UN warns against regional spread of DR Congo conflict

The United Nations has called for efforts to prevent the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from spreading across the region. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that “the worst may be yet to come” during an emergency meeting of the Human Rights Council. The DRC and Rwanda continue to deny responsibility, instead blaming each other for the crisis. … Continue reading UN warns against regional spread of DR Congo conflict

US seizes second Venezuelan government plane in the Dominican Republic

The Trump administration seized a second plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government, currently in the Dominican Republic. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio witnessed officials affixing the seizure warrant to the plane during his visit to Santo Domingo. Rubio approved a waiver on frozen foreign aid to cover over $230,000 in storage and maintenance fees. The U.S. Justice Department said the plane was … Continue reading US seizes second Venezuelan government plane in the Dominican Republic

Two killed as small plane crashes into bus on busy road in Brazilian city of São Paulo

A small plane crashed onto a busy road in São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday, colliding with a bus and killing at least two people. The crash occurred around 7:20 a.m. local time on Avenida Marquês in the coastal district of Barra Funda. Two passengers on the plane were burned to death, while six others, including a motorcyclist and a bus passenger, were injured by debris. … Continue reading Two killed as small plane crashes into bus on busy road in Brazilian city of São Paulo

China plans to send a flying robot to search for water on the moon’s far side

China plans to send a flying robot to the moon’s far side next year to search for frozen water, crucial for future lunar exploration. The “flying detector” will be part of the Chang’e-7 mission, which aims to advance China’s goal of landing astronauts on the moon within five years. China is expanding its space ambitions, competing with nations like the U.S. for scientific progress, resources, … Continue reading China plans to send a flying robot to search for water on the moon’s far side

China launches an antitrust probe into Google

China announced retaliatory measures against the U.S., including tariffs on coal, LNG, and crude oil, along with an antitrust probe into Google. Two U.S. firms were placed on China’s unreliable entity list, restricting their investments in the country. Google’s history in China dates back to 2006, but it shut down its search engine there in 2010 due to censorship concerns. Beijing later blocked all Google … Continue reading China launches an antitrust probe into Google

PepsiCo earnings beat estimates, but demand for drinks and snacks drops

PepsiCo reported mixed quarterly results as North American demand for its snacks and drinks declined for the fifth straight quarter. Shares fell more than 2% in premarket trading. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.96, slightly beating the $1.94 expected. Revenue came in at $27.78 billion, just below the expected $27.89 billion. Net income rose to $1.52 billion, or $1.11 per share, from … Continue reading PepsiCo earnings beat estimates, but demand for drinks and snacks drops

Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Brussels had high hopes for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset but has since lowered expectations. Six months of red lines and rejections have dimmed hopes that he will undo the extreme elements of the Tory Brexit deal. Officials and diplomats still see room for better relations, but no major breakthroughs. Early optimism faded after London dismissed proposals on visas for young people and student exchanges. Frustration … Continue reading Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

More than seven months after the June 2024 elections, a coalition government has been formed, led by nationalist Bart De Wever. De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister after prolonged negotiations, shifting the government further to the right. He is the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to lead the country. His five-party coalition includes the Flemish nationalist N-VA, centrist Christian Democrats, … Continue reading Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

Names of FBI agents who investigated Capitol riots to be handed over to Trump DOJ officials

FBI executives considered resisting a Justice Department order to release the names of agents involved in Capitol riot cases but ultimately complied. The FBI’s legal team determined that the Trump administration’s demand was lawful and that refusal was not an option. The FBI Agents Association and former FBI Director William Webster condemned the removal of eight senior officials, warning it endangered investigations and national security. … Continue reading Names of FBI agents who investigated Capitol riots to be handed over to Trump DOJ officials

Biden pardons Fauci, Milley, Cheney, Jan. 6 lawmakers

In his final hours in office, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the Jan. 6 committee, citing the need to protect them from potential “revenge” by the incoming Trump administration. Biden’s decision follows Trump’s threats of retaliation against those who held him accountable for the 2021 Capitol attack and his election loss. Biden emphasized … Continue reading Biden pardons Fauci, Milley, Cheney, Jan. 6 lawmakers

2 Americans arrested in Venezuela on eve of Maduro inauguration over ‘terrorism’ claims

Two U.S. citizens were arrested in Venezuela on unclear charges, with President Nicolas Maduro alleging they were “mercenaries” involved in terrorism, though no evidence was provided. Maduro claimed they were part of a group of seven arrested, including Colombians and Ukrainians, and said Venezuela has detained 125 alleged foreign mercenaries recently. The U.S. State Department denied any involvement in a plot against Maduro and criticized … Continue reading 2 Americans arrested in Venezuela on eve of Maduro inauguration over ‘terrorism’ claims

NATO secretary general warns world must prepare for war

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance must adopt a “wartime mindset” and significantly boost defense spending to counter growing threats from Russia and China. In his first Brussels speech as NATO chief, Rutte emphasized that the current 2% GDP defense spending target is insufficient, urging members to invest “considerably more” to prepare for long-term confrontation. He criticized decades of defense cuts post-Cold … Continue reading NATO secretary general warns world must prepare for war

DOJ moving to wind down Trump criminal cases before he takes office

The Justice Department is evaluating how to close two federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump, in accordance with the longstanding policy that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. Despite special counsel Jack Smith’s recent actions in the cases related to January 6 and classified documents, DOJ officials now acknowledge that no trial is feasible in the near future due to legal complications. With Trump’s … Continue reading DOJ moving to wind down Trump criminal cases before he takes office

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says war with Russia is being pushed ‘beyond borders’ as North Korea joins in

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the deployment of North Korean soldiers to support Russian troops in Ukraine is internationalizing the conflict. He reported that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers are already near the front line, with expectations of an increase to 12,000. Western leaders estimate that North Korea has sent about 10,000 troops to aid Russia, raising concerns about implications for Indo-Pacific relations. … Continue reading Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says war with Russia is being pushed ‘beyond borders’ as North Korea joins in

Taliban bans women ‘hearing other women’s voices’ in latest decree

The Taliban has imposed new extreme restrictions on women in Afghanistan, banning them from “hearing other women’s voices” while praying. Khalid Hanafi, the acting minister of the Vice and Virtue Ministry, announced this ban in a now-deleted social media message. Women are prohibited from praying loudly enough for others to hear, reciting Quranic verses, or chanting religious phrases like “Allahu Akbar.” This follows a previous … Continue reading Taliban bans women ‘hearing other women’s voices’ in latest decree

Astronauts on the ISS warned of urgent evacuation as Nasa monitors 50 ‘areas of concern’

Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) have been instructed to prepare for an urgent evacuation due to increasing safety concerns. NASA and Roscosmos have identified 50 “areas of concern,” including cracks and leaks, with one significant oxygen leak in the Russian service module dating back to 2019. A recent NASA report classified the situation as a “top safety risk,” rating it five out of … Continue reading Astronauts on the ISS warned of urgent evacuation as Nasa monitors 50 ‘areas of concern’

Giuliani ordered to turn over his N.Y. apartment and valuables to the former Georgia election workers

A federal judge in New York has ordered Rudy Giuliani to transfer his luxury apartment and various valuables to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, whom he defamed. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Giuliani must relinquish personal property, including cash accounts, jewelry, and his $5.7 million Madison Avenue co-op, within seven days. This decision follows a defamation … Continue reading Giuliani ordered to turn over his N.Y. apartment and valuables to the former Georgia election workers

Chinese Researchers Develop Ultra-strong ‘Lunar Bricks’ for Future Moon Base Construction

Chinese researchers have developed lunar bricks made from simulated lunar soil that are over three times stronger than traditional materials like concrete. These bricks will be tested for durability in China’s space station as part of plans to establish a lunar base by 2040, reducing the need to transport building materials from Earth. Created through a process called sintering, the bricks can withstand extreme lunar … Continue reading Chinese Researchers Develop Ultra-strong ‘Lunar Bricks’ for Future Moon Base Construction

NASA further delays first operational Starliner flight

NASA will utilize SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for its Crew-10 and Crew-11 missions to the International Space Station in 2025 while evaluating whether Boeing needs to conduct another test flight of its Starliner spacecraft. Crew-10, set for February 2025, will carry NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with JAXA’s Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos’ Kirill Peskov. Crew-11 is scheduled for July 2025, with the crew … Continue reading NASA further delays first operational Starliner flight

Boeing seeks up to $35bn as costly strike drags on

Boeing plans to raise up to $35 billion from investors and banks as a costly strike by thousands of its workers enters its second month. The union representing over 30,000 workers held a rally in Seattle while Boeing prepares to lay off about 17,000 employees, with notices expected by mid-November. Negotiations to end the strike collapsed last week when Boeing withdrew a 30% pay rise … Continue reading Boeing seeks up to $35bn as costly strike drags on

Hurricane Relief Workers Forced to Evacuate Due to Threat of ‘Armed Militia’

Government officials in North Carolina were evacuated due to threats from armed civilians claiming they were “hunting” FEMA workers during hurricane relief efforts. On Saturday, National Guard troops reported encountering militia members in Rutherford County, prompting the evacuation of emergency personnel. Similar threats in Ashe County delayed FEMA operations on Sunday. In North Carolina, some residents believe that FEMA is not providing adequate assistance in … Continue reading Hurricane Relief Workers Forced to Evacuate Due to Threat of ‘Armed Militia’

Zelenskyy presents Ukraine ‘victory plan’ to allies on tour of Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently touring European capitals to promote his “victory plan” aimed at creating conditions for a just resolution to the war with Russia. This tour follows a scheduled summit with U.S. President Joe Biden that was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. During his visit to Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized Italy’s continued support for Ukraine as it faces a challenging … Continue reading Zelenskyy presents Ukraine ‘victory plan’ to allies on tour of Europe

Kate joins Prince William for her first public appearance since ending cancer treatment

Prince William and Princess Kate made a surprise visit to Southport, England, on Thursday to meet with the families of three children killed in a knife attack in July. This marked Kate’s first public appearance since completing chemotherapy. The children, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, were tragically fatally stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. During their … Continue reading Kate joins Prince William for her first public appearance since ending cancer treatment

U.S. crude oil jumps more than 3%, closes above $77 

U.S. crude oil prices surged over 3% on Monday amid heightened tensions surrounding a potential Israeli strike on Iran following Tehran’s ballistic missile attack. Last week, oil prices experienced significant gains, with West Texas Intermediate rising 9.09% for its largest weekly increase since March 2023, and Brent crude up 8.43%, marking its biggest advance since January 2023. President Biden has urged Israel to refrain from … Continue reading U.S. crude oil jumps more than 3%, closes above $77 

Ron DeSantis is refusing to take Harris’ call on Hurricane Helene

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is reportedly avoiding calls from Vice President Kamala Harris regarding recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, which recently impacted the state. A DeSantis aide claimed Harris’ outreach seemed “political,” and the governor has not spoken to President Joe Biden, although Biden attempted to contact him last week while surveying storm damage. DeSantis has been in touch with FEMA Director Deanne Criswell instead. … Continue reading Ron DeSantis is refusing to take Harris’ call on Hurricane Helene