representatives of the incoming Lithuanian and Greek presidencies, as well as the European External Action Service, also attended. The meeting highlighted a shared commitment on justice and home affairs and focused heavily on the online dimension of internal security. Participants discussed preventing and combating online child sexual abuse,... [Continue Reading]
Zelenskyy appeals in Madrid for urgent help to repair Ukraine's power grid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to Latin American leaders for urgent help to repair Ukraine's power grid, saying the country needs equipment and diplomatic support as Russian attacks continue. He made the appeal at the 30th Ibero-American summit in Madrid on Thursday. Zelenskyy said every power plant in Ukraine has been damaged in one way or another by attacks.He asked for supplies that can work with Ukraine's electricity system, including transformers, power cables, electronic equipment, diesel generators and gas generators. Zelenskyy said the help was needed quickly and urged leaders to support direct links with companies that can provide... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo Opens Under Pressure as Nikkei and Kospi Extend Sharp Selloff, While Hong Kong Rallies and Gold Surges
Executive summary: Tokyo and broader Asia-Pacific trading opened with a stark split, as Japan and South Korea were hit by heavy selling while Hong Kong advanced strongly. The Nikkei 225 fell -9.6% and the Kospi dropped -13.9%, while the Hang Seng rose +8.0%. Safe-haven demand was visible in gold, which climbed above $4,098, alongside gains in silver, platinum and palladium, even as WTI crude eased and the yen weakened slightly against the dollar. [Continue Reading]
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Turkiye ratifies Saudi-Pakistan defence pact as collective defence clause takes effect
Turkiye's parliament has ratified the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, formally bringing the pact into force on the Turkish side. The agreement includes a collective defence clause and language committing the signatories to use "all necessary means" if one of them is attacked. The vote adds a new security dimension to Turkiye's regional role at a time of continuing tensions in the Middle East.Lawmakers approved the pact on Thursday after a divided vote in the 592-seat chamber, with 279 in favour and 119 against, while 398 members took part. The parliament had already adopted Article 1... [Continue Reading]
Trump says Russia-Ukraine deal is close as Abu Dhabi talks approach
US President Donald Trump said a Russia-Ukraine agreement could be close after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, at the White House. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he believed the sides were "very close" to settling the war, but he declined to give details of his conversation. He also said any agreement could involve "more than Ukraine" and might extend to "all of Europe".The comments came after a diplomatic gathering hosted by First Lady Melania Trump that brought Russian and Ukrainian representatives together in Washington. That event was linked to a six-day local truce in... [Continue Reading]
Trump frames election reaction as a market shock and promises a stronger rebound
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The Stock Market suffered one of the Worst Days in History based on the results of the Election. It took so much work to get us to a level that no one has ever seen before, and then this. Your 401(k)s have, therefore, dropped. Remember, it wasn't Republicans, it was Dumocrats. Do not fear, however, we will soon, one way or the other, be BIGGER AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE. - "The vote totals for the Fake Dan Sullivan, plus the other "slug" that the Dems... [Continue Reading]
Trump Proclaims the Oval Office as a U.S. National Monument
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OVAL OFFICE NATIONAL MONUMENT Search Select Category All News Briefings & Statements All Presidential Actions Executive Orders Nominations & Appointments Presidential Memoranda Proclamations Fact Sheets Releases Remarks Research All Briefings & Statements Presidential Actions All Executive Orders Nominations & Appointments Presidential Memoranda Proclamations Fact Sheets Releases Remarks Research BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION The Oval Office stands as one of the most recognizable and historically significant spaces in the United States. Since its establishment in its present location and form during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it has served... [Continue Reading]
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South Africa ANC suffers sharp losses in municipal election count as results come in
Early municipal election results in South Africa show the African National Congress on about 32% of the vote after more than 60% of ballots had been counted. The Democratic Alliance is in second place on 25%, while Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe party is third on 8.5%, according to the election commission data cited in the reporting. The figures point to a sharp weakening of the ANC in local contests, including in major cities such as Johannesburg.Turnout was estimated at 54.5%, with about 15.9 million of 29.2 million registered voters casting ballots, the electoral commission said. That is higher than the... [Continue Reading]
Tech and AI stocks plunge as Nasdaq loses $2.5tn after election-driven regulatory fears
Shares in major technology and artificial intelligence companies fell sharply on Thursday, deepening a market rout that wiped an estimated $2.5tn from the Nasdaq Composite. The selloff came as investors reacted to Democratic wins in key data-centre states and the prospect of tougher regulation on data centres and AI infrastructure. The losses also dragged down other major US indexes, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both closing lower.Nvidia fell more than 9%, while AMD and Micron each dropped by more than 17%. Intel was down 10.3%, and SanDisk plunged by more than 22%, underscoring how heavily exposed... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street closes sharply lower as AI, tech and cyclicals unwind, while gold and silver catch a safe-haven bid
Executive summary: U.S. equities ended the session under heavy pressure, led by a steep selloff in Nasdaq-linked technology and chip names. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Russell 2000 all fell sharply, while gold, silver and palladium advanced as investors rotated toward defensive assets. The move was broad, with energy, autos, defence and crypto also under strain, even as a few pockets such as Amazon, Microsoft and banks held up better than the wider market. [Continue Reading]
Israel president poised to give Eisenkot first coalition mandate amid protests
President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce on Sunday whether former military chief Gadi Eisenkot will get the first chance to try to form Israel's next government. The decision follows last week's inconclusive election, which left neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition with a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Herzog has already held consultations with party leaders as part of the post-election process.The latest round of recommendations split along familiar lines. Eisenkot's Yashar party, together with the Together, Yisrael Beiteinu and Democrats parties, backed him for the mandate, while Likud, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism and Shas supported Netanyahu. United... [Continue Reading]
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Hoax bomb threats disrupt European air travel for a second day as at least 21 aircraft are affected
At least 21 aircraft and several airports across Europe were targeted by bomb threats on Thursday, forcing diversions, police responses and military escorts in a fresh wave of aviation disruption. The incidents affected flights and airports in a wide stretch of the continent, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland and Romania. No explosives have been found so far, and the UK described the alerts as a malicious hoax.Among the most significant cases, an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome was diverted to an air base in France, while Italian fighter jets escorted a Finnair flight... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Iran tensions, Ukraine diplomacy and markets swing
Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for Donald Trump and Republicans that party leaders said would let them rein in the president. Trump said he may work with Democrats, while Republicans began a reckoning over the losses and JD Vance blamed the outcome on Iran war politics and ties to Israel. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗The result also reshaped the race for the White House and Congress in several states, with Democrats claiming a broader mandate and one of their gains coming in California's 22nd district, where... [Continue Reading]
European Markets Close Higher as Metals Surge, Brent Slumps and Autos Lag
Executive summary: European equities finished higher across the board, led by France’s CAC 40 and supported by a sharp rally in precious metals. Gold pushed above $4,120 an ounce, silver also advanced, and platinum and palladium posted outsized gains. Brent crude fell sharply, while global autos underperformed, suggesting a market rotation that favored miners and defensive commodity exposure over energy-sensitive and cyclical names. [Continue Reading]
Russia places Japan Tobacco International's Russian operations under state control
Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed Japan Tobacco International's operations in Russia under state control, ordering their transfer by decree to a state-linked holding company. The move affects one of the country's largest cigarette producers and covers factories in St Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, the Lipetsk region and the Leningrad region. It marks a significant seizure of foreign corporate assets in Russia at a time of continuing tensions with countries that have imposed sanctions over the war in Ukraine.The decree transfers the business to AO Promyshlennye aktivy, according to the supporting material. JTI employs around 4,000 people in Russia and holds roughly... [Continue Reading]
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Wall Street Opens Mixed as Tech Slumps, Banks Rally and Gold Surges on Risk Rotation
Executive summary: U.S. markets opened with a sharp split between cyclicals and growth, as the Dow Jones rose +1.6% while the Nasdaq Composite fell -4.1% and the S&P 500 slipped -1.7%. The move was led by a steep drop in tech and chip proxies, a strong bid for banks, and a powerful rally in gold and silver, suggesting investors are rotating away from high-duration growth exposure and toward financials and hard assets. [Continue Reading]
Lyon strike march turns tense with clashes and tear gas
Tens of thousands of people marched through Lyon on Thursday as France's fourth nationwide strike day of the autumn continued to draw large crowds over pay and public services. The demonstration moved through the eastern centre of the city in a slow, noisy column, with banners and flares at the front. Tensions rose later near Pont Gallieni, where police said a group of around 500 black-clad demonstrators threw projectiles and fired fireworks.Authorities said 30,500 people took part in the march, while the CGT union put the figure at 55,000. Local officials had already restricted demonstrations across much of central Lyon... [Continue Reading]
Trump urges immediate transfer of Alaska vote totals to Republican candidate, effectively calling election over
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The vote totals for the Fake Dan Sullivan, plus the other "slug" that the Dems put on the Ballot, should be immediately given to the REAL Dan Sullivan, and the Election is over - He easily wins. There is no other fair solution!" - "Too bad the Senate has not yet approved the Sunshine Protection Act or, the I Don't Want to Change My Clocks Anymore Act. It's so dark outside, so early (Sunset was 5:06 P. Just a few days ago it was so nice... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: US, Europe and Middle East tensions rise as Iran war split deepens and Ukraine aid lands
Vice President JD Vance has blamed the Iran war for the Republican Party's midterm defeat, exposing a public split inside Donald Trump's camp as allies move to distance themselves from the conflict. The row underscores growing unease over the political cost of the war after the election setback. 🔗In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at the Medina region, while authorities also issued a warning around Yanbu after the latest cross border attack attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement. Separately, the war in Yemen has settled into a grinding war of attrition a... [Continue Reading]
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Oil falls below $100 as markets bet on possible Iran war de-escalation after U.S. midterm shift
Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel after Brent and West Texas Intermediate both dropped more than 8% in the previous session, as traders reacted to the Republican Party losing control of Congress in the U.S. midterm elections. The move reflected a growing market view that the political shift in Washington could increase the chances of a negotiated end to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Brent closed at $94.62 a barrel and WTI at $88.12, both their lowest levels since 31 August.The decline came after the Republican defeat, which left President Donald Trump facing a Congress... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Ukraine diplomacy and Iran tensions intensify
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for President Donald Trump and Republicans. Party leaders said they would use their new strength to restrain Trump, while the result also handed Democrats a series of key wins in swing states and districts. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗In California, Democrat Randy Villegas defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in the 22nd congressional district, adding to the party's gains in the House. The broader result also prompted Trump to say he may work with Democrats, even as he renewed his push... [Continue Reading]
Europe Opens Higher as Oil Slumps, Gold Surges and Rate-Sensitive Assets Reprice
Executive summary: European equities opened firmly higher, led by France and broad gains across the region, as a sharp drop in Brent crude, a weaker dollar and a powerful rally in gold and other metals shaped early trading. The move points to a market that is pricing lower energy costs, stronger safe-haven demand and a softer macro backdrop for cyclicals, while autos lagged after the oil shock. [Continue Reading]
Tokyo Close: Nikkei Slides as Asia Splinters, Hong Kong Surges, Gold and Oil Swing Hard
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific trading ended with a sharp split, as Japan and South Korea sold off while Hong Kong and Australia advanced. The Nikkei 225 fell -5.5% and the Kospi dropped -9.3%, while the Hang Seng jumped +7.8% and the ASX 200 rose +1.9%. Commodities were equally active, with gold up +3.9% and WTI crude down -8.9%, a combination that points to a major rotation in risk appetite and sector leadership. [Continue Reading]
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Israel opposition blames Netanyahu after Democrats win control of US Congress
Israeli opposition politicians have blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for weakening support for Israel in the United States after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. The comments came on Wednesday, a day after the US midterm vote, and followed a separate election in Israel a week earlier in which Netanyahu's right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority. The opposition says the result shows Israel cannot afford to keep Netanyahu in office.Yair Lapid, a former prime minister whose party is part of the bloc seeking to unseat Netanyahu, said the US outcome showed that Israel "cannot afford" for the prime... [Continue Reading]
Zelensky says 90-minute talks with US envoys as Abu Dhabi diplomacy advances
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a detailed 90-minute conversation with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as preparations intensified for a new round of diplomacy involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The talks are due to take place in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November, and are being described as the first three-sided meetings since February. Zelensky made the comments while in Madrid, saying the negotiations must move forward quickly to end the war.The latest contacts also include a planned meeting at the White House involving representatives of Russia and Ukraine, to be hosted by... [Continue Reading]
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Democrats win US midterms and vow to rein in Trump
Democrats have claimed a major victory in the US midterm elections, saying they will use their new strength in Congress to restrain President Donald Trump. The result points to a divided government in Washington for the next two years and sets up a period of likely confrontation over spending, policy and oversight. According to the reported results, Democrats took control of the Senate and made substantial gains in the House of Representatives.The reported Senate margin was at least 54 seats to 44, after Democrats flipped seats in states that are usually strongly Republican. They also gained at least 30 seats... [Continue Reading]
Five Republican election deniers lose governor races in key US swing states
Five Republican candidates who questioned or tried to overturn the 2020 US presidential election have lost gubernatorial races in key battleground states. The defeats came in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia, according to the reported results from Tuesday's vote. The losses are being seen as part of a broader Democratic surge in the midterm elections.The candidates included Congressman Andy Biggs in Arizona, Congressman John James in Michigan, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in Pennsylvania, Congressman Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin and billionaire Rick Jackson in Georgia. All five had previously cast doubt on, or taken steps against, Joe Biden's 2020 victory... [Continue Reading]
US midterm election results deliver major setback to Trump and Republicans
Democrats have won majorities in both chambers of the US Congress after a midterm election that delivered a sharp setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. The results mean Republicans will lose control of Congress, according to the supplied reporting, marking a major shift in the balance of power in Washington. The outcome was described as a broad rebuke to Trump, with Democrats making gains in several states.The confirmed results cited so far show Democrats taking control of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The reporting also says the Republican defeat was heavy, with Vice President JD... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo Opens Mixed as Oil Slumps, Gold Surges and Asia Splits on Risk Appetite
Executive summary: Tokyo and broader Asia-Pacific trading opened with a sharp split in risk sentiment, as the Nikkei 225 and its ETF tracked lower while Hong Kong, Australia and several metals-linked assets advanced. The standout moves were a steep drop in WTI crude, a powerful rally in gold and silver, and a weaker yen against the dollar, all of which point to a market recalibrating around lower energy prices, stronger precious-metals demand and shifting cross-asset positioning. [Continue Reading]
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Bank of England expected to raise rates for first time in more than three years
The Bank of England is expected to raise interest rates on Thursday, in what would be the first increase in the benchmark rate for more than three years. Most analysts are forecasting a rise from 3.75% to 4%, a move that would increase borrowing costs for households and businesses while improving returns for savers. The announcement is due at 12:00 GMT, with markets also watching closely for any guidance on the future path of policy.The expected decision comes after the Monetary Policy Committee left rates unchanged at its last six meetings. The Bank rate has fallen from its 2023-24 peak... [Continue Reading]
Sudan and Ethiopia trade diplomatic expulsions amid border tensions
Ethiopia has ordered six Sudanese diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours and closed Sudan's consulate in the border town of Assosa, according to reports cited in the supplied material. The move marks a sharp escalation in the diplomatic dispute between the two neighbours. It comes after Sudan lodged official complaints against Ethiopia over accusations that Addis Ababa is backing the Rapid Support Forces.The reports say Ethiopian authorities summoned Sudan's ambassador on Sunday to announce the consulate closure, and that the staff left on Tuesday evening. A senior Ethiopian official was cited as saying the six consulate staff had... [Continue Reading]
Trump renews push for permanent daylight saving time, urging Senate action
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Too bad the Senate has not yet approved the Sunshine Protection Act or, the I Don't Want to Change My Clocks Anymore Act. It's so dark outside, so early (Sunset was 5:06 P. Just a few days ago it was so nice and sunny at this same time. In addition, everyone's been running around changing their clocks all over the place. I didn't want to make a big deal out of this prior to the Election because I didn't want to have certain Senators lose their... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street closes mixed as tech and energy slump, while banks, metals and crypto catch a bid
Executive summary: U.S. markets finished a volatile session with a sharp split between growth and cyclical assets. The Nasdaq Composite fell -3.1%, the S&P 500 slipped -0.7%, while the Dow Jones rose +1.7% and the Russell 2000 gained +0.9%. The biggest pressure came from a steep drop in WTI crude, a heavy selloff in AI and chip stocks, and weakness across the broader tech complex. Offsetting that, banks, gold, silver, platinum, Bitcoin and several mega-cap names posted solid gains. [Continue Reading]
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Progressive Democrat Randy Villegas defeats Republican incumbent in California's 22nd district
Democratic candidate Randy Villegas has defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in California's 22nd congressional district, in one of the state's closely watched House races. The result marks a notable win for the Democratic Party's progressive wing in the Central Valley. Villegas addressed supporters in Bakersfield on Tuesday evening after the race was called.Villegas, an educator who grew up in the Central Valley as the son of Mexican immigrants, framed his victory as a collective effort and called it a historic win for the region. His campaign focused heavily on the rising cost of living, healthcare cuts and immigration raids, themes... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers as Trump says he may work with them
Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in the latest U.S. midterm count, according to the supplied report from Washington. The result marks a major shift in the balance of power in Congress and comes as President Donald Trump publicly responded to the outcome. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, he said he would "probably get along" with Democrats.Trump also repeated his view that he would have won if his name had been on the ballot. In the same remarks, he again linked the election result to the war involving Iran and to gasoline prices. He said... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Democrats seize Congress in sweeping US midterm upset
Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major setback for President Donald Trump and leaves Republicans blaming him for the scale of the defeat. The party also picked up a string of surprise Senate wins, including Texas, Kansas, Maine, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, turning the night into one of the most significant election reversals in years. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗The result gives Democrats control of Congress for the first time in this cycle and is being described as a historic sweep, with several... [Continue Reading]
France pushes to strengthen Europe's naval power amid maritime threats
France is using this week's Euronaval defence exhibition near Paris to press for stronger European naval capabilities as attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and strikes on vessels in the Black Sea keep key maritime corridors under pressure. The event, held from 3 to 6 November, has drawn international delegations to what is described as the world's largest marine and naval defence trade show. French officials are presenting the gathering as part of a wider effort to reinforce strategic autonomy at sea.At the opening of the event, Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said France was renewing its attack submarines, frigates... [Continue Reading]
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WHO approves trials for two new Ebola vaccines amid deadly outbreak in DR Congo
The World Health Organization has approved clinical trials for two additional Ebola vaccine candidates as health workers try to contain an outbreak in Africa that has killed more than 5,300 people. The new trials are being added to an existing study that began last month using the Ervebo vaccine, which is approved for Ebola virus but not for the Bundibugyo virus driving the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said expert groups recommended the new candidates after reviewing the situation.The two vaccines are ChAdOx1 BDBV, developed by the University of Oxford with the... [Continue Reading]
Europe closes higher as gold and silver surge, Brent slumps, and the dollar softens
Executive summary: European equities finished firmly in the green, led by Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40, while the FTSE 100 also advanced. The session was marked by a sharp rally in precious metals, a steep drop in Brent crude, and a softer US dollar against the euro and sterling. The move appears consistent with a broader risk-on tone in European equities alongside a rotation into defensive and inflation-sensitive assets, though the size of the commodity swings suggests market-specific catalysts were also in play. [Continue Reading]
EU to discuss new measures against Georgia in January, Kallas says
EU foreign ministers will hold a deep-dive discussion in January on possible new measures against Georgia, according to the bloc's foreign policy chief. The planned review comes as the European Commission has published its annual progress reports on candidate countries, including a sharply critical assessment of Georgia. The report points to further democratic backsliding, new restrictions on civic space and a deterioration in fundamental rights.Kaja Kallas said the Georgian government was on a collision course with the European Union over democratic backsliding. She said the steps taken by the authorities were not moving in the right direction. Asked whether she... [Continue Reading]
Trump weakened after US midterms, raising concern over more erratic foreign policy
Democrats have swept the 2026 US midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress and winning governorships across the country. The result is a major domestic setback for President Donald Trump and leaves him facing the final two years of his term with a weakened political position. The immediate question in Washington and European capitals is whether that loss of authority will make his foreign policy more unpredictable.The supporting material says the president was not on the ballot, but voters delivered a strong rebuke to his administration. It also says Trump now faces a hostile Congress, with Democrats gaining... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Split as AI, Energy and Crude Selloff Hit Growth, While Banks, Gold and Bitcoin Catch a Bid
Executive summary: U.S. markets opened with a sharp style rotation, not a broad risk-off move. The Nasdaq and tech-heavy areas were under pressure, led by a steep drop in AI and chip shares, while the Dow held a gain and financials, gold, silver, defense and Bitcoin advanced. The biggest single move in the tape was WTI crude, which fell more than 10%, a swing that helped explain the weakness in energy stocks and the mixed tone across cyclicals. [Continue Reading]
Democrats win US Congress in midterm upset as Republicans blame Trump
A new wave of reporting has added detail to the Democratic takeover of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. The result is being described as a historic setback for President Donald Trump and a sharp rebuke to Republicans after a campaign that ended with Democrats controlling the Senate and the House. The latest coverage also shows the political fallout beginning immediately inside the Republican Party.One of the clearest signs of that backlash came in the reaction to a magazine cover showing Trump with his mouth covered after the defeat. The image was published after Democrats... [Continue Reading]
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UK Supreme Court hears appeal over Palestine Action proscription in London
The United Kingdom's Supreme Court has begun hearing an appeal challenging the government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The two-day hearing opened in London on Wednesday, drawing protesters outside the court as the case got under way. Police arrested demonstrators who gathered to oppose the ban.The appeal centres on the government's July decision last year to proscribe the direct action group under then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, has said she will argue that the ban has a disproportionate effect on freedom of speech and the right to protest. The group's... [Continue Reading]
Cyberattack targets French blood bank refrigeration systems, but no products are lost
A cyberattack targeted refrigeration equipment linked to three cold-storage sites used by the French Blood Establishment, according to officials in France. The incident affected systems used to store plasma, but the organisation said no blood products or samples were compromised. Operations for blood collection and distribution continued without interruption.The establishment said temperature and defrosting thresholds were raised to extremely high levels on Monday at the three sites. It said monitoring and alarm systems detected the anomalies quickly, allowing staff to respond before any damage was done. The affected products were bags of plasma intended for transfusions and plasma used to... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: US Democrats seize Congress as Middle East and Europe tensions intensify
Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in a sweeping US midterm result, a major setback for President Donald Trump and a historic shift in power in Washington. The party also secured a series of firsts, with new reporting pointing to a broader realignment in Congress. 🔗 🔗The Democratic gains widened further as James Talarico was projected to win the Texas Senate race, adding to the party’s strong showing across the country. Supporters reacted with cheers as the result strengthened the party’s grip on the midterm outcome. 🔗 🔗In the Middle East, Iran’s Islamic... [Continue Reading]
Germany weighs 2027 ice hockey championship exit as federations refuse to face Russia
Germany is considering withdrawing as host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship after several European federations said they would refuse to play Russia. The dispute follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on 30 October that ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation to allow Russian national teams back into international competition, including the tournament scheduled for May in Germany. The German Ice Hockey Federation said the ruling "fundamentally changes the situation" for the event.Its chair, Frank H. Lutz, said the federation's position remained unchanged and that it rejected the return of Russian national teams to international ice hockey... [Continue Reading]
US midterms deliver historic firsts as Democrats win control of Congress
The 2026 US midterm elections have produced a series of historic firsts alongside a major shift in control of Congress. Democrats won both the House of Representatives and the Senate, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his party. The result also opened the way for what would likely be the first Black speaker of the House.The election night tally brought several barrier-breaking victories into focus as results were confirmed across multiple states. Voters elected the country's first Black female governor, the first Native American female governor, the first Native female senator and the first openly gay male... [Continue Reading]
EU defence readiness at risk despite record spending, leaked draft warns
The European Union's ambition to be militarily ready by 2030 is at risk, according to a leaked draft of the European Commission's work programme. The document says Europe faces growing pressure on its external borders and critical infrastructure, with hybrid threats singled out as a major concern. It is expected to be endorsed and published by the Commission on Wednesday, setting out priorities for 2027.The eight-page draft says there is unprecedented political will and a surge in defence spending, but argues that this has not yet produced forces that are deployable, sustainable and interoperable. It says the bloc must do... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers in US midterms after key Republican seat flips
Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections, according to results reported on Wednesday. The party secured a series of gains in Republican-held seats across Texas, South Carolina, Iowa, Michigan and Kansas, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his party. Counting was still continuing in some races, but the outcome has already shifted control of Congress.The reported results show Democrats winning 228 seats in the House so far, with leads in 34 more races, according to the tally cited in the supplied material. In the Senate, Democrats... [Continue Reading]
Poland PM seeks one-to-one meeting with president amid constitutional tribunal crisis
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said he is ready this week for a one-to-one meeting with President Karol Nawrocki in an effort to reduce tensions over the makeup of Poland's Constitutional Tribunal. He made the appeal after a meeting of the National Security Council, saying both sides have a shared responsibility to look for agreement on security and internal order. Tusk said he wanted a calm conversation without political pressure, adding that the date would not be disclosed.The president's office confirmed that the request had been received, and a presidential spokesperson said Nawrocki had repeatedly signalled readiness to talk when... [Continue Reading]
Democrats gain ground in U.S. midterms as Texas Senate race is projected
James Talarico's victory in the Texas Senate race has been projected, adding to a broader Democratic showing in the U.S. midterm elections. Supporters reacted with cheers as the result was announced at an election-night gathering, where the mood was described as jubilant. If confirmed, it would make Talarico the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from Texas since 1988.The projection comes as Democrats are reported to have taken control of both chambers of Congress, marking a significant shift in Washington. In the Texas contest, supporters celebrated what they saw as a historic breakthrough in a state long dominated by... [Continue Reading]
EU to lead urgent Brussels talks on Ukraine support as winter pressure grows
The European Commission is set to hold talks in Brussels with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, NATO and the World Bank on support for Ukraine. The discussions are focused on how to help Kyiv through the winter and how to back the US-led peace process, with upcoming negotiations due in Abu Dhabi. The meeting comes as European officials seek to keep diplomatic momentum moving while the war continues to place pressure on Ukraine's energy system and transport routes.According to the supplied report, US negotiators are expected to meet their European partners in Brussels, with the talks linked to the... [Continue Reading]
Democrats sweep US midterm elections as gains widen in Congress
The Democratic Party has widened its midterm election gains in the United States, with new reporting indicating it is on course to control both chambers of Congress. An election expert said the party could secure the largest House majority in nearly two decades, adding that the Senate tally may reach 55 or 56 seats. The result marks a major shift in Washington and follows a night of unexpectedly strong Democratic performance across the country.The latest reporting highlights historic breakthroughs in states long considered difficult for Democrats, including Texas and Kansas, where the party won its first Senate victories in decades.... [Continue Reading]
Israeli forces withdraw from Hebron after 10-day siege, leaving widespread destruction
Israeli forces have withdrawn from neighbourhoods in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron after a 10-day siege, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to return home. Residents arriving back in Ein Deir Bahha, al-Jalda and other affected areas found extensive damage to homes and streets after the operation ended. Local officials said the withdrawal began on Monday morning, ending a period in which families had been barred from returning.Hebron Governor Khaled Dodin said families could finally access their properties after the soldiers left. About 3,300 Palestinians have now returned to their homes, according to the latest figures in the incident.... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: US midterms flip Congress as Hormuz tensions and Ukraine war escalate
Democrats have seized control of both chambers of the US Congress in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major rebuke to President Donald Trump, with projections showing wins in the Senate and House and a string of surprise state level gains. The party’s haul includes flips in Texas, Georgia, Maine, Kansas, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina, while Republicans held Florida and other key races. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗The Senate picture was transformed by several high profile contests, including James Talarico’s victory in Texas, Troy Jackson’s win in... [Continue Reading]
Democrats retake US House and Senate in historic midterm sweep
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major setback for President Donald Trump. The party retook the House of Representatives and flipped enough Senate seats to secure full legislative control in Washington, DC. The outcome was described in the supplied material as a historic rebuke of Trump and a shift that could shape the rest of his presidency.The result includes a breakthrough in South Carolina, where a Democrat will represent the state in the Senate for the first time in nearly 30 years. Democrats also flipped at least... [Continue Reading]
Europe opens mixed as gold and silver surge, Brent slumps and the euro firms
Executive summary: European markets opened with a split tone, as the DAX and CAC 40 edged higher while the FTSE 100 and Euro Stoxx 50 slipped. The biggest cross-asset moves came in commodities and FX, with Brent crude tumbling more than 11%, gold and silver jumping sharply, and sterling and the euro both firmer against the dollar. The pattern points to a market that is rotating toward defensive assets while pricing in a softer oil backdrop and a weaker dollar. [Continue Reading]
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific close mixed as Nikkei slides, Hong Kong rallies, and commodities split sharply
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific trading ended with a sharp split across risk assets and commodities. Tokyo led the downside, with the Nikkei 225 and its ETF both falling about 2.8%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 3.5%. Gold and silver extended strong gains, WTI crude dropped more than 7%, and the yen weakened modestly against the dollar. The moves point to a market still balancing growth concerns, commodity repricing, and shifting currency pressure. [Continue Reading]
Florida Republicans fend off Democrats as state elects first black governor
Republicans in Florida have held off several high-profile Democratic challenges in a set of closely watched election results. The state also elected its first black governor, with Republican Byron Donalds projected to win the governorship. In a separate race, Republican Ashley Moody was projected to keep her Senate seat in the special election for the post once held by Marco Rubio.Donalds, who has served in Congress since 2021, was running to replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. He had the backing of President Donald Trump and was at one point on the shortlist to be Trump's running mate in 2024. Moody,... [Continue Reading]
Troy Jackson wins Maine Senate seat as Susan Collins concedes after nearly three decades
Democrat Troy Jackson has won Maine's US Senate race, flipping a seat that Republicans had held for 30 years. Susan Collins conceded the contest early on Wednesday, bringing an end to nearly three decades in the chamber for the longtime Republican senator. The result marks one of the most closely watched races in the country and a notable shift in a state that has often been competitive at the federal level.Jackson, a former Maine Senate president and labour organiser, entered the race in July and built his campaign around economic concerns and government accountability. Collins, who has served in the... [Continue Reading]
Historic statewide wins mark breakthrough night for minority representation in US midterms
The US midterm vote delivered a series of historic statewide victories that marked a notable shift in representation across several states. Among the most significant outcomes, Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor's race in Georgia, Chris Pappas won in New Hampshire, and Deb Haaland won in New Mexico. The results were part of a broader night of strong Democratic gains and several firsts for minority candidates.In Georgia, Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of any US state, according to the reported result. She defeated billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson and returned the governor's office to Democrats after... [Continue Reading]
Former US contractor pleads guilty to leaking classified intelligence to Ethiopia
An Ethiopian-born American citizen has pleaded guilty to passing highly classified intelligence to Ethiopian officials, including material prosecutors said he hoped would help target fighters during the country's civil war. Abraham Teklu Lemma, a former US contractor, admitted sharing dozens of classified documents and photographs over more than two years. The case centres on information taken from secure US government facilities and sent to senior figures in Ethiopia's political, military and intelligence establishments.According to the US Department of Justice, the 54-year-old worked as a contractor at the State Department, the Justice Department and the National Reconnaissance Office, which operates US... [Continue Reading]
Democrats score historic statewide upset in Texas as Talarico and Hinojosa win
Democrat James Talarico has won a US Senate seat in Texas, defeating state attorney general Ken Paxton in a result described as a historic blow to Republicans. In a separate statewide contest, Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated incumbent Governor Greg Abbott, according to the supplied report. The twin victories mark a major political shift in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold.Talarico, a former schoolteacher, told supporters at a victory rally in Austin that his campaign had "defeated Goliath". He said the race had pitted his side against "the richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the... [Continue Reading]
Democrats regain control of the US Senate as Texas delivers major upset
Democrats have regained control of the US Senate after projected wins in a series of closely fought midterm races across several states. The latest and most striking result came in Texas, where James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in what was described as a major upset. The outcome adds to a broader Democratic sweep that has shifted control of Congress.Talarico's victory is the first time a Democrat has won a US Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He campaigned on the rising cost of living and emerged from relative obscurity to become a central figure in the race. The contest... [Continue Reading]
Kansas elects Democrat Adam Hamilton to Senate seat in historic upset
Democrat Adam Hamilton has won a US Senate seat in Kansas, according to media projections, unseating Republican incumbent Roger Marshall in a race that marks the first Democratic Senate victory in the state since 1932. The result is a significant political upset in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold. It also comes after Donald Trump campaigned in Kansas for Marshall shortly before the vote.Hamilton, a Methodist pastor and founder of a large United Methodist church, ran as a moderate and kept his distance from national party leaders. He had previously been registered as a Republican and at one... [Continue Reading]
South Carolina elects Democratic senator for first time in almost three decades
Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to have won South Carolina's Senate race, in what would be the party's first victory in the state in 28 years. The former paediatrician was on course to defeat Republican candidate Darline Graham in Tuesday's midterm elections, according to projections cited by the BBC's US partner CBS. If confirmed, the result would mark a significant political shift in a state that has been firmly Republican in recent federal elections.Graham was appointed to the seat in July after the sudden death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, and entered the race with the backing of President... [Continue Reading]
Ohio elects Amy Acton governor as Sherrod Brown returns to the Senate
Democrat Amy Acton has been elected governor of Ohio, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a race that drew national attention. The result makes her the first woman ever elected to the office and the first Democrat to become governor of the state since 2006. In a separate statewide contest, Democrat Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted to return to the US Senate.The governor's race was one of the most expensive of the cycle, with spending topping an unprecedented $100m. Acton, a physician who served as outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine's top health official, faced repeated criticism over her handling of... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win surprise Senate pickups in North and South Carolina
Democrats have won surprise Senate races in North Carolina and South Carolina, according to projections from multiple outlets, in a result that strengthens their path to control of the chamber in the US midterm elections. The two victories came as Republicans went into Tuesday holding a 53-47 majority and needing to defend several seats across the country. The results were described as a setback for President Donald Trump and his party in a contest that remains close overall.In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper was projected to defeat Trump-backed Republican Michael Whatley, giving Democrats a crucial pickup in a state that... [Continue Reading]
Keisha Lance Bottoms elected Georgia governor, making US history
Keisha Lance Bottoms has won the Georgia governor's race, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in the United States. The Democrat defeated Republican Rick Jackson in a contest that drew national attention because of its scale, its spending and its historic outcome. Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor and adviser to former US President Joe Biden, will succeed outgoing Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is leaving office in January because of term limits.The result was reported after a campaign in which Jackson spent more than $200m of his personal fortune in an effort to win the state. Bottoms was helped... [Continue Reading]
Ossoff projected to hold Georgia Senate seat as midterm picture takes shape
Jon Ossoff is projected to hold Georgia's US Senate seat, defeating Republican challenger Mike Collins in one of the first major midterm calls of the night. The result keeps the closely watched swing state in Democratic hands and adds to the early picture emerging from the election. Georgia remains one of the most politically important battlegrounds in the country, and the race was being watched for its possible effect on control of Congress.According to the supplied reporting, Ossoff made the rising cost of living a central issue in his campaign, while Collins blamed inflation on former President Joe Biden and... [Continue Reading]
UN elects five judges to International Court of Justice amid record caseload
The United Nations has elected five judges to the International Court of Justice after several rounds of voting at UN headquarters in New York. The election filled all five available seats on the 15-member bench, with the final post decided only after additional ballots. The judges will serve nine-year terms at the world court, which is based in The Hague.Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, Francois Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan, Rena Lee of Singapore and Phoebe Okowa of Kenya were chosen by the General Assembly and the Security Council. Candidates needed an absolute majority in both... [Continue Reading]
Jon Ossoff wins Georgia US Senate race, securing second term
Democratic US Senator Jon Ossoff has won re-election in Georgia, securing a second term in one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm cycle. He defeated Republican Congressman Mike Collins in a race that carried major significance for control of the Senate. The result gives Democrats a key seat as they try to retake the chamber.Ossoff, who has served in the Senate since 2021, campaigned on affordability, healthcare and government accountability. Collins focused on the president's agenda, immigration enforcement and reducing the size of government. With 38% of votes counted, Ossoff was ahead with 63% and Collins had... [Continue Reading]
Second Northern Territory teenager charged in terrorism-material investigation
Police in Australia's Northern Territory have arrested a second teenager as part of an ongoing counterterrorism investigation into alleged terrorism-related documents and online discussions. A Joint Counter Terrorism Team spokesperson said material seized from a home in the Top End yesterday allegedly included content showing a mixed ideological motivation, including glorification of mass casualty attacks at schools. The teenager has been charged and is due to appear before the NT Youth Justice Court today.The case follows an earlier arrest last week involving another Top End teenager, who was charged with collecting documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act and possessing... [Continue Reading]
First polls close in US midterm elections as results begin to come in
The first polls have now closed in the 2026 US midterm elections, marking the start of the count in a contest that will decide control of Congress. Results are beginning to come in from Kentucky, including the state's 6th congressional district, one of the first closely watched races to report. The vote is being followed closely because all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot.In Kentucky's 6th district, polls closed at 6pm local time, or 23:00 GMT, after a day of voting across the country. The district includes Lexington, the state's second-largest city, and is being... [Continue Reading]
US midterms as state officials brace for possible federal interference
State election officials across the United States are preparing for possible intervention by the Trump administration in Tuesday's midterms, amid fears of disruption to voting and challenges to ballot counts. The concerns centre on a series of legal and administrative moves by federal authorities that critics say could affect how votes are handled in several states. The White House says it is focused on election security, while many of the scenarios being discussed remain hypothetical.The Justice Department has sued 30 states and the District of Columbia over access to voter registration lists, saying it needs the records to identify non-citizens.... [Continue Reading]
Greenland parliament approves trilateral security deal with the United States and Denmark
Greenland's parliament has approved a trilateral security agreement with Denmark and the United States, formalising a deal signed in September by the three leaders. Lawmakers passed the measure 16-0 on Tuesday, with seven abstentions, in a vote that underscores the island's growing strategic role in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The agreement comes after months of negotiations and follows a period of heightened tension over Greenland's future and its resource potential.The deal was signed in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly by US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister... [Continue Reading]
Israel election deadlock leaves Netanyahu's future hanging in the balance
Israel is heading into another period of political uncertainty after election results left neither bloc with the 61 seats needed to form a government. The results are due to be certified on Wednesday, but coalition talks are already deadlocked. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc won 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the opposition alliance led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot secured 48.The remaining 19 seats went to the two Arab-led lists, the Joint List and Ra'am, also known as the United Arab List. That makes them pivotal in the arithmetic of any future coalition, even though they... [Continue Reading]
Trump says US will stop $4 billion in aid to Israel after year-end, amid questions over funding stream
US President Donald Trump said the United States will stop $4 billion in funding to Israel after the end of this year, saying the arrangement was agreed months ago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He made the remarks in a television interview and said Israel no longer needed the money. Trump also said Washington would still help Israel if needed, but did not explain what form that support would take.The comments add a new detail to an already significant policy statement, but key questions remain unresolved. Trump said the deal was made with Netanyahu, yet there was no immediate... [Continue Reading]
Flash floods devastate the US Southwest, forcing evacuations and rescues
Heavy rain triggered severe flash flooding across the southwestern United States on Monday, submerging roads, neighbourhoods and fields in the Four Corners region. Communities in Colorado and Arizona were among the hardest hit, with cars, motorhomes and homes swept away in Arboles and residents in Camp Verde scrambling to safety as water rose around an RV park. The flooding affected areas where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet, and aerial images showed widespread inundation across the region.Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate as emergency crews carried out dozens of rescue operations. Those included helicopter rescues, according to the... [Continue Reading]
Poland says it foiled attempted provocation near Russian border as security operation continues
Poland says it prevented an attempted provocation overnight near its border with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave, after security forces reported suspicious movement shortly after midnight. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said individuals carrying flashlights were seen in the border area, but no incident was allowed to develop. He said the authorities acted quickly once the Border Guard passed on the alert.Tusk said police, the military, border guards and intelligence services have been carrying out additional security activity in Poland's north-east, including the Warmia-Masuria and Podlaskie regions. He also said extra police and other troops, including counter-terrorism units, had recently been sent to... [Continue Reading]
US midterms open as cost of living tops voter concerns and Trump faces backlash
Voting has opened in more than eight US states as the country begins a midterm election that will help determine control of Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump's term. Early reporting and polling suggest the cost of living is the dominant issue for many voters. The election is also being shaped by widespread frustration with Trump, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in the days before polling day.The poll surveyed 1,765 adults nationwide from Thursday to Monday and carried a margin of error of three percentage points among registered voters. It found that 48% of registered voters... [Continue Reading]
Cyclone Murasu makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh as damage spreads
Cyclone Murasu has made landfall near Ongole in India's Andhra Pradesh state, bringing destructive winds, flooding and widespread disruption along the eastern coast. The storm struck in Prakasam district around 1am on Tuesday local time, according to the India Meteorological Department. It is the second cyclone to hit the region in a week, after Cyclone Arnab caused damage in the same area.Officials said the severe cyclonic storm uprooted trees, toppled electricity poles and flooded low-lying areas. Prakhar Jain, managing director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, said no deaths or injuries had been reported so far. He said... [Continue Reading]
EU ministers deadlock over gas tax plan as affordability warning grows
European Union energy ministers have failed to agree on new measures to shield consumers from rising gas costs, after a meeting ended in deadlock over a European Commission proposal to raise gas taxes. The dispute comes as EU officials warn that nearly 50 million Europeans cannot adequately heat their homes. The row has sharpened concern over how the bloc will balance climate policy, consumer protection and energy security.EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said the main risk is not an immediate shortage of oil or gas, but an economic shock that could make basic utilities unaffordable. According to the information provided,... [Continue Reading]
Palestinians face West Bank closures and Gaza killings as Israeli election deadlock deepens
Palestinians are facing renewed pressure in the occupied West Bank and Gaza as Israel's inconclusive election enters a week of political manoeuvring. The latest developments come after Arab-led parties won a record 19 seats, giving Palestinian citizens of Israel an unusually strong showing at the ballot box. That result has since been followed by delegitimising rhetoric from Israeli politicians and uncertainty over whether any coalition can be formed.Nearly 840,000 people voted for Ra'am and the Joint List, a 64 percent increase on 2022, according to the supplied material. Adding those seats to opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc would give an... [Continue Reading]
Papua New Guinea police investigate artillery projectile found at Port Moresby wharf
Police in Papua New Guinea are investigating after a large shell-shaped object was found in a commercial shipping container at a major wharf in Port Moresby. Officers and military explosives specialists secured the item and removed it for analysis after it was identified as a suspected artillery projectile. Four Chinese nationals were arrested and taken into custody on Friday in connection with the discovery.A police report seen by investigators identified the object as an undetonated 130mm Chinese Type 59 artillery projectile containing chemical explosives and a fuse. The report said the device weighed 32 kilograms and was examined using an... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes kill five in Gaza across Khan Younis, al-Musaddar and Gaza City
Israeli strikes across Gaza killed five Palestinians on Monday, according to medical sources and media reports. The deaths were reported in Khan Younis in the south, al-Musaddar in central Gaza, and Gaza City in the north. The incidents came despite the US-brokered ceasefire that took effect in October 2025.Medical sources said at least two people were killed in separate strikes on Khan Younis, while another was killed in a drone attack in the al-Musaddar area. A fourth person died when a vehicle was struck in Gaza City's Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood. The victim was identified by the Wafa news agency as... [Continue Reading]
US midterms set to deliver verdict on Trump presidency
Americans are voting in midterm elections that are being framed as a verdict on Donald Trump's second presidency. The contest could reshape control of Washington, with Democrats positioned to gain the House and challenge for the Senate. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are at stake, alongside governorships in 36 states.The immediate political stakes are high because Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority and control the House. Democrats would need only three House gains to take the chamber, while a net four-seat shift in the Senate would be enough to change control there as well. If Republicans... [Continue Reading]
US urges Venezuela to continue phased democratic transition plan after Rubio-Blanco meeting
The United States has urged Venezuela to continue a phased plan covering economic recovery, political reconciliation and a democratic transition, following talks in Washington between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco. The meeting took place on Monday and focused on Venezuela's political future. Neither Rubio nor Blanco spoke publicly after the talks.According to a State Department readout, Washington reaffirmed President Donald Trump's three-phase plan for Venezuela: stabilization, economic recovery and political reconciliation, and democratic transition. The readout said the approach is intended to move the country toward democratic elections. The discussion came as the US... [Continue Reading]
ICC accuses Trump administration of obstructing international justice amid US sanctions
The International Criminal Court has accused the Trump administration of trying to obstruct international justice after the United States expanded sanctions against the tribunal. ICC judge Tomoko Akane addressed the United Nations remotely on Monday, saying the measures were threatening judges, prosecutors and the court itself. She urged all 193 UN member states to take concrete action, individually and collectively, to defend the court.According to the court, Akane was forced to speak remotely because of the US sanctions. The row escalated after Washington broadened its restrictions last month to target the ICC as an institution, following earlier sanctions on individual... [Continue Reading]
Trump warns midterms are the most important in his lifetime as Republicans face polling headwinds
Donald Trump has held his final major campaign event before Tuesday's US midterm elections, casting the vote as decisive for the future of Republican control in Congress. Speaking in Washington, DC on Monday afternoon, he said the contest was "the most important midterm, I believe, in our lifetime". He also urged supporters to keep Congress "strong and free" as polling points to a difficult night for his party.Trump acknowledged that his Republican Party faces an uphill battle, and he pointed to the long-standing pattern of the president's party losing ground in midterm elections. Analysts cited in the reporting say Republicans... [Continue Reading]
HRW warns of post-election crackdown in Zambia after disputed August vote
Human Rights Watch has called on Zambia's authorities to halt what it described as an intensifying crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, lawyers and government critics after the disputed August election. The rights group said the post-election climate has included arrests, disappearances, beatings and threats, with the pressure continuing in recent months. It said the pattern has created a chilling effect on civic and political activity.In a report released on Sunday, the organisation said Zambian police and military forces had forcibly disappeared, arbitrarily detained, beaten and threatened opposition members and supporters, as well as lawyers, journalists and critics, in the days... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine to channel up to €1bn in EU loans into joint defence projects
Ukraine is set to redirect up to €1 billion from its European Union loan funding into joint defence-industrial projects with European partners, according to a confidential European Commission document. The plan would focus on air and missile defence, drones, counter-drone systems and ammunition, and is intended to deepen cooperation between Kyiv's defence sector and manufacturers in Europe. It comes as Ukraine continues to seek ways to strengthen weapons production while managing mounting financing pressures linked to the war effort.The document says the money would go to the European Defence Industry Programme / Ukraine Support Instrument, which is currently worth €300... [Continue Reading]
Israel extends Al Jazeera ban for another 90 days, network says
Al Jazeera Media Network says Israeli authorities have extended a ban on its operations in Israel for another 90 days. The move covers the suspension of its broadcasts, the closure of its offices and restrictions on access to its websites and digital platforms. The network said the decision amounts to an assault on press freedom and the public's right to information.According to the network, a court in Tel Aviv approved the extension last week after the Israeli government decided to prolong the ban. In a statement on Monday, Al Jazeera said it categorically rejected the allegations used to justify the... [Continue Reading]
Uganda begins phased troop withdrawal from Somalia amid handover to Somali forces
Uganda has begun withdrawing troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military involvement, with the first contingent already back home and more departures expected in the coming days. The phased exit is due to continue until the end of 2027, according to Uganda's acting army spokesperson, Chris Magezi. The move affects Uganda's long-running role in Somalia's security effort, where it has been a major troop contributor since 2007.Magezi said the first group of troops deployed through a bilateral arrangement had already returned to Uganda, while other forces would follow. He said all forces, including those under the African Union... [Continue Reading]
UK Royal Navy intercepts Russian vessels in British waters as monitoring continues
Royal Navy ships and helicopters have intercepted and tracked three Russian vessels in British waters, including in the English Channel and around Scottish waters. The operation involved monitoring a Russian intelligence-gathering ship, a frigate and a landing ship as they moved close to UK waters over several weeks. The latest details add clearer timing and attribution to an already developing maritime security operation.According to the supplied report, Merlin helicopters tracked the intelligence ship Viktor Leonov from September 29 to October 8 while it monitored NATO allied training from the outer Hebrides. A Royal Navy destroyer, Dauntless, was also tasked with... [Continue Reading]
British Airways to resume London Heathrow-Dubai flights after eight-month suspension
British Airways is set to resume its London Heathrow-Dubai service on Tuesday, ending an eight-month suspension linked to regional air-travel disruption after the Iran war. The airline will restart with one daily flight to Dubai International Airport, marking a return to one of its major long-haul routes. The move comes after flights were grounded following US-Israeli strikes in late February.The route is due to reopen on November 3, with one-way fares in November reported as low as £329. British Airways plans to increase capacity further, with frequency expected to rise to two departures a day by summer 2027. The resumption... [Continue Reading]
Jordan's King Abdullah II vows to confront terrorism after Karak church attack
Jordan's King Abdullah II has said the country will not be shaken by a deadly attack on a church in the southern city of Karak. Speaking at the opening of a new parliamentary session in Amman on Monday, he said the assault had tested the resilience of the state and the resolve of its people. He also asked lawmakers to observe a minute of silence for the victims, whose relatives attended the session.The attack, which took place about two weeks earlier, killed nine people and wounded dozens. Abdullah described the attackers as people who were "not of us" and said... [Continue Reading]
Severe storms and large hail hit south-east Queensland as warnings remain in place
Dangerous thunderstorms swept across south-east Queensland on Monday night, bringing large hail, heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding to several communities. The storms affected areas from north of Maryborough to northern New South Wales, with hail reported on roads in Maryborough and heavy rainfall recorded further south. Warnings remained in place late on Monday for parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett, and the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.The Bureau of Meteorology said more than 50 millimetres of rain fell in 30 minutes at Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast, underlining the intensity of the... [Continue Reading]
Record early voting tops 53.6 million ahead of U.S. midterm elections
More than 53.6 million Americans had already voted early ahead of Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, according to figures released on Sunday by the Election Lab at the University of Florida. The total has already surpassed the roughly 46 million early votes recorded across the full 2022 midterm cycle. The final stretch of early voting ended in some states, including New York, as the country moved into the last days before election day.The data showed that about 29.8 million ballots had been cast in person by midday on Sunday, while 23.9 million had been sent by mail. The figures also suggested... [Continue Reading]
Ryanair weighs temporary pay freeze as fuel costs jump after Iran conflict
Ryanair is considering a temporary wage freeze for staff after a sharp rise in fuel costs linked to the US-Israel war with Iran. The airline said the increase has created a significant short-term cost shock and that it expects European airfares to rise as carriers try to recover some of the expense. It said the pressure on fuel prices could continue well into 2027 unless there is a swift resolution to the conflict.The carrier said its fuel bill is forecast to be €2bn higher in the short term, a figure that underlines the scale of the pressure on its operating... [Continue Reading]
Bangladesh garment factory protests disrupt industrial hubs for third day over wages
Workers in Bangladesh's garment sector continued protests for a third day on Monday, disrupting hundreds of factories across several industrial hubs as they demanded higher pay amid rising inflation. The unrest has spread through Mirpur in Dhaka, as well as Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur, with a heavy police presence reported in the capital's industrial areas. About 500 factories were temporarily shuttered after the demonstrations began on Saturday.Police used tear gas and sound grenades as thousands of workers took to the streets, according to the supplied report. The protests are centred on demands for a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka,... [Continue Reading]
Binance users withdraw $3.6bn after record crypto hack as services resume in phases
Binance said it processed $4.649 billion in withdrawals and $1.01 billion in deposits between 06:00 and 15:30 GMT on 1 November, leaving a net outflow of about $3.64 billion after the exchange reopened. The company said the initial spike in withdrawals later eased and that flows were stabilising as expected. It added that withdrawals of more than two dozen major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, had resumed.The exchange said the hack affected $6.3 billion worth of digital assets and that it had covered around 95% of the stolen funds, with the remainder likely to take longer to source. Binance said... [Continue Reading]
US Senator Chris Murphy Hospitalized After Stroke at Son's Hockey Game
US Senator Chris Murphy has been taken to hospital after suffering a stroke on Saturday, according to his team. The Connecticut Democrat was at his son's hockey game when he began feeling numbness in his arm and was taken for medical treatment. His team said doctors were encouraged by his progress and that he was awake and alert.The 53-year-old was later found to have experienced a stroke in hospital, his team said in a statement shared with US media. They said they were optimistic he would make a full recovery. Murphy is not up for re-election in this midterms cycle,... [Continue Reading]
Five rescued in Kiribati after drifting at sea for three months
Five people, including two children, have been rescued on Fanning Island in Kiribati after drifting at sea for about three months. The group was found alive on Sunday after villagers spotted their boat near the remote island. They had been missing since setting off on July 30 from the Federated States of Micronesia on what was meant to be a short inter-island trip.The five were part of a group of nine who left Murilo for Ruo, a journey that was expected to take about an hour. According to the supplied account, the boat was caught in a storm soon after... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine air raid app hacked again as false radiation alerts spread to Kyiv and Lviv region
Ukraine's air raid alert app was apparently hacked on Sunday evening, sending a series of false emergency warnings to users in Kyiv and prompting concern in other parts of the country. The messages briefly told people there was a radiation threat, followed by alerts about a nuclear attack, a chemical attack and street fighting. Officials said the incident appeared to be hostile interference with a system that is normally used to warn civilians about real air raids and other emergencies.The Ukrainian Air Force said the app had probably been subjected to hostile interference and stressed that there was no radiation... [Continue Reading]
Bulgaria runoff exit polls put Iotova ahead amid Black Sea security concerns
Exit polls from Bulgaria's presidential runoff show acting president Iliana Iotova ahead of challenger Andrey Gyurov, with three polls putting her on about 51% against roughly 44% for her rival. If the result is confirmed when official counting is completed on Monday, Iotova would become Bulgaria's first elected female president. The presidency is largely ceremonial, but the result would still carry political significance in a country watching both domestic politics and regional security closely.The vote took place on Sunday, with exit polls indicating turnout of about 27% to 29%, slightly higher than the first round last week, which had a... [Continue Reading]
Germany's Frankfurt riots deepen as police report more than 100 injuries
Frankfurt remained the main flashpoint in Germany's weekend unrest as officials said looting and clashes with police left more than 100 officers injured. The violence unfolded during student-led protests that spread across dozens of German cities, with the central city emerging as the most serious scene of disorder. Authorities said the demonstrations were organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt, which has been linked to rallies over education funding and living costs.Hesse interior minister Roman Poseck said hooded rioters damaged 17 stores in Frankfurt, five of them looted, and that police deployed 1,300 officers in response. He said 54... [Continue Reading]
France opens attempted-murder probe after petrol bomb attacks on police during protests
Prosecutors in France have opened an attempted-murder investigation after petrol bombs and other projectiles were thrown at police and gendarmes during protests in Paris and other cities on Saturday. The case follows video and images showing an officer engulfed in flames after a homemade incendiary device exploded at his feet. Authorities said no arrests had been made at the time of the announcement.The prosecutor's office said the inquiry concerns the attempted murder of persons vested with public authority. It said explosive devices were thrown at around 15 gendarmes and police officers, while the Paris police prefecture said several hundred rioters... [Continue Reading]
Alaska Senate race certification fight after US judge dismisses Justice Department lawsuit
A federal judge in Alaska has dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to stop the state from certifying the results of the upcoming US Senate race if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses. The ruling came just two days before the November 3 midterm election, which will help determine control of the US Congress. Sullivan has separately said he will accept the election outcome.US District Court Judge Sharon Gleason said the case was infeasible because many voters had already cast ballots and those ballots had been commingled, making it impossible to identify individual voters. In her ruling, she said the... [Continue Reading]
Serbia arrests police chief over abuse-of-office allegations
Serbian authorities have arrested the head of the country's criminal police directorate, Marko Kricak, on suspicion of abuse of office and dereliction of duty. A second senior officer, Bosko Sekulovic, who heads the police unit responsible for fighting organised crime, was also detained on Sunday. Prosecutors said the case is being handled in Belgrade and insisted it has no connection to the legislative elections held a week earlier.Belgrade chief prosecutor Nenad Stefanovic said the two men are suspected of abusing their positions and failing to carry out their duties, causing prejudice and serious harm to the rights of former police... [Continue Reading]
More than 300 arrested at Palestine Action support protest outside US embassy in London
Police in London arrested 325 people during a protest outside the US embassy in Nine Elms on Saturday, after demonstrators gathered in support of the banned group Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police said the majority of those detained were arrested for expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Officers continued making arrests into the evening as the crowd remained outside the embassy.The force said 320 of the arrests were linked to support for a proscribed organisation. Protesters held signs reading phrases including: "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." Some demonstrators were carried away by officers after... [Continue Reading]
Rubio says Trump administration did not help Bolsonaro move to the United States after Brazil election loss
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the Trump administration did not help Brazil's defeated presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro leave the country for the United States after his election loss. His comments came as Donald Trump said Bolsonaro could remain in the US "as long as he wants". The remarks add a new diplomatic layer to an already sensitive cross-border political dispute involving Brazil's election aftermath.According to the supplied report, Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, one day after the US Department of State said Bolsonaro and his family would be granted visas following his October 25 election... [Continue Reading]
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv as coalition deadlock puts Netanyahu's future in play
Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to press Israel's opposition leaders to reach an agreement with Arab-led parties and form a government that would remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The rally came after Tuesday's election produced no clear majority, leaving coalition negotiations at the centre of the political debate. Supporters of Netanyahu also turned out in counterprotest, underscoring the depth of the divide over who should govern next.According to the reported results, Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, while the bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48. That leaves neither side able to govern... [Continue Reading]
Second night of drone disruption at Jersey Airport
Flights into Jersey Airport were disrupted for a second consecutive night after unauthorised drone activity was reported near the airfield. The airport said at 20:05 on Saturday that it was experiencing disruption affecting inbound flights because of further drone activity in the vicinity. Late evening flights were cancelled, leaving passengers and airport users facing another night of uncertainty.States of Jersey Police said they were investigating the incidents and had appealed for anyone with information about who was responsible to come forward. Inspector Rob McCallum said it was believed that two or three drones had entered restricted airspace. He added that... [Continue Reading]
Man found dead after floodwater sweep near Santa Teresa in Central Australia
Northern Territory Police say a 60-year-old man has been found dead after being swept away by floodwater near Santa Teresa in Central Australia. His body was located on Saturday afternoon after a three-day search and rescue operation in a remote area south of Alice Springs. Police said the man had been missing since his vehicle became stuck in a creek on Phillipson Bore Road.According to police, the body was found at 1:40pm about 10 kilometres from the place where he was swept off the roof of his vehicle. The incident happened near the remote Aboriginal community of Santa Teresa, also... [Continue Reading]
Tornado-like storm damages roofs and trees near Yass in New South Wales
A violent tornado-like storm has caused significant damage in the Good Hope area near Yass in New South Wales' Southern Tablelands. The system struck on Saturday afternoon, ripping roofs from buildings, toppling trees and leaving residents facing a lengthy clean-up. No injuries have been reported so far.Officials said the storm ripped off six roofs and damaged the roofs of 10 other buildings. Golf-ball-sized hail and strong winds also hit the small rural community, about 12 kilometres outside Yass. Strong winds initially blocked road access to the area, adding to the disruption for residents and emergency crews.The New South Wales State... [Continue Reading]
Poland's Constitutional Tribunal standoff deepens after Tusk vows no compromise
Poland's political crisis over the Constitutional Tribunal intensified on Saturday after Prime Minister Donald Tusk delivered a televised address and vowed there would be no compromise on the rule of law. The confrontation centres on the court's composition and the appointment of new judges, with President Karol Nawrocki attempting to enter the Tribunal building on Friday night amid the deadlock. Police surrounded the building as the dispute played out live on television, turning an institutional row into a highly visible national confrontation.Tusk said the events of Friday were "scandalous incidents" and argued that restoring calm could not mean accepting lawlessness... [Continue Reading]
Erdogan and Zelenskyy agree to work on new Black Sea grain corridor after attacks on civilian ships
Turkiye and Ukraine have agreed to work on a new Black Sea grain corridor after talks in Istanbul between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Erdogan used a joint news conference to urge both Russia and Ukraine to stop targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea, saying such attacks were unacceptable whoever carried them out. The talks focused on maritime security at a time when commercial shipping and grain exports remain under pressure.Erdogan said attacks on civilian vessels and actions that escalate tensions in the Black Sea serve no one's interests. He added that Turkiye could not accept... [Continue Reading]
Albanese travels to Antigua and Barbuda for Commonwealth summit amid UN Security Council push
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is travelling to Antigua and Barbuda for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The summit brings together leaders from 56 countries and is expected to give him a chance to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines. Australia is using the meeting to advance its campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029-30.Mr Albanese said the gathering offers an opportunity to work with close partners on shared challenges, including climate change, the preservation of oceans, trade and investment, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He also said the summit is an... [Continue Reading]
At least four Palestinians killed in Gaza as attacks continue despite ceasefire
Israeli attacks in Gaza killed at least four Palestinians on Saturday, according to hospital and medical sources cited in the enclave. The deaths were reported in separate incidents in Nuseirat, Tel al-Hawa and al-Mawasi, underscoring that violence has continued despite the reported ceasefire. The latest killings came as the territory's health authorities said more people were wounded over the past 48 hours.In Nuseirat refugee camp, shelling killed Palestinian teacher Diaa Abu al-Rous, al-Awda Hospital confirmed. In Tel al-Hawa, southwest of Gaza City, Arafat al-Arair died after suffering serious injuries days earlier when a vehicle was struck, with his death confirmed... [Continue Reading]
Kallas and Miliband confront Lavrov at G20 over Ukraine war
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas publicly challenged Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during G20 talks in Atlanta, accusing him of telling "a lot of lies" about the war in Ukraine. She said European officials used the meeting to confront him directly on the conflict and on wider geopolitical tensions. The exchange took place on Friday during ministerial discussions in the United States city.Kallas said the talks covered the Ukraine war and that European representatives were able to address Lavrov "head on." She said he put forward "a lot of false narratives" that were challenged by European officials. A... [Continue Reading]
Starmer says UK and Europe must draw closer as US becomes less reliable
Keir Starmer has said the United Kingdom and other European countries must move closer together as the United States becomes a less reliable security partner. In his first major political intervention since leaving office, he argued that Europe has been caught out by changes in the security environment more than once. He said the shift in Washington's approach is not a temporary disruption, but a lasting change that Europe must adapt to.Speaking at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Starmer said Europe had twice failed to prepare for predictable events. He pointed first to Russia's attack on Ukraine,... [Continue Reading]
Sudanese artists in Port Sudan work to preserve culture after war destroys studios
Artists in Sudan are trying to preserve cultural traditions and keep working after the war forced many from their homes and destroyed studios and workspaces. In Port Sudan, visual artist and theatre director Awad Haroun has been rebuilding his life after fleeing Al-Halfaya in Khartoum North when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. He is among displaced artists now using performance, workshops and community projects to keep cultural activity alive.Haroun, 45, left his home with only a few clothes, two books and some torn drawing papers, expecting to return soon.... [Continue Reading]
Alaska Senate ballot-name dispute triggers Justice Department probe
A dispute over two candidates named Dan Sullivan on Alaska's Senate ballot has escalated into a federal investigation and a wider political row in the United States. The ballot in next week's midterm elections includes the incumbent Republican senator Dan Sullivan and another candidate, Daniel J Sullivan Jr, a retired teacher with no prior political experience. The controversy centres on allegations that Democratic aides helped recruit candidates with similar names in an effort to split votes and influence the result.The allegations were first reported earlier this week and have since prompted President Donald Trump to order a Justice Department investigation... [Continue Reading]
Oleshky evacuees arrive in Belarus amid localised truce between Kyiv and Moscow
Evacuees from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region arrived in Belarus on Saturday under a short humanitarian truce between Kyiv and Moscow. Video shared by Ukraine's human rights commissioner showed some of the residents stepping off a plane after landing in the country, with pets among the belongings visible in the footage. Ukrainian officials said the final aircraft carrying evacuees had reached Gomel in southeastern Belarus.David Arakhamia said the fourth and last plane had landed and that, within hours, all Ukrainian citizens evacuated from Oleshky, together with the Ukrainian delegation, would be back on Ukrainian territory. Russia's... [Continue Reading]
UN closes Somalia mission after decades of political engagement
The United Nations has closed its political mission in Somalia, ending more than three decades of involvement in the country's post-war recovery. The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia ceased operations on Saturday after completing a two-year transition requested by the Somali government. Its responsibilities have now been transferred to Somali institutions, UN agencies and the UN office that supports African Union troops.The mission said the handover followed a roadmap agreed between Somalia and the United Nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Somalia's progress, but said continued international support would still be needed because of political, security and humanitarian... [Continue Reading]
Hundreds from occupied Oleshky reach Belarus as evacuation continues under rare truce
Four planes carrying evacuees from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky have arrived in Belarus, marking the latest stage of a rare humanitarian evacuation corridor linked to a temporary truce. Ukrainian lawmaker David Arakhamia said the aircraft landed in the southeastern Belarusian city of Gomel on Saturday. The evacuees were then due to continue to Ukrainian territory within hours.The group was met in Gomel by rescue workers, medical teams and Red Cross volunteers, according to Belarusian state media. The evacuation began on Friday with bus convoys moving residents out of Oleshky under a regional truce expected to last through Sunday. Arakhamia... [Continue Reading]
Lebanon charges 13 over Hezbollah-linked explosives seizure
A Lebanese military court has charged 13 people it says are linked to Hezbollah over the trafficking of explosives, following a seizure earlier this month at a checkpoint east of Beirut. The case centres on a truck stopped at Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint, which connects the capital to the eastern Bekaa Valley. Lebanese state media reported that the charges were filed on Friday.Judicial officials said the vehicle was carrying 780kg of explosives, including 250kg of TNT and 250kg of C-4 plastic explosives. Two people were arrested during the seizure, while the other 11 charged remain at large. Five of those named... [Continue Reading]
Senior RSF commander defects in Sudan, accusing leadership of nepotism
A senior commander in Sudan's Rapid Support Forces has defected, accusing the paramilitary group's leadership of operating like a family business and suppressing dissent. Siddiq Ander said in video footage that he had left the RSF and criticised the way power is exercised inside the force. His remarks point to a fresh internal split within one of the main armed actors in Sudan's war.The footage, published on Friday, shows Ander accusing relatives of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, of controlling the group's finances, weapons, troop movements and military promotions. Ander said it had become clear that they... [Continue Reading]
Flavio Bolsonaro says he fled Brazil for the United States amid persecution claims
Flavio Bolsonaro has said he secretly left Brazil for the United States, claiming he was the target of persecution in a case linked to a money-laundering investigation. In a video message posted on social media late on Friday, he said he had arrived in Florida after travelling through Argentina and Ecuador. He gave no detailed explanation of how he left the country, but said the decision was made without anyone knowing.Bolsonaro said his Brazilian passports had been cancelled as part of the investigation, and that police informed him on Monday while he was leaving a visit to his father, former... [Continue Reading]
US voters in 39 states to decide 145 ballot measures alongside midterm elections
Voters in 39 US states are set to decide on 145 state-level ballot measures on Tuesday, alongside the midterm elections. The proposals cover a wide range of issues, including abortion, firearms, transgender rights, criminal justice, voter identification rules and citizenship requirements for local voting. The measures could change state laws directly, or alter existing policies through referendums and constitutional amendments.The largest number of proposals are in California and Colorado, which each have 14 measures on the ballot. Four states are voting on abortion-related proposals, including Idaho and Nevada. In Massachusetts, voters will decide whether to keep restrictions on firearms, while... [Continue Reading]
Ebola death toll in DR Congo passes 5,000 as outbreak spreads across eight provinces
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has passed a grim new milestone, with government data showing the death toll has risen above 5,000. Authorities say the virus has now infected more than 10,000 people since the outbreak was declared in May. The spread has reached eight of the country's 26 provinces, making this the deadliest Ebola outbreak recorded in the country.Officials say the outbreak is being driven by delayed detection, conflict and strained health services, which have made containment more difficult. The strain involved is Bundibugyo Ebola, for which there are no approved treatments or vaccines.... [Continue Reading]
Israel election leaves Arab parties as kingmakers in deadlocked result
Arab parties in Israel have emerged as potential kingmakers after a record turnout among Arab voters helped lift them to 19 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. The result, reported after Tuesday's election, marks a sharp rise from 10 seats in the previous vote and leaves neither major bloc able to form a government on its own. The outcome has placed Arab-majority parties at the centre of coalition talks in a parliament that remains deadlocked.The surge in support was driven by higher participation in Arab communities, including Palestinian citizens of Israel and Bedouin voters. One first-time voter, schoolteacher Ranya Farhat, said... [Continue Reading]
France braces for Halloween unrest as police deploy 70,000 officers
French authorities are deploying 70,000 police officers nationwide as they prepare for a fresh wave of unrest expected on Halloween. The demonstrations are being driven by anger over living costs, public services and President Emmanuel Macron's government. Officials say the risk of disorder is high after earlier riots and looting damaged shops, public buildings and businesses in cities across the country.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has said the authorities will not allow a repeat of the previous violence. He told a news conference earlier this week that "everyone is on deck to ensure an extremely firm response to any trouble" and... [Continue Reading]
Brazil summons Argentine diplomat amid row over Bolsonaro's flight to the US
Brazil has summoned Argentina's charge d'affaires after questions emerged over the departure of Flavio Bolsonaro following Brazil's presidential election. According to the supplied report, Brazil's Foreign Ministry called in Maria Emilia Cortes on Thursday to answer questions about Bolsonaro's trip, which reportedly began in Argentina before he travelled on to the United States. The move adds a new diplomatic dimension to an already tense post-election period in Brazil.The report says Argentina's foreign minister, Pablo Quirno, denied on social media that his government had received a formal request for explanations about Bolsonaro's decision to flee into Argentina late on Tuesday. It... [Continue Reading]
EU fast-tracks Ukraine support funding amid financial crunch
The European Union plans to accelerate disbursement of its €90 billion support loan to Ukraine as the country faces a growing financial crunch. Brussels now intends to concentrate the second €45 billion envelope in the first half of 2027, rather than letting the assistance run later into the year. The move is meant to prevent a funding gap that officials say could have serious consequences for Ukraine's budget and military needs.According to the European Commission's strategy published on Friday, the second tranche will be split into €31.7 billion for military support and €13.3 billion for budget support. The military portion... [Continue Reading]
Houthi missile strikes on Aden raise fears of renewed war
Residents in Yemen's southern city of Aden are stockpiling food and preparing escape plans after repeated missile strikes and explosions over the past month raised fears of a return to wider war. The attacks have shaken a city that had remained relatively calm for years and had become a refuge for people displaced by fighting elsewhere in the country. The latest wave of violence has also renewed concern that the conflict could spread further beyond the western front lines.The Houthis have claimed attacks on several sites in Aden, including the international airport, military camps, the city's port and the presidential... [Continue Reading]
Glacial lake burst floods Bhutan hot springs and cuts road access
A glacial lake burst in northern Bhutan has triggered flash flooding that damaged the Gasa Tshachu hot springs area and cut off road access to the site. The flood followed the Shintaphu glacial lake bursting its banks, sending water through the area overnight. Authorities said the extent of the damage was still being assessed because of darkness and strong flood flow.No injuries or deaths had been reported as of Friday, according to state broadcaster BBS. The flood washed away infrastructure at the natural hot springs, which are a major tourist attraction in the north of the country. Two Bailey bridges... [Continue Reading]
Evacuation begins in Russian-held Oleshky under six-day humanitarian ceasefire
Evacuation and aid deliveries have begun in Oleshky, a town in Ukraine's Kherson region that has been under Russian control since the early days of the full-scale invasion. The operation started on Friday under a localized humanitarian ceasefire, allowing buses and relief supplies to enter the town. Officials said the truce is limited in scope and does not apply across the wider war zone.A senior Ukrainian official said part of the population had started leaving the town, although the number of evacuees remained unclear after earlier estimates were revised. The Ukrainian prime minister had previously mentioned 527 people, but later... [Continue Reading]
EU countries pledge diesel reserve releases amid winter supply fears
Eleven European Union countries have pledged to release 20.5 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves by the end of January 2027, as concerns grow over winter fuel supplies. The move comes amid renewed instability in the Middle East and follows pressure from the Group of Seven and the International Energy Agency for governments to act on energy security. The pledge was presented at a meeting of energy ministers in Luxembourg on 29 October.Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden are among the governments taking part. According to a joint declaration seen by Euronews,... [Continue Reading]
Severe rain and flood warnings issued for central Greece and western Turkey after fatal tornado in Antalya
Authorities in Greece and Turkey have issued severe rainfall and flooding warnings as heavy rain and strong winds continue to affect parts of the region. The warnings come as an area of low pressure has helped trigger powerful thunderstorms across south-eastern Europe and western Turkey. Forecasters say central Greece and western parts of Turkey could receive 100-150mm of rain this week, with locally higher totals possible.The weather system has already caused deadly damage in Turkey. During a particularly intense thunderstorm in Antalya, a coastal city in the south-west of the country, a tornado formed and killed four construction workers on... [Continue Reading]
Helicopter carrying pilgrims crashes near Joshimath in Uttarakhand
A helicopter carrying six people, including five pilgrims, has crashed near a village close to Joshimath in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Rescue teams have been sent to the mountainous area as officials try to determine the condition of those on board. The aircraft had reportedly taken off from Badrinath before losing contact on Friday afternoon.Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said a joint rescue operation was under way involving the district administration, the disaster management department and the State Disaster Response Force. He said he was monitoring the incident closely and had ordered that anyone seriously injured be... [Continue Reading]
Trump cancels Kansas and Iowa rallies as final midterm push shifts online
With four days left before the United States midterm elections, Donald Trump has cancelled two weekend rallies planned for Kansas and Iowa and is instead turning to telephone campaigning across nearly 20 states. The change comes as both parties intensify their final push for votes, with Republicans trying to hold Congress and Democrats showing stronger momentum in national polling. The move also leaves Trump's Florida appearance on Friday as his final scheduled in-person rally.The latest polling cited in the supporting material shows Democrats ahead nationally by 51.4 percent to 43.2 percent, according to RealClearPolling. A Marquette Law School poll released... [Continue Reading]
THE GROWTH ILLUSION: HOW GDP TRICKERY MASKED THE DEATH OF THE MIDDLE CLASS
We are fed a daily diet of triumphant economic headlines. The S&P 500 hits record highs, corporate earnings smash forecasts, and central bankers beam at GDP charts pointing up and to the right. Politicians line up to remind us how much "wealthier" we are compared to our parents or grandparents. On paper, they are right. The average worker makes vastly more dollars today than at any point in human history. But step outside the spreadsheet and into the street, and the math fails the reality test. If we are so undeniably prosperous, why does buying a modest home feel like... [Continue Reading]
Dubai Property Market Faces Litmus Test as Nakheel Waterfront Investors Await Final Judicial Verdict
Hundreds of international and local investors who purchased land plots in Nakheel’s massive "Waterfront" project nearly two decades ago are holding their breath. Following the official cancellation of the project by the Dubai Land Department and its integration under Dubai Holding, a special judicial committee appointed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been tasked with resolving the liquidation and settling investor claims. Because the decisions of this specialized committee are legally binding and final, with no avenue for appeal, the upcoming rulings are being viewed as a critical turning point for the regulatory reputation of Dubai's... [Continue Reading]
The Ghosn Paradox The Imperial Savior, His Cinematic Escape, and the Desperate Call to Salvage a Crumbling Nissan
The Man Who Defied Corporate Gravity Few corporate sagas in modern history possess the cinematic drama, geopolitical friction, and sheer psychological tension as the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. Once lauded as the ultimate transnational executive, a multi-lingual titan capable of bridging disparate business cultures, Ghosn became the absolute center of a global firestorm. His story cuts through the pristine facade of global corporate governance to reveal a messy underbelly of nationalism, legal vulnerability, and strategic failure. Rebuilding an Empire from the Ashes of Bankruptcy The mythos of Carlos Ghosn began in 1999. Nissan, one of Japan's proudest manufacturing... [Continue Reading]
Is the Italian Prime Minister the Visionary Leader Europe Needs? An Analysis of Executive Decisiveness, National Security, and the Contrast in European Integration Policies
A Continent in Institutional Deadlock While the rest of Europe remains entangled in a web of bureaucratic deadlock and human rights litigation, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has quietly established herself as a leader operating far ahead of her continental peers. For years, European leaders have debated how to handle radicalism and unchecked migration, often waiting for institutional consensus that arrives too late. Meloni, conversely, has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize state security over political correctness, offering a blueprint for a continent facing asymmetric threats. The Contrast in European Legislative Approvals The contrast between Italy’s swift, executive decisiveness and the... [Continue Reading]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMP’S WASHINGTON AGREEMENT
A catastrophic military escalation in Southern Lebanon has successfully disrupted the highest levels of global diplomacy. Just days after the signing of the United States and Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an armoured battlefield clash on the strategic heights of Ali al-Taher has effectively frozen implementation talks scheduled to begin today in Switzerland. The crisis provides an alarming look at how kinetic actions on the ground can instantly sabotage geopolitical blueprints designed in Washington. The Official Statement from Hezbollah Following the midnight clashes, the media wing of Hezbollah issued a formal, comprehensive statement outlining their strategic justification and rejecting accusations... [Continue Reading]
The Unspoken Stats: Who is Raping Europe?
Answering this question requires a direct look at the empirical data so, below is the comprehensive, data-verified draft for my article, formatted to analyse the relationship between immigration demographics and police-recorded sexual offense figures across Europe. Data vs. Perception: An Asymmetric Analysis of Migration and Sexual Offence Statistics in Europe While my primary field of research is rooted in macro-geopolitics, the responsibilities of independent journalism often demand transitioning from international balance-of-power metrics to domestic social realities. A recent high-profile criminal incident in England involving the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl by four Afghani nationals where one of them is... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
The Great Uncoupling: Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Gambit
The UAE’s decision to cut ties with OPEC is far more than a mere adjustment of energy policy, for it functions as a political telegram written in barrels and sent directly to the heart of the global order. For nearly six decades, Abu Dhabi operated within the rigid architecture of producer discipline, where it accepted the rituals of quotas, the formality of communiqués, and the heavy burden of collective restraint. It played the long game of oil diplomacy with a patient hand, balancing its own massive national ambitions against the gravity of cartel discipline and the delicate logic of Gulf... [Continue Reading]
The Glass Elevator to Nowhere: A World Trapped in a Chocolate Factory
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trump’s 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [Continue Reading]
When Deterrence Becomes Reality
Yesterday the war crossed a line! For years the Sejjil ballistic missile existed mostly as a symbol. A weapon paraded in military videos, discussed in defense briefings, whispered about in strategic circles as one of Iran’s most serious capabilities. A weapon that analysts described as deterrence, not something meant to be used. But on March 15, 2026, that line disappeared. Iran reportedly launched the Sejjil (also known as Ashoura) as part of what Tehran called the 54th wave of Operation True Promise 4, a massive strike package that also included the Fattah hypersonic missile and the Qadr ballistic missile system.... [Continue Reading]
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
The role of community policing in nurturing acceptance
In a highly polarized world and a highly volatile situation, many wars are perturbing the lives of many, forcing governments to take real measures to protect their citizens. Away from the geopolitical analysis and speculation, I would like to highlight one of many important aspects related to war preparation, which is the protocol of living in community shelters, historically comparable to the use of air raid shelters during major conflicts. During the war in Lebanon in the mid-eighties, I published an article about this protocol, and it seems very relevant to these days. 1- This is not your house: A... [Continue Reading]



