The International Power Broker Trying to Normalize Hamas
Mohammed Dahlan is aiming to unite Palestine by reaching out to Gaza’s ostracized leaders.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗120 current dispatches · Wars, diplomacy, humanitarian crises, geopolitical power shifts, climate disasters, and global events with consequences beyond one country.
Mohammed Dahlan is aiming to unite Palestine by reaching out to Gaza’s ostracized leaders.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗The imperative of ambition in a new Congress.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗President Trump reacted to the volatile Thursday in markets with a series of Truth Social posts overnight, doubling down on his support of data centers and trying to blame Democrats for the sell-off. A little after 7 a.m. ET Friday, he renewed his support for data centers , writing he "will work with the many States in the U.S. that want to become RICH by having them" and calling leaders who might be opposed "foolish." The comments appeared largely directed at Texas, where voters this week elected a new Democratic governor who has promised to halt new data center construction in a race that surfaced deep voter unease over AI and its effects. President Donald Trump prominently displays a hat emblazoned with "Veto" in the Oval Office of the White House on November 5 after Democrats took control of the US House and Senate. (MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images) MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa pledged on Thursday to protect Texas from data centers via new laws and, in the meantime, would hold off on approving new data center projects "until we have those protections." Hinojosa defeated outgoing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, one of the few losing figures Trump has lashed out at this week. Trump hasn't criticized most losing Republicans but reacted immediately to Abbott's loss , saying the three-term Republican governor would have won if he hadn't become a "RINO" (Republican in name only). "It wasn't pretty!" Trump boasted. The wave of anti-data center sentiment stretched across the country, elevating Democrats to governorships in places like Ohio and Georgia who could bring a newly critical eye to the sector in the middle of a rapid build-out. Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa speaks at a press conference in Austin on November 5. (RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images) RONALDO SCHEMIDT via Getty Images The concerns about a slowdown in data center construction and AI spending led to a steep sell-off in tech stocks on Thursday — ending the worst post-midterm day since 1896 . Trump tried to pin blame for those losses on Democrats. "The Stock Market crashed today because the Dumocrats had a big Tuesday — So sad to see, you only have yourselves to blame!" Trump posted Thursday night on Truth Social . A day earlier, he was touting Wednesday's market gains , which came after the Democrats' sweeping win became clear. Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. This article originally appeared on Yahoo Finance at https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/article/trump-doubles-down-on-data-centers-as-he-absorbs-the-market-turmoil-132648002.html
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Gaza records more birth defects in nine months than in all of 2022, Wafa reports The number of birth defects recorded among newborns in Gaza during the first nine months of 2026 has exceeded the total reported for the whole of 2022, the year before Israel’s war on the territory began, the Palestinian news agency Wafa has reported. A medical source in Gaza told Wafa that 260 cases were recorded between January and September, compared with 184 cases in all of 2022. The source said 322 cases were recorded in 2025, a 75 percent increase on the 2022 figure. Possible contributing factors include maternal malnutrition, exposure to environmental pollutants and disruptions to prenatal care during the war, the source said, calling for an independent international scientific investigation. The source cautioned that the figures alone do not establish the rate of congenital anomalies among newborns or determine their causes. A January 2025 report by Human Rights Watch said pregnant women in Gaza faced serious health risks because of the war, the blockade, damage to health facilities and shortages of food, water and medicine. An ambulance drives past a bloodstain after an Israeli strike that killed three people in Gaza City’s al-Remal neighbourhood, 1 November 2026 (Omar al-Qattaa/AFP)
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Ayesha Curry extended a heartfelt welcome on Instagram to filmmaker Ryan Coogler as he made his return to Chase Center. Coogler, accompanied by his wife Zinzi, watched the Warriors triumph over the Miami Heat with a score of 120-100. This victory marked the team's sixth straight win of the season, highlighted by Stephen Curry's 29-point performance and Klay Thompson's emotional comeback.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Show Hope, the non-profit organization founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth in 2003, has achieved significant milestones. The charity has successfully helped over 10,000 children find permanent families through its adoption grants. In celebration of this achievement, a benefit concert will be held at the Grand Ole Opry featuring notable artists. Five dollars from each ticket sold will support the organization's ongoing programs.
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Paul Mackenzie convicted over the deaths of 190 children and one adult after followers were ordered to starve themselves and their families The leader of a Kenyan doomsday sect has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for the murders of 190 children and one adult in one of the world’s worst cult disasters in recent history. The sentence, comprising 100 years for murder by starvation and 100 years by direct homicide, came two weeks after the court in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa found the cult leader guilty of the crimes. Continue reading...
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Israeli opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot said on Friday he was making "significant progress" in forming a government to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as one of his possible coalition partners walked back demands that ultra-Orthodox Jews complete military service and signalled a willingness to hold talks with the community.
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California's governor Gavy Newsom announced Thursday that he will commute all death sentences in the state to life without the possibility of parole. He said that "capital punishment is morally wrong." The state Supreme Court will have the final say in hundreds of those cases.
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Pope Leo XIV is kicking off a three-nation tour of Latin America on Friday, November 6, with a visit to Uruguay, the region’s least Catholic and most secular country, three weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery that had put the entire trip into question. After Uruguay, he will then go to Argentina and Peru. FRANCE 24's Hanna Roberts has more.
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The US midterm elections have resulted in the Democratic Party taking control of both chambers of the US Congress, leaving Donald Trump as a lame duck president for the remainder of his term. Professor Steve Tsang of the SOAS China Institute tells FRANCE 24 that, while a weakened Trump could strengthen Beijing's negotiating position, the Chinese leadership is aware that Congress has relatively little sway over foreign policy and is keen to maintain warm personal ties between the two presidents.
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COP31 host Turkey is set to push for a "electrification" drive to help meet global elergy demand as the UN climate conference kicks off in Antalya on Monday. The annual summit takes place this year under the shadow of a cost-of-living crisis fuelled by the war in the Middle East.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Most people in Iran have little idea of the course of the US-led war and peace talks on the global stage. With few sources of information, the population must navigate conflicting rumors and fears of a nuclear attack.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗In the wake of the new US attack on Iran, social media is awash with dramatic images and claims about the fighting. DW Fact Check found AI-generated and recycled videos, as well as misleading posts from dubious accounts.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗A woman who claimed that men were being violently assaulted in a house for evading the draft has been arrested.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗A string of hoax alerts causing flight diversions across Europe this week has broadened to include newsrooms.
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No link has been established between the threats against the airlines and those against the media outlets.
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Fears of more AI regulation appear to have sparked fear among investors, but concerns about the industry have been growing for some time.
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Staunch US support of Israel has been raised as one of the reasons why Republicans performed so badly.
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The prime minister told the BBC that Labour politicians courting the comedian a decade ago had not been aware of his crimes.
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The car company's CEO Elon Musk has said production will halt in Texas, to focus on the firm's self-driving Cybercabs.
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Investors had been selling off tech shares in part due to concerns the Democrat election victory would mean slower AI development.
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Ian Winter allegedly confronted a reporter outside court who had investigated the comedian.
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With the competition effectively reduced to one bidder, the Navy faces a choice between falling back on old acquisition habits and showing that its reforms can work under pressure, writes Robbin Laird.
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“The agreement will likely initially focus on military training, intelligence sharing, equipment transfers and assistance in rebuilding Syria’s armed forces,” one expert told Breaking Defense.
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The U.S. Air Force hopes to conduct more than 6,000 aircraft operations annually at airfields on three American islands in the northwest Pacific Ocean.
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U.S. European Command is calling on U.S. troops, family members, and civilian employees to stay alert for suspicious behavior and to cover their digital tracks while moving around Europe.
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The U.S. Air Force hopes to conduct more than 6,000 aircraft operations annually at airfields on three American islands in the northwest Pacific Ocean.
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U.S. European Command is calling on U.S. troops, family members, and civilian employees to stay alert for suspicious behavior and to cover their digital tracks while moving around Europe.
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( NewsNation ) — Two oil tankers caught fire after being hit by mines while attempting unauthorized transport through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, according to a press statement from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. One oil tanker was in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz, and the other was in the strait itself. "These two tankers had turned off their navigation and identification systems and were attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorized route with the support of the aggressive terrorist U.S. military," the statement said. What options are on the table for Trump in Iran moving forward? The statement said the efforts of CENTCOM to force oil tankers through unauthorized and mine-contaminated areas will "only result in repeated and disgraceful failures." President Donald Trump spoke with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the phone Friday about diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Iran updates Saudi, Qatari counterparts on diplomatic progress The leaders discussed Qatar's mediation efforts to form a comprehensive agreement to end the regional conflict, according to a statement from the Qatari government. "His Highness emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and adopting diplomatic means to resolve disputes, prevent further escalation in the region, and ensure freedom of navigation and the security of energy supplies," the statement reads. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. This article originally appeared on NewsNation at https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/oil-tankers-mines-strait-of-hormuz/
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The US added 165,000 jobs in October, blowing past economists' expectations, as the labor market showed strength despite the Federal Reserve's recent rate hikes. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.1% even amid a slight increase in labor force participation. September's underwhelming jobs report of 29,000 additions was also revised upward to a gain of 60,000 jobs. Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, deemed the results "a blowout" in a post on X . Economists surveyed by Bloomberg projected a gain of about 70,000 jobs in October and saw the unemployment rate holding steady. Wage growth increased 0.4% from September, better than expectations for 0.3% month-over-month growth. Annual earnings rose 3.1%, beating expectations but likely still below the current inflation rate. Employers added jobs in a number of sectors of the economy. Professional and business services, which had been seen as more vulnerable to AI-related disruptions, added 70,000 roles. Healthcare, long a strong spot for job growth, added a higher-than-average 42,000 positions. Transportation and warehousing jobs rose by 25,000, and manufacturing continued to show strength with 19,000 additions. "This is still a low-hire, low-fire market overall, but we could be seeing some green shoots on the hiring side," Jake Krimmel, senior economist at Realtor.com, said in a statement. Other job market measures released earlier this week telegraphed steady hiring — though not to the extent of Friday's report blowout number. Job openings and hiring edged higher , the Labor Department's monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey showed; private employers added 86,000 jobs , according to ADP; and layoff plans dropped to a three-year low while seasonal hiring ramped up. "Consistent with prior, more partial indicators of the US labor market, the October Jobs Report came in very strong, across the board," Wharton economist Mohamed El-Erian posted on X. The solid report will likely give the Federal Reserve more confidence to move forward with another rate hike in December . The central bank will also consider November jobs data and October's inflation figures before its Dec. 9 rate decision. Traders currently see a 77% chance of a 25 basis point rate hike next month, up from 67% on Thursday, according to CME FedWatch. "Today's jobs report is a strong rebuttal to fears that the economy is heading into a meaningful slowdown," Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management, said in a statement. "With wage growth also picking up, a December Fed hike remains firmly on the table despite the recent tightening in financial conditions." Claire Boston is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance covering housing, mortgages, and home insurance. This article originally appeared on Yahoo Finance at https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/article/a-blowout-us-added-165000-jobs-in-october-trouncing-expectations-135651705.html
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗US and Iran edge closer to potential breakthrough in talks to end war, Bloomberg reports The United States and Iran are moving closer to a possible breakthrough in efforts to end the war, with Tehran considering proposals on its nuclear programme that it had previously been unwilling to discuss, Bloomberg reported, citing a diplomat familiar with the talks. The diplomat said Iran was studying proposals on its nuclear activities presented by Qatar, the main mediator. Any concession could help to advance negotiations, which have stalled since the collapse of an interim agreement reached in June. Reuters and The New York Times have also previously reported on Iran’s willingness to compromise on the nuclear issue. US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani about efforts to de-escalate the conflict and secure a comprehensive agreement, the emir’s office said on Friday. Qatari officials have been shuttling between Doha and Tehran to help bridge differences, including over Iran’s nuclear activities and the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
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A deadly raid tests a revolutionary town’s faith in Syria's new government Submitted by Natacha Danon on Fri, 11/06/2026 - 10:04 Five people were killed in the town of Rankous after a government raid on alleged Islamic State sympathisers A blue mosque rebuilt by residents stands atop a hill in the small town of Rankous (MEE/Ammar Stifi) Off Driving north from Damascus , I made my way toward the Lebanese border, through barren apple and cherry orchards, up into the Qalamoun mountains. As the town of Rankous came into view, 33-year old Abu Jad, a former member of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) who fought against former ruler Bashar al-Assad, was waiting for me on the main street. He waved at me from the darkened window of his SUV and greeted me with a grim smile. “Welcome to Rankous, the capital of the revolution in Qalamoun,” he said. Early in the morning of 22 October, the town’s habitual calm was shattered when Syrian security forces stormed homes and shops, rounding up 45 people and killing five. According to the Ministry of Interior, the victims had links to the Islamic State (IS), held “extremist ideas,” and had “declared the Syrian state as infidel”. Three of the victims were unarmed at the time, while two opened fire on the security forces, killing two of its members, according to residents. For three consecutive days, hundreds of residents and visitors converged on the town square, where a collective wedding was supposed to be held in less than two weeks’ time. Instead of celebrating life, they were left mourning their sons who had lost their childhood to the war, only to be killed after it finally came to an end. For the people of Rankous, the latest bloodshed has deepened a sense of loss and injustice in a town that gave hundreds of lives to the revolution. Many feel that their community has been left on the margins of the post-Assad order, with little representation in state institutions or support to rebuild. As Syria approaches the second anniversary of Assad’s fall, grievances are quietly growing among many war-scarred communities across the country, with groups like IS poised to exploit them. Descending from his car, Abu Jad extended his left hand to give me a firm handshake, while holding the other tightly against his chest. In 2014, he lost the use of his right arm from a bullet wound. Today, he serves as the media spokesperson for Firas al-Bitar, who founded the FSA-affiliated Sham Liberation Brigade after defecting from the Syrian army in 2012. Residents on Rankous line up in the town square at a funeral for the five men killed by the security forces (Ammar Stifi) A native of Rankous, Bitar rallied hundreds of men from the town to fight against the Syrian regime, leading to its withdrawal in late 2012. In 2014, he and his men fought tooth and nail once again, this time against the Lebanese group Hezbollah, who entered Syria to defend Assad's administration. Overwhelmed by the militia’s firepower, his troops withdrew from the town and were transported to the rebel stronghold of Idlib on the regime’s notorious green buses. But on 8 December 2024, Bitar and his men made a triumphant return to Rankous, cruising in on trucks from northern Syria as Assad’s army crumbled before them. They rode on euphoria for months, until they found themselves sitting at home utterly destitute. A historic rival of the rebel faction that took power in December 2024 - the now officially dissolved Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - members of FSA factions found themselves sidelined by the new Syrian army being built. According to some media reports, Feras al-Bitar flagged the young men to the authorities due to their connections to Jamal Zainia (nom de guerre Abu Malik al-Talli), a former HTS member still under international sanctions. Abu Jad denied that the raid was linked to a higher-level dispute between him and Zainia. Zainia has also publicly denied involvement in any sort of disagreement. General security raid I
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Details are developing.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Details are developing.
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ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗In a shocking case from Braunfels, an 88-year-old woman’s intention to leave her estate to charities was thwarted by a corrupt former notary who forged her will. The Limburg Regional Court imposed a two-year suspended sentence on the notary, who attributed his actions to financial stress but was ultimately deemed to have acted out of greed. His courtroom apology raises questions about the potential repercussions for the woman’s family.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Nasa has unveiled the X-70 Fractal, a cutting-edge experimental aircraft designed to test innovative flight-control technologies. This aircraft is set to revolutionize aircraft maneuverability while enhancing performance, capable of carrying a 2,000-pound payload. With its maiden flight anticipated in the next two years, Nasa aims to assess new aviation concepts under real-world conditions, thereby improving future civilian and military aircraft capabilities.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗A North Carolina appeals court has reinstated lawsuits from Piedmont Roofing Services against various major insurance companies. Overturning an earlier trial judge's dismissal of breach of contract claims, the court concluded that sufficient grounds exist for the roofing company to pursue its claims. This ruling sheds light on the intricate legal issues related to the transfer of insurance rights in property damage situations.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named the captain of the senior cricket team for Bihar. The Bihar Cricket Association revealed the squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, featuring 17 players, with Suraj Kashyap as vice-captain. The team's journey kicks off on November 14, following Sooryavanshi's standout performances in both the Indian Premier League and international T20 cricket.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Goldman Sachs has banned most non-technical staff, including traders and bankers, from using AI coding tools like Anthropic's Claude Code and Microsoft's GitHub, according to Bloomberg. Access is limited to engineers and strats after the bank reviewed productivity and risk concerns. The move has frustrated traders who used the tools for financial modelling and tracking client trading flows, months after its CIO praised vibe coding.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Indushekar allegedly killed his wife, mother-in-law, and five relatives in Bengaluru due to domestic strife. After the initial murder, he reportedly invited his brothers-in-law and later killed them with the same weapon. The bodies are believed to have been hidden in different locations around the city. Investigators are currently exploring whether he acted alone or had assistance. Search operations for the remaining victims continue amidst ongoing police investigations.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Fundamentally, what needs to be understood is that investors should first assess whether they require gold in their portfolio before investing in it. Although gold has outperformed equities recently, it has also corrected by around 22% from its January 2026 highs. What are the factors to consider when making that investment decision?
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Cult leader Paul Mackenzie has been sentenced to a total of 200 years in prison for the murder of 190 children and one adult in the Shakahola Forest, on the Kenyan coast, between January 2021 and September 2023.
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From Serbia to Bangladesh and India to France, young people are pushing back against authoritarianism and reshaping political landscapes In Brazil, they rallied online by the millions, sharing videos and spreading memes. In Serbia, they cycled across Europe and ran ultramarathons to make their voices heard. Both movements burst into international public view last month as they became central during election campaigns to the pushback against authoritarianism. What they also offered, however, was a window into a wider phenomenon playing out across the globe, as youth-led movements reshape political landscapes. Continue reading...
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Crashing into a shop awning ended the first outing of the Jess Express – but the opposition’s electoral momentum will be harder to stop Get our daily political email , free app or daily news podcast Jess Wilson has barely put a foot wrong since becoming Victorian Liberal leader a little under a year ago. That was until this week, which ended with her campaign bus reversing into a small business . The bus was launched on Friday, a few days earlier than planned, in what appeared to be an effort to reset Wilson’s relationship with the Spring Street press pack. Continue reading...
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Legal expert compares Trevor Hold’s failed defence to ‘tried and tested argument’ used by sovereign citizen movement Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Queensland leader of a group opposing the eradication of fire ants in Australia has been convicted of obstructing government officers, after a magistrate threw out his argument that the commonwealth-funded program is illegal. Trevor Hold was fined $1,500 but a conviction was not recorded. Hold has described himself as an “ultrapreneur”, a mental health counsellor, an organic cattle farmer and the chief executive officer of the anti-program group the Australian Advocacy Group – and as self-employed. Continue reading...
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Paraguayan President Santiago Peña submitted his resignation on Thursday, but Congress put it on hold as impeachment proceedings against him move forward. Peña is facing impeachment over a banking scandal that has affected millions of people and sparked protests, with thousands taking to the streets in recent days.
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Several Irish media outlets reported receiving bomb threats on Friday as a wave of hoax alerts that had so far mainly targeted airlines continued across Europe, with more than a dozen new flights affected. No explosives have been found in any of the incidents so far. European authorities are scrambling to identify the sources of the threats, as FRANCE 24's Brussels correspondent Dave Keating reports.
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In this edition, we report on how the US midterms, which saw the Democrats make massive gains, also marked a series of historic firsts for women. Also the dark side to Bangkok's booming fertility industry, which attracts thousands of foreign patients seeking assistance from the Thai capital's state-of-the-art private clinics. Plus how an impoverished neighbourhood in El Salvador, once a no-go zone plagued by gang violence, is being transformed by women into a vibrant canvas for street art.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗The landslide victory of the Student List in Serbia's general election seems to have removed a blockage in the justice system: Cases that were long stalled are now suddenly moving forward.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗France plans to spend an extra €4 billion on education amid nationwide protests. But with public debt mounting and interest costs climbing, how much fiscal room does the government have?
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗A Trump-Xi-Putin meeting at APEC would be a coup for Moscow, analysts say, but Beijing appears lukewarm.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Trump has three options to affect legislation, say analysts: veto legislation, enforce executive orders or make deals.
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The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group pulled into Singapore on Friday for a port visit, USNI News understands. The TR CSG, which includes aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) with embarked carrier air wing (CVW) 11, cruiser USS Chosin (CG-65) and destroyers USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60) and USS Decatur (DDG-73), is expected to head to the Middle East following its port visit. Ship spotters saw USS Decatur (DDG-73) coming into Singapore on Friday. Singapore, lies on the Malacca Strait, which connects the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. TR was in the South China Sea as of Monday, according
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The expansion aims to make it easier for soldiers and their families, but one childcare expert argued that some of the eligibility requirements may limit its effectiveness. The post National Guard expands free childcare program for drill weekends, but with some caveats appeared first on Task & Purpose .
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗To translate between the SpaceX-built SDN Backbone and other Pentagon communications and missile tracking satellites, sources said the Space Force is eyeing 12 or 13 Space Exchange Point birds.
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Within an hour after a federal commission approved construction of a 250-foot arch Thursday, a federal judge blocked any work from starting,
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Democrats vow to use their new oversight powers to check Trump’s actions in the region.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗The imperative of ambition in a new Congress.
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By Ananya Palyekar, Akanksha Khushi and Nick Carey Nov 6 (Reuters) - Tesla will wind down Cybertruck production at its Texas gigafactory around mid-2027, CEO Elon Musk said on Friday, after years of persistently weak sales for a futuristic model once touted as a rival to legacy pickup trucks that ultimately only sold in just a handful of markets because of its heavy, angular design. Musk said in an X post the production wind-down would enable the automaker to accommodate increased output of its newly launched Cybercab model, which the billionaire has made central to Tesla's robotaxi ambitions. While it was not immediately clear whether Cybertruck production would be moved to another facility or phased out entirely, the automaker's Austin plant is the only known Tesla facility equipped to manufacture the model's specialized components. In response to a user on X, Musk called the Cybertruck the "best vehicle Tesla has ever made" and the wind-down the "end of an era". Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment sent outside regular business hours. The US EV maker only began delivering the Cybertruck to customers in late 2023. According to Kelley Blue Book, the company only sold 20,237 Cybertrucks in the US last year, down 48% from 38,965 in 2024. Before the pickup truck launched, Musk had predicted annual sales of 250,000 units. "It doesn't make sense to keep it going when it's not meeting its targets," said former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. "Every rational auto guy would say the same." "It will no doubt only be a rounding error on Tesla's balance sheet, but the statistics speak for themselves." 'CYBERTRUCK WON'T GO, CAN'T GO' Right from its unveiling in 2019, the Cybertruck was a controversial choice for Musk. Its angular design was mocked by pickup truck purists and safety experts predicted it would be hard to gain approval for sale in key markets like Europe. The unveiling event itself was marred when Musk tried to prove with a sledgehammer that its windows were shatterproof - only to leave massive cracks in two of them. During Cybertruck's official launch in 2023, Musk touted it as a futuristic competitor to pickup trucks from General Motors and Ford, saying "finally, the future will look like the future". But the vehicle has struggled to meet those expectations. Automotive analyst Automotive analyst Felipe Munoz said that although the Cybertruck has been called a failure because of its poor sales, electric pick-ups from Ford and others have also flopped in the US market. "All of them lost the competition because electric pick ups aren't popular in the US," Munoz said. But Cybertruck's sharp-edged stainless-steel design limited its prospects in markets like Europe where EVs are more popular. Regulatory approval was impossible for Europe because of rules there concerning pedestrian impact. "Anywhere where you have crash regulation that takes into account pedestrian impact, that Cybertruck won't go, can't go," former Aston Martin CEO Palmer said. MUSK'S NEW BET The Cybercab, which has butterfly doors and no steering wheel, pedals or mirrors, is one of Musk's key bets in his push to turn Tesla into an AI and robotics company rather than just an automaker. Musk has said he sees it as Tesla's main autonomous model supplying a global network of robotaxis. After years of delays to Musk's self-driving targets, Tesla began offering paid rides in a small fleet of Cybercabs in Austin in September. However, the automaker still has to answer the US auto safety agency's questions on whether it has properly self-certified Cybercab to demonstrate compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards. "Cybertruck was an incredible technology development platform and lives on through Cybercab," Cybertruck lead engineer Wes Morrill said on X. (Reporting by Ananya Palyekar and Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Edi
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'Is this a joke?': Centcom podcast mocked as Iran war drags on Submitted by Elis Gjevori on Fri, 11/06/2026 - 11:29 The US command drew widespread ridicule as its chief joked about French fries and said nothing about the Minab school strike which killed 120 children Inside Centcom podcast with Admiral Brad Cooper (left) and Fleet Master Chief Lateef Compton (Screengrab/Centcom/YouTube) Off The Pentagon has entered its podcast bro era, and viewers have widely derided its debut. As the cost of the US - Israeli war on Iran spirals for American taxpayers, US Central Command (Centcom) launched its official podcast on Thursday. The first episode of Inside Centcom pairs Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads the US command overseeing the war, with Fleet Master Chief Lateef Compton. In the 12-minute episode on YouTube, Cooper jokes about stealing French fries from Compton’s lunch. The pair touch only briefly on the deeply unpopular war, now in its ninth month. Centcom turned off comments on YouTube. The podcast looks like an attempt to reach young men who might one day fight Washington’s wars in the Middle East. "It's called service for a reason. You're going to give more than you're going to get. But if you find satisfaction in giving, you'll have no greater satisfaction than serving in the United States military in particular," claimed Cooper. "It’s been a busy year," Compton joked at the start of the episode, a passing nod to a war that has killed thousands in Iran and left the US mired in another Middle East conflict. Cooper said nothing about the US strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school in Minab , southern Iran, on 28 February, the first day of the war. IRGC turned these mfs into podcasters https://t.co/dJJdlVAckB — BODEGA PEPTIDES (@bigsnugga) November 5, 2026 Amnesty International said the strike killed 156 people, including 120 children, and concluded that the US violated international humanitarian law by failing to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians. UN human rights experts said in September that there were "reasonable grounds" to believe the US committed war crimes in Iran . “For sure, no one could have imagined the trajectory of events that we would be on, but through it, everyone has been doing a fantastic job,” Cooper said. 'Shitshow' On X, viewers were less forgiving. The clip drew more than two million views, and one user called it a “shitshow”. “Is this a joke? Its completely undignified. The host should ask him for his reflections on killing 168 schoolchildren and teachers in Minab,” journalist Murtaza Hussain wrote . “Why the fuck are top US military officials podcasting?” another user posted . Thank you CENTCOM, we definitely needed this! I’m so excited for the second episode! Maybe they’ll get a good guest like Jake Paul or Nicki Minaj, ooo, or maybe even Netanyahu! https://t.co/3DRWZcCfF0 — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 5, 2026 “Thank you CENTCOM, we definitely needed this! I’m so excited for the second episode! Maybe they’ll get a good guest like Jake Paul or Nicki Minaj, ooo, or maybe even Netanyahu!” another wrote. Trita Parsi, a US-based expert on Iran, wrote on X: “I am all in favor of Centcom abandoning the needless-wars-in-the-Middle-East business and going all in on podcasting…” CENTCOM is now doing Gen Z propaganda to attract younger audiences by doing these trendy podcasts. Even the cuts and edit style is exactly like these freelancers’ podcasts lmao. What a sh*tshow. https://t.co/d4J0Sadm1B — Arya Yadegaar (@AryJeayBackup) November 5, 2026 Christopher K Mellon, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defence for intelligence, was equally scathing. “I’m sorry, the American public does not need to become personally familiar with the idiosyncrasies of our CENTCOM commander; the American people need our CENTCOM commander to execute his or her duties somberly, professionally, and excellently,” Mellon wrote . I am all in favor of Centcom abandoning the needless-wars-in-
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Yemen's government says its forces recaptured villages and districts in Taiz Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, say they have recaptured several areas in Taiz province, including the villages of al-Nidani and al-Sarari, large parts of Sanamat district and the Rabat al-Qarn area. The forces said 37 Houthi fighters had been killed or wounded in the fighting. The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have yet to comment on the claims. Taiz province lies near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key shipping route that carried an average of 4.2 million barrels of crude oil a day in the first half of 2025. A fighter loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government fires a weapon mounted on a pickup truck near the front line at Mount al-Midan in Taiz province on 26 October 2026 (Ahmad al-Basha/AFP)
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Middle East conflict weighs on British Airways owner IAG's profits International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways and Iberia, said its third-quarter net profit fell by more than 12 percent as fuel costs rose and the conflict in the Middle East disrupted flights. Profit after tax fell to 1.23 billion euros ($1.37bn) in the July-September quarter, compared with 1.4 billion euros a year earlier. The group said fuel costs rose by more than 30 percent during the quarter. “Strong pricing was offset by lower capacity, the impact of one-off disruption events and in particular by higher jet fuel prices,” the company said. IAG also cited cancellations linked to the Middle East conflict, aircraft availability issues involving engines and air traffic control disruptions.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Choti Diwali, or Naraka Chaturdashi, is the precursor to the grand Diwali festivities, celebrated to honor Lord Krishna's triumph over the wicked Narakasura. This day symbolizes new beginnings and the hope that comes with them. People partake in early morning rituals, adorn their homes, and prepare delightful sweets. Despite regional variations in customs, the festival fosters a spirit of compassion and encourages reflections on personal values and relationships.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Patrick Mahomes moved his family into a custom estate in Belton, Missouri, in 2023. He purchased the land for $400,000 in September 2020 and began construction shortly afterward. The estate includes a private football field, a pool, and a gym designed for family use. Mahomes has a Texas home for the off-season, but Belton serves as the family's base during football season.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗The introduction of dedicated pet box facilities in Vande Bharat Sleeper trains by Indian Railways marks a significant step towards making long-distance travel easier for dog owners. To utilize this new service, passengers must hold a confirmed train ticket and can transport one pet per PNR with the required documentation. This thoughtful initiative enhances the accessibility of rail travel for families accompanied by their furry friends.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗New Jersey teenager Anakh Sawhney started Rice Kids in 2018, aged nine, to provide meals to hungry children. Her nonprofit has since supported more than 110,000 people across five US states and parts of India through food, education, healthcare and other essential resources. More than half of the students supported by the organisation in India have returned to mainstream education.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Since 2018, the Global Gift Foundation has championed the Quang Chau Orphanage, now known as Casa Ángeles, providing care to over 100 needy children. This initiative, bolstered by funds from the Global Gift Gala in Paris, also supports the Casa Ángeles therapy centre in Spain. Through engaging performances and a vibrant auction, the event helps sustain vital projects aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Every long-haul flight with a toilet problem, is crying for a systemic fix. And it’s quite doable
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗In October, more than 110 people tried this small experiment with us. Here is what they told us on the last weekend.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, secured a legal victory on the tax on second homes. An appeals court ruled that the city could continue implementing this tax against high-value properties. Homeowners had expressed concerns regarding confusion about the tax's rollout, which had initially been challenged in court. The tax aims to generate significant revenue for city finances, despite ongoing legal disputes.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗R Praggnanandhaa expects an exciting World Chess Championship battle between D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov, highlighting their recent form and long-standing familiarity. He also said defending the world title brings pressure he cannot fully understand without experiencing it. Meanwhile, Gukesh visited Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram ahead of the November 24 title clash in Geneva
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗As Diwali approaches, Indian stock exchanges celebrated a remarkable boost, seeing both Sensex and Nifty climb significantly. This positive shift was driven by a hefty influx from foreign institutional investors, who recorded their highest single-day purchases in the last six years. Additionally, lower crude oil rates and a strengthened rupee enhanced market confidence.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Details are developing.
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Regulator’s initial ruling says algorithm ‘can be harmful’ and led young and vulnerable viewers ‘down rabbit holes they can’t easily escape’ Business live – latest updates TikTok has been charged by the European Commission with failing to protect users’ mental health by exposing them to a relentless stream of content that risks worsening eating disorders and anxiety in a case that strikes at its business model. Issuing a preliminary ruling on Friday, the EU regulator said TikTok’s algorithm “can be harmful” and was leading young and vulnerable users “down rabbit holes they cannot easily escape from”. Continue reading...
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Far-right politician addresses Conservative Political Action Conference and makes unsubstantiated claims about election fraud Flávio Bolsonaro, the far-right politician who lost Brazil’s presidential election last month, has insisted his defeat is not “the end for Brazil” as he battles to maintain political relevance after fleeing to the US. Bolsonaro absconded early last week shortly after losing the 25 October election to the leftwing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by more than 4m votes. Continue reading...
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François Picard is pleased to welcome Craig Copetas, Greek-American author, international affairs columnist and editor at Türkiye Today and French Senator Hélène Conway-Mouret. “What you have is a tormented and unstable president who's desperate for immortality.” With this arresting assessment, Copetas captures what he considers the defining paradox of Donald Trump's presidency in the aftermath of the US midterm elections: a leader politically neutered at home but potentially emboldened on the international stage.
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With Democrats poised to control both chambers of Congress, the party faces a defining challenge: how to constrain Donald Trump's presidency while carving out a path to the White House in 2028. For Ian Reifowitz, Distinguished Professor of History at SUNY Empire State University, the answer lies in drawing on the historical legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal coalition. Republicans, he argues, have progressively shifted electoral competition towards questions of identity, immigration and cultural conflict. Democrats, by contrast, must recover their traditional strength on economic security, affordability and everyday living standards. "These Democrats across the country ran on affordability." And that's how they must govern, explains Reifowitz.
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Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his first ever budget on November 5, which set out strong ambitions for greater economic independence from the US. The "Masters of our Destiny" budget also announced generous measures for parts of the economy affected by tariffs, setting aside 44 billion Canadian dollars for impacted businesses and workers.
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Trillions of dollars have been wiped off the stock value of major tech firms in the US, Europe and Asia. Investors appear worried about the possibility of an AI slowdown and tougher regulation as Democrats won the midterms in the US. Some of the Democratic candidates had expressed their opposition to the data centres that are needed to power AI technology.
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's future is in question after Tuesday's, November 3, midterms setback. On Thursday, November 5, he issued a video message vowing to fight efforts in Congress to impeach him and defending the Iran war as “courageous and historic”. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Philip Turle has more.
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In Israel, Gadi Eisenkot emerged on Thursday, November 5, as the frontrunner to be tasked with forming a government. This comes after one of the two main parties representing ultra-Orthodox Jewish voters – a longtime ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition – declined to recommend any candidate for the task. FRANCE 24's correspondent in Jerusalem Noga Tarnopolsky reports.
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The first oil tankers scheduled to deliver Russian diesel to the US under a deal between President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have changed course and are no longer heading toward the US coast. It spells the end of an agreement announced with great fanfare before the midterms.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Newsrooms have been evacuated across Ireland after another wave of bomb threats. Dublin is hosting a high-level EU meeting in several days.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Climate scientists say the world is set to breach the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold in 2026. This year is also on track to become the second-warmest on record.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗As ice hockey's governing body continues to wrangle over how to respond to a CAS order to reinstate Russia to international play, the top women's tournament gets underway in Denmark. Without Russia.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Government-backed retirements and institutional realignments are fueling debate in Zambia, with opposition politicians questioning transparency while officials defend the changes as necessary reforms.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Czech arms makers have thrived on demand linked to the war in Ukraine. But to sustain their growth, they need to look beyond ammunition and toward new technologies — and even space.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗After announcing his international retirement, Portugal's longstanding captain leaves behind a complicated legacy.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Iran launches diplomatic offensive as US mulls resumption of war.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Portuguese FA promises to celebrate Ronaldo, although it is unclear whether he would agree to a farewell appearance.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Ukrainian officials say DNA tests are being used to identify bodies while up to 39 remain trapped under rubble.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Who is Kenya’s starvation cult leader?
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The comedian had previously spoken about an unnamed "predator" in the entertainment industry.
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Denmark is the latest country to buy Finland’s “Blocker” naval mines, a day after Lithuania decided to go ahead with its own contract for the weapon.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗The imperative of ambition in a new Congress.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Comedian Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court in London. Anadolu via Getty Images Russell Brand faces a "significant" prison term after his rape and sexual assault conviction, a judge has said. A jury in London found the British comedian and actor guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault Thursday. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault. The judge told Brand he would be remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on Monday, Nov. 9. "You've been convicted of a number of offenses including rape," judge Joel Bennathan said. "The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term. My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody." The actor had been charged on seven counts: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault. Following Thursday's verdict, London's Metropolitan Police Service told Yahoo News that Brand, 51, was facing further allegations of rape from two women. "The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations," the force said. Brand has not been charged in relation to these claims. The head of the Met Police, Sir Mark Rowley, has urged any other victims of Brand to contact the police. "There's two more rape allegations that we're looking at. We're encouraging anybody else to come forward if there's any other allegations," he told British media on Friday. He later said that he “wouldn’t be surprised if many, many more come forward,” adding of the trial, “This shows that powerful people can be brought down so you are safe stepping forward and we will support and try and bring that person to justice.” Brand became a household name in the U.K. in the 2000s as a comedian and broadcaster. He went on to star in the movies Get Him to the Greek in 2010 and Arthur the following year. He married singer Katy Perry in October 2010, but Brand filed for divorce in December 2011, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized in July 2012. The claims against Brand were made by six different women, spanning from 1999 to 2009. None of the women knew each other, but all of them came forward to police following a TV documentary and press reports in 2023, in which anonymous allegations were made by other women. Russell Brand was accompanied by his wife, Laura, during the trial. Neil Mockford via Getty Images During the trial, the court heard tearful and forceful testimony from the six complainants, who are all entitled to lifelong anonymity. The convictions included a rape that took place in 2009, involving a victim who went to Brand's home after meeting him at one of his shows. She said she had engaged in consensual sex, but that Brand then raped her and removed a condom in the process. Brand was also convicted of sexually assaulting a woman when he grabbed her breasts at a London bar in 2004. He was also found guilty over an incident in 2009, in which he demanded a woman give him a massage in front of two of his colleagues and then put his head in her groin. A third complaint of sexual assault ended in a guilty verdict when Brand was found guilty of pushing a woman who worked at a radio station up against a wall and forcibly kissing her. Brand denied the charges and said he had never forced anyone to do something against their will. CCTV footage released by the Met Police after the verdict shows Brand being interviewed by police in custody in December 2023. "As I've repeatedly stated publicly and written about extensively, I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I've spent years openly denouncing," Brand can be seen saying. "I've never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity." He said he did "not recall the names" of the complainants, or meeting them, adding, "However, it's entirely possible that I may have encountered them and we may have engag
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Mackenzie was found guilty in October of the murder of 190 children and one adult [Reuters] A Kenyan court has sentenced the leader of a doomsday cult, Paul Mackenzie, to 200 years in prison for murdering 191 people, all but one of them children. Alongside 28 others, Mackenzie was found guilty of the murders for instructing members of his cult to starve their children to death so they could "meet Jesus". Justice Diana Mochache said Mackenzie bore the "primary criminal culpability" for ordering his followers to fast to death, in one of the world's deadliest episodes of cult activity. "The sentence is appropriate and just, to send an unmistakable message that such atrocities warrant the maximum penalties allowed by law," the judge added. The self-styled pastor was arrested in 2023 after the discovery of more than 400 bodies in shallow graves in Shakahola forest near the Kenyan coast. The sprawling investigation into the cases shocked Kenya and drew international attention. The court sentenced Mackenzie to 100 years in prison for homicide and another 100 years for offences related to starvation. The sentences within each category will run concurrently, but the two sets will run consecutively, bringing his total prison term to 200 years. Mackenzie also faces separate manslaughter and terrorism charges, which he denies. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, arguing that the scale and circumstances of the killings warranted the harshest punishment. However, Justice Mochache declined to impose the death penalty, despite ruling that the case met the threshold for its consideration. "Nevertheless, the court declines the invitation to impose the death penalty on any of the victims," she said, adding that capital punishment would eliminate any prospect of rehabilitation and disengagement. The death sentence has not been carried out in Kenya since 1987. Mackenzie was tried alongside 28 accomplices, including guards who enforced his fasting orders and gravediggers who helped conceal the victims' bodies in mass graves. They received varying prison sentences of up to 160 years. Justice Mochache described the killings as "cold and calculated", saying the perpetrators had shown no remorse and had even declared their willingness to fast to death themselves. Before the hearing began on Friday morning, Francis Wanje, who lost eight relatives including two grandchildren in Shakahola forest, told the BBC's Newsday programme that he was "hoping for... a sentence which will match his [Mackenzie's] deeds in the forest". Mackenzie and the co-accused had asked for leniency from the court. Before their conviction on 19 October, they had all pleaded not guilty and repeatedly insisted that nobody was forced to die. More than 400 bodies were dug up in Shakahola forest [AFP via Getty Images] Mackenzie's followers believed he was "Jesus's mouthpiece", Justice Mochache said as she delivered her eight-hour judgement last month. Those who opposed Mackenzie's teachings were beaten to death. One of his co-accused said he had told his followers that anyone who "resisted the directive to fast must be forced to go to heaven through kicks and blows". Burials inside the forest where the cult was based were called "weddings" and those who died "were celebrated as having wedded with Jesus" the judge said. The judge found that the deaths arose from an organised system, including religious teachings and directives that compelled followers to follow the deadly fasting. Post-mortem results showed the cause of deaths to be starvation for most victims, while others died from suffocation, strangulation or head injuries. The cause of death could not be determined for some, with their bodies having decomposed, while others died soon after their rescue as they were so emaciated. The Shakahola deaths have shone a spotlight on the lack of oversight of rogue religious activities an
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Abdul El-Sayed's victory proves supporting Palestine is no electoral liability Submitted by Huwaida Arraf on Thu, 11/05/2026 - 14:20 I backed Michigan's senator-elect because he defied the Israel lobby, faced down bigotry and rejected establishment Democrats' limits on progressive politics. Now the work begins Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his wife, Sarah Jukaku, take the stage after he declared victory at an election night party in Detroit, Michigan, early on 4 November 2026 (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP) Off As a Palestinian American human rights activist, I have spent much of my life working to bring internationals to Palestine to witness first-hand what is happening, and to support Palestinian popular resistance to Israel 's criminal occupation and apartheid. Palestinians have always given those who come to stand with them the same message: "Thank you for being here with us. But go back to your country, tell people what you saw, and change the policies of your governments that enable and sustain Israel's violence." On 3 November, Michigan elected Dr Abdul El-Sayed to the US Senate, defeating Mike Rogers by a comfortable margin of 52 to 46 percent. He has made history as the first Muslim American to be elected to the Senate, and only the sixth Arab American to win a seat in that chamber. El-Sayed's victory was part of a blue tidal wave that swept Democrats into control of both houses of Congress. These midterm elections, and the Republican losses they delivered, are consequential for restoring some measure of accountability and putting a check on the Trump administration's reign of terror. Among other things, the new Congress will have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to bring an end to the disastrous, illegal war on Iran . The war has killed thousands of Iranians and at least 23 American service members, while wreaking havoc on the economies of the US and countries around the world. Democrats must also use their new majority to rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ), pursue legislation to dismantle the agency's enforcement apparatus and hold officials accountable for its abuses, unlawful arrests, deaths in custody and violations of constitutional rights. But Abdul's win was more than just another win for a Democrat. It carries enormous political and social significance for Michigan, the country and the world. It showed that rejecting the Israel lobby and being unapologetically pro-Palestine is not a liability in a midwestern swing state. Not only is it not a liability, but it is arguably what secured Abdul's victory. Abdul's refusal to capitulate to the political pressures and intimidation tactics that have silenced so many elected officials and candidates distinguished him from the political establishment and became a defining strength of his campaign. Without this position, and the excitement it generated, I am confident that Abdul would not have defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens, whom Aipac backed with more than $30m, in the Democratic primary. Stevens went on to endorse Rogers days before the general election. The recognition test Significantly, El-Sayed was repeatedly pressed to affirm Israel's " right to exist ", a question that has long functioned as a political rite of passage for American politicians, particularly Democrats. The expectation is not only that candidates recognise Israel as a country that exists, but that they affirm its legitimacy, including its identity as a Jewish state. Abdul challenged the absurdity of the media's fixation on that issue and the glaring double standard underlying it. He pointed out that politicians are never asked whether Palestine has a right to exist, or whether Palestinians have a right to self-determination. Palestinians have the right to live freely, equally and securely in their homeland. That right is not negotiable In September, a group of Michigan rabbis, cantors and Jewish community leaders launched the " Nonnegotiable Michigan " campaign,
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Iran demands US action, says it will not accept commitments on paper Iran will not rely on US commitments on paper as it considers entering a new diplomatic phase with Washington, Ali Baqeri, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has said, according to Fars news agency. Referring to four rounds of negotiations over the past 18 months, Baqeri said Tehran believed the United States had derailed each round through hostile actions and breaches of commitments. “We must see practical actions on the part of the Americans,” he said, describing such steps as necessary before a new chapter in diplomacy could begin. Baqeri also discussed Iran’s cooperation with Russia, saying a recent visit by Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei to Moscow was intended to convey a message from Iran’s leader to President Vladimir Putin.
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Fake Iranian accounts ‘campaigned for Netanyahu’ ahead of Israeli election Submitted by MEE staff on Fri, 11/06/2026 - 11:17 Network of 1,653 X profiles reportedly pushed Israelis to back Likud in coordinated Hebrew posts, then went back to promoting the shah’s son Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks following exit polls in Jerusalem on 28 October (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters) Off A network of 1,653 X accounts posing as Iranian users amplified Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s election campaign ahead of last week’s vote, Haaretz reported on Friday. The accounts posted messages in Hebrew urging Israelis to vote for Netanyahu “on behalf of the Iranian people”. The accounts, which claimed to belong to Iranians living in Iran or abroad, appeared to coordinate their activity. Their operators remain unidentified. Activity intensified on election day, when multiple accounts published identical messages and responded to posts in coordinated bursts. Two accounts, for example, shared 109 identical posts, compared with just four expected through organic activity, according to Haaretz’s analysis. They also responded simultaneously, or within five minutes of each other, to 232 posts by 53 different accounts. On election morning, two accounts posted the same Hebrew message about an hour apart: “We call on you to support Benjamin Netanyahu to finish the job”, accompanied by the hashtag #IsraeliElections2026. “Tomorrow, vote only for the Likud party,” one account wrote in response to a Netanyahu post at 10pm on the eve of the election. “Vote for Benjamin Netanyahu,” another posted twice within two minutes after midnight. “Dear people of Israel, if you want to be protected from the Islamic Republic and the Axis of Resistance, vote,” read another message, published in Hebrew and English at around 2am. Haaretz reported that the findings were based on research by Expose, a social media monitoring company that specialises in tracking digital influence operations and disinformation. The investigation follows an earlier Haaretz report that found accounts previously linked to an influence campaign targeting Iran’s government had begun engaging with Israel’s election campaign and amplifying Netanyahu’s videos. Israel’s Netanyahu accused of attempting coup after election defeat Read More » The Brandeis Institute and FakeReporter subsequently filed a petition with the Central Elections Committee over the accounts identified in the investigation. Expose found that around 1,600 of the accounts had been identified last year as part of an influence operation promoting Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, who was overthrown in 1979, as an alternative to the Iranian government. As Israel’s election campaign gathered pace in July, 185 of these accounts began interacting with Netanyahu’s social media profiles, including by sharing posts attacking his political opponents. According to Haaretz, the network returned to its usual focus on Pahlavi after the election concluded last week. Some of the findings were submitted to the Central Elections Committee in October as expert evidence in a petition brought by the Brandeis Institute and FakeReporter against Netanyahu, Likud and the Prime Minister’s Office. The committee’s chairman, Judge Noam Solberg, rejected the petition on the eve of the election. Solberg ruled that the network’s activity was subject to election advertising transparency requirements and appeared, on the face of it, to violate the law. However, he said the committee could not reach a definitive ruling because the identities of those operating the accounts were unknown. He ordered the evidence to be referred to the police. In response to the investigation published in October, the Prime Minister’s Office and Likud denied any connection to the accounts. Inside Israel News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0
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Mohammed Hijab suggests UK counter-terror police tried to recruit him as informant Submitted by MEE staff on Fri, 11/06/2026 - 11:02 British YouTuber publishes image purportedly showing counter terrorism police saying he 'doesn't want to be an informant' Mohammed Hijab speaks at the Oxford Union in late 2025 (Screengrab) Off Prominent British YouTuber Mohammed Hijab has claimed that counter-terrorism police tried to recruit him as an informant after seizing his devices. Hijab, whose legal name is Mohamed Hegab, describes himself as a philosopher of religion pursuing a PhD in the subject at the University of Birmingham. He has more than a million subscribers on YouTube and frequently takes parts in debates on religion, as well as political issues. In a post on X on Wednesday, Hijab said: "I want this on the record. "In May, counter terrorism police stopped me without explanation, seized my devices and read more than ten thousand messages. My phone came back on 11 September. No further questions." Hijab added: "Their notes, disclosed through my subject access request. One line reads 'Doesn’t want to be an informant.'" He posted a screenshot of a page marked "REDACTED EXCERPT - Unrelated content removed" which has the Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) logo on it and the heading: "Examining Officer's Notes - Continued". All the notes in the screenshot are redacted apart from a handwritten line which says: "Doesnt want to be an informant." It is unclear whether the entire document was redacted by the police, or whether Hijab blacked it out himself to protect sensitive information. I want this on the record. In May, counter terrorism police stopped me without explanation, seized my devices and read more than ten thousand messages. My phone came back on 11 September. No further questions. Their notes, disclosed through my subject access request. One line reads “Doesn’t want to be an informant.” — Mohammed Hijab (@mohammed_hijab) November 4, 2026 Hijab shared a second screenshot of a letter purportedly from "Gatwick Borders Team", referring to Gatwick airport, which is part of Counter Terrorism Policing South East. The letter, dated 18 May, says: "Further to your examination under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act which was conducted at Gatwick airport on the 12th May 2025, I am writing to inform you of a change in power used to retain the property that was seized from you." Two paragraphs below it are redacted. The letter then reads: "This does not necessarily mean you are currently under criminal investigation. UK bans clothes designer over T-shirts criticising 'western cuck' support for Israel Read More » "We will endeavour to return your items to you at the earliest opportunity." MEE contacted CTP London for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication. Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 gives the police the power to detain and question people at airports without needing prior grounds to suspect them of terrorism. Hijab said in a recent YouTube video: "I was recently called in for a police interview under caution. I wasn't arrested but it was a criminal investigation and still is one. And it's one that relates to, I would call it, obviously from my perspective, activism. "The questions were essentially questions that were for the most part related to anti-Israeli activism, actually." He said he believed Israel was trying to "interfere" with him. Hijab did not provide evidence for these claims. Hijab has participated in public debates on Israel, including on broadcaster Piers Morgan 's show. He recently debated Jonathan Conricus, a former international spokesperson for the Israeli military, on Morgan's show. UK Politics News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Details are developing.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Milo Ventimiglia and wife Jarah Mariano lost their home and another house under construction in the January 2025 Los Angeles fires, when she was 38 weeks pregnant. Nearly two years later, the actor says the family has settled into a new home with their two children, while reflecting on the loss, memories and rebuilding their lives.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗A man from New York made a cash offer for a dilapidated home in the Bronx, agreeing to accept it in its current state. After finding additional issues just days before the closing, he sought a considerable price decrease. The seller declined, referring to the contract terms and previous property condition disclosures.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Paul Nthenge Mackenzie faces a staggering 200-year prison sentence for orchestrating the Shakahola massacre, which tragically claimed the lives of numerous church members, including 190 innocent children who reportedly starved under his directives. He manipulated his followers to believe that fasting would bring them closer to Jesus in the face of an impending apocalypse.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Jobe Bellingham, the talented midfielder, has earned a spot in the England senior team for the upcoming fixtures. Joining his brother Jude, this unique family duo adds an interesting narrative to the matches against Croatia and Spain in the Nations League. After shining at Borussia Dortmund, Jobe's selection underscores his rapid ascent, while Cole Palmer and Phil Foden remain sidelined due to injuries.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗A Michigan appeals court revived a couple's claim over a 0.13-acre strip allegedly landscaped by their family for years. The dispute began after the husband's brother ploughed the land in 2022. The court ruled that a 1991 foreclosure judgment did not prevent the boundary claim, while leaving the $5,364.44 award for trespass and waste undisturbed.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗On November 6, protestors stormed a Microsoft data centre construction site near Amsterdam, raising concerns about power usage. The activist group Geef Tegengas argues that the centre will strain local electricity supplies significantly. Police initially sought to block the demonstration but were overwhelmed as protesters broke through barriers. Previous protests have targeted the same location, reflecting escalating frustrations about technology infrastructure.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Indushekar reportedly committed the murders of his wife and six family members over two days in Bengaluru. After the initial murder of Sunita, he allegedly invited his brothers-in-law to his home, where he killed them as well. The investigation revealed that he used a grinding stone for the killings and then attempted to clean the crime scene. A missing-person report prompted police to discover the situation and arrest Indushekar.
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Former liberation movement’s share of national vote almost 14 percentage points below 2021 result The African National Congress is on course to suffer a bruising defeat in South Africa’s local elections, with the once dominant party of Nelson Mandela falling to under a third of the vote nationally with more than 80% of ballots counted. Wednesday’s fragmented vote marks another stage in the decline of the ANC, which has led national governments since the end of white minority apartheid rule in 1994. High unemployment, crime, corruption and poor local service delivery have all contributed to voters turning away from the party . Continue reading...
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Two thousand tonnes of waste are dumped every day at the Dandora landfill site in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. An army of workers then rush in to recover recyclable materials, putting their own health at risk in the process. But however hard these unsung environmental heroes work, only 7 percent of the plastic can be recycled. Our correspondents report.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗A court in Kenya has sentenced Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for the murders of 190 children and an adult. He told them to starve themselves to death as part of his apocalyptic religious cult.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Despite years of government interventions, emergency restrictions and public outrage, Delhi continues to battle dangerously polluted air every winter. Why isn't there a lasting solution to a predictable crisis?
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been sentenced to four years in prison after being cleared of treason. Lissu condemned his conviction for incitement, which had not been among the charges he faced.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Newsrooms have been evacuated across Ireland after another wave of bomb threats. Dublin is hosting a high-level EU meeting in several days.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Ordinary people living in Iran have little idea of the course of the war and peace talks on the global stage. With few sources of information, they are forced to navigate conflicting rumors and fears of a nuclear attack.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ↗Dismissal of treason charge means Tundu Lissu avoids threat of death penalty.
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