Saturday, Oct 24, 2026
Morning Premium Edition
Trump directed the Justice Department to sue over Alaska’s Senate race and seek to block certification if Dan Sullivan loses
President Donald Trump said Friday he directed the Justice Department to sue over Alaska’s November 3 Senate election. Filed Thursday, the suit asks a federal judge to block certification if Republican Sen. Daniel S. Sullivan loses and votes for candidate Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. could have changed the result. Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. denies any Democratic Party connection.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, NBC News, The Hill, The Wall Street Journal, ABC11 Raleigh-Durham, alaskapublic.org, Boston Herald
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The Justice Department demanded that California counties identify suspected noncitizen voters and set aside flagged ballots
Justice Department letters demanded California counties set aside ballots from voters the Trump administration considers likely noncitizens, escalating a dispute in federal court. The Daily Mail reported a 48-hour deadline to identify suspected noncitizen voters. The Los Angeles Times said the letters threaten criminal penalties for officials who count those ballots; county officials called the demands intimidating and legally questionable.
Reporting: Los Angeles Times, dailymail.com
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The U.S. reduced staffing at four Middle East embassies over heightened Iranian threats
In a Friday memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton said his teams had received intelligence that Iran had substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel. The State Department is reducing staffing at its embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates; all four will remain open.
Reporting: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, mcalesternews.com (with Associated Press), banglanews24.com, The Times of Israel, theaustralian.com.au
Israel launched an operation and imposed closures in Hebron after an attack killed two soldiers
Israeli forces imposed widespread closures across Hebron and displaced residents Saturday, following a shooting near the city that Israel said killed two soldiers. Egyptian Gazette reported that Israeli forces killed the two Palestinian gunmen. A statement by the military and Shin Bet said the operation, targeting the area from which the gunmen came, was expected to continue for several days.
Reporting: U.S. News & World Report, egyptian-gazette.com, i24news.tv, The Times of Israel
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Gunmen opened fire at a funeral in a church in Jordan, killing and wounding dozens
Gunmen opened fire during a funeral at the Hamoud Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, killing at least seven people. The Wall Street Journal reported that Jordan characterized the attack as terrorism; authorities had not identified those responsible, and no group had claimed responsibility.
Reporting: PBS News (with Associated Press), ABC7 Los Angeles, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC News
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Typhoon Champi killed one person and injured hundreds in Taiwan as it moved onward
Al Jazeera English said in an October 23 Instagram post that Typhoon Champi had killed one person and injured 163 in Taiwan. The post showed huge waves crashing into the island’s northeastern coast as the storm approached, with winds reaching 191 km/h. Thousands were forced to evacuate, and much of Taiwan shut down.
Reporting: instagram.com
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A woman became the second person to die of Ebola in Kenya
Kenya’s Health Ministry said a 65-year-old woman who was a close family member of the first case died after developing symptoms on Oct. 13 while in quarantine. She was the country’s second Ebola death. The ministry said all cases were in one cluster, with no evidence of community spread. Authorities had traced 135 contacts, all quarantined.
Reporting: BBC News, South China Morning Post, Deutsche Welle, Bloomberg, Reuters, newsday.com, Al Jazeera
A multi-storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi, leaving people missing
A search-and-rescue effort was under way in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area for seven people feared trapped after a building under construction collapsed Friday. Interior ministry official Kipchumba Murkomen said 66 of the 67 construction workers inside got out unharmed; the other suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The missing were thought to have been in shops at the building’s base.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, Facebook, BBC News, New York Post, Associated Press
A shooting near Paris was described by President Macron as a racist terrorist attack
Atch Academy in Aubervilliers identified Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old amateur mixed martial arts fighter, as Friday’s shooting victim; authorities had not publicly named him. The club said, “Nothing justifies taking a life this way.” At least five others were wounded, and President Emmanuel Macron said victims were targeted for their skin color or perceived religion.
Reporting: wsls.com, The Times of India
Severe flooding prompted rescues, evacuations and road closures in the Four Corners region
Flooding across the Four Corners prompted rooftop rescues, evacuations and road closures Friday, with more rain forecast for the weekend. In Colorado, National Guard rescuers used a helicopter to lift two people and three dogs from an RV swept into a river, Archuleta County sheriff’s officials said. Farmington city spokesperson Gina Intoppa said about 600 households were told to evacuate.
Reporting: NBC News (with Associated Press), fox21news.com, ABC News, UA News, kanw.org, The Guardian, ksut.org
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Humana and UnitedHealthcare are ending Medicare Advantage plans affecting about one million seniors
Humana and UnitedHealthcare are discontinuing some Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, affecting about 990,000 members combined, according to Newsweek. The figure includes roughly 600,000 Humana enrollees and 390,000 UnitedHealthcare members. Humana said most of its affected members will be offered an alternative plan.
Reporting: CBS News, Demokratis, Newsweek
Two Philippine Air Force planes collided during a training flight, killing all four pilots
Two Philippine Air Force aircraft collided midair Friday afternoon and crashed at Fernando Air Base in Batangas province, killing all four pilots aboard, officials said. Reports described the incident as a training flight; TRT World said it was a flyby rehearsal. Philippine Air Force spokesman Colonel Alvin Capinguian said an investigation was opened and the SF-260 fleet was temporarily grounded.
Reporting: Associated Press, Firstpost, The Times of India, South China Morning Post, India Today, ndtv.com, TRT World, Ynetnews
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly arrived in China’s border city of Dandong on Saturday, crossing the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge, according to South Korean news reports citing an unidentified government source. The New York Times described it as his first visit to China in more than a year and reported that Beijing and Pyongyang had not immediately confirmed the trip.
Reporting: U.S. News & World Report, Associated Press, Reuters, thenewstribune.com, Bloomberg, Agence France-Presse, Al Jazeera, The New York Times
Two former FBI officials were charged with lying to Congress about the Hunter Biden laptop inquiry
Federal prosecutors allege former FBI officials Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides misled the House Judiciary Committee in 2023 about the Hunter Biden probe and laptop. Reuters says the complaint alleges they took part in the FBI’s response to public reporting on the laptop. Courthouse News reports Benavides said he learned from Wikipedia that the FBI obtained Biden’s laptop.
Reporting: Courthouse News Service, Politico, CBS News, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, NBC News, ABC News
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A federal appeals court upheld a ruling blocking the Trump administration from federalizing California National Guard troops
A divided 2-1 Ninth Circuit panel on Oct. 23 upheld a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s federalization and deployment of 4,000 California National Guard members to Los Angeles in June 2025. The court said the initial order exceeded Trump’s statutory authority and rejected the administration’s argument that the decision was beyond judicial review.
Reporting: Bloomberg Law, ca.gov, NTD Television, krcrtv.com, Los Angeles Daily News, The Sacramento Bee
Trump exempted some Canadian products from tariffs, a move linked to supporting Senator Susan Collins
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation easing 50% tariffs on Canadian goods from Oct. 30, The Business Standard reported. Exemptions include plywood, paper, machinery and refrigeration equipment; SBS News also reported packaging boxes exempt and new tariffs on some valves, carpets and waste-related products. Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins said she secured exemptions for blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers.
Reporting: The New York Times, SBS News (South Korea), fnnews.com, The Business Standard, bnnbloomberg.ca, Reuters, The Guardian
The Pentagon designated China-backed cultural centers on U.S. campuses as a national security threat
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that the Pentagon designated Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes on university campuses a national security threat. He called them “sleeper organisations,” saying they operated under new names after Congress restricted them. Hegseth said the Pentagon dismantled 80 groups operating at 30 universities and accused the programs of stealing research and spreading propaganda.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, The Guardian, NTD Television, arabnews.jp, Firstpost, Washington Examiner
Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the America First seafood initiative
On Oct. 23, President Donald J. Trump’s administration announced the America First Seafood Strategy and launched Seafood.gov. NOAA Fisheries described it as a coordinated federal plan to expand sustainable domestic seafood production, modernize infrastructure, and improve market opportunities and fair competition. The White House said the actions had unlocked billions of dollars in economic value.
Reporting: noaa.gov, whitehouse.gov
The Supreme Court let New Hampshire bar student IDs as voter identification in the midterms
The Supreme Court paused a federal judge’s ruling Thursday, allowing New Hampshire to enforce its student-ID voting ban in the midterms. SCOTUSblog said the unsigned order invoked election timing; Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan had directed local officials not to accept student IDs, including under the safety-valve process.
Reporting: wjactv.com, SCOTUSblog, Democracy Docket, Soo Leader
A Mississippi police officer who shot and killed a one-year-old boy resigned; footage of the shooting was also released
Mississippi police officer Hunter Foster resigned this week, Senatobia Mayor Greg Graves said, months after fatally shooting 1-year-old Kohen Wiley outside a Walmart. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation released body-camera and store surveillance footage Thursday. ABC News reported Foster fired as a car appeared to move toward officers. The state Attorney General’s Office had deemed the use of force justified.
Reporting: CBS News, KTUL NewsChannel 8, ABC News, wapt.com, CNN, WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore, MS NOW, The Guardian
Melania Trump helped broker a localized ceasefire in Oleshky to allow aid and civilian evacuations
Russia and Ukraine agreed to a localized ceasefire in Russian-controlled Oleshky to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations, The Nation Thailand reported, adding that both militaries confirmed the deal. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said the plan calls for a truce, aid deliveries and then civilian departures.
Reporting: The Denver Post (with Associated Press), openthemagazine.com, The Moscow Times, thepavlovictoday.com, The Nation Thailand, The Korea Times, CBC News
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The first tanker carrying Russian diesel under a U.S.-Russia arrangement set sail for the United States
Outlook India and News18 report that three tankers carrying Russian diesel have left Primorsk for North America under a new import agreement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the first tanker’s departure and said regular supplies would continue. The Economic Times reported experts’ view that the imports are unlikely to ease high fuel prices significantly.
Reporting: The Economic Times, The Times of India, news18.com, Outlook India
Authorities prepared for large protests across France, deploying police and closing Paris museums
French authorities planned to deploy 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide Saturday, Oct. 24, as protests over economic pressures were expected across France. The deployment aimed to prevent a repeat of the previous week’s violent unrest, which included attacks on police and looting, according to Ynetnews. The Louvre and other Paris museums closed, and Art Basel’s weekend program was canceled.
Reporting: Associated Press, 2news.com, wgauradio.com, chosun.com, India Today, unn.ua, Ynetnews
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Ukraine and Russia signaled willingness to resume U.S.-brokered peace talks, despite major obstacles
Ukraine and Russia have signaled willingness to resume U.S.-brokered peace talks and are backing a humanitarian mission led by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. A surprise announcement Friday said Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a local ceasefire to allow aid next week. Disagreements over territory and security guarantees persist, while armies remain on the battlefield and exchange daily long-range strikes.
Reporting: ABC News, breakingnews.ie, mcalesternews.com
U.S. stock indexes closed lower at the end of a volatile week
U.S. stocks ended Friday lower, extending a volatile week as concerns about the sustainability of artificial-intelligence spending weighed on markets. The Dow fell 1.23% to 52,215.16, the S&P 500 lost 0.52%, and the Nasdaq slipped 0.21%. Sharecast reported Brent crude rose 3.14% to $116.72 a barrel amid reports of U.S.-Israeli plans for renewed attacks on Iran.
Reporting: Anadolu Agency, Investor’s Business Daily, thestreet.com, sharecast.com, The Wall Street Journal
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders unionized after years of seeking better pay
The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to recognize the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the cheerleaders’ collective bargaining representative, the team and association said in a joint statement. The recognition follows years of pay disputes and gives the squad a formal route to negotiate compensation and benefits. No bargaining agreement has been reported.
Reporting: The Times of India, Associated Press, The New York Times, newsday.com
Six Flags plans to add seat belts to rides after a fatal incident in Georgia
Six Flags plans to add seat belts to Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia and similar coasters at other parks after an Oct. 12 accident that killed a 42-year-old guest. Chief Executive John Reilly said the company is hiring independent engineers and ride-inspection professionals; Goliath and eight other rides remain closed as the investigation continues.
Reporting: The Wall Street Journal, attractionsmagazine.com, atlantanewsfirst.com
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Dengue cases continued to rise in Florida after an emergency response was declared
Florida’s reported dengue cases have continued rising about a month after three counties declared states of emergency. Citing the latest CDC data, The Washington Post reported 721 statewide cases, up from 392 since September. Hillsborough County, including Tampa, has 352 cases. University of Florida biostatistician and infectious-disease modeler Ira Longini said further spread was “just a matter of time.”
Reporting: The Washington Post, x.com
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Flu cases were rising earlier than usual on the U.S. West Coast, prompting vaccine advice
Flu activity is rising early on the U.S. West Coast, prompting experts to urge vaccination. KPRC reports nearly all cases are H1N1, a strain with a mutation; the variant was not included in this season’s vaccine, though doctors say vaccination offers protection. California’s test positivity was 9.65% on Oct. 10; Los Angeles County reported its first two flu-related deaths.
Reporting: AOL, Spectrum News, KPRC 2 Click2Houston, today.com
Afternoon Premium Edition
U.S. officials warned of increased Iranian efforts to target Americans and reduced staffing at regional diplomatic posts
An Oct. 23 memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran had substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel, with lethal plots at advanced stages. U.S. officials said diplomatic staffing is being reduced across the Middle East; personnel were ordered out of Saudi Arabia, with cuts also reported at four missions.
Reporting: Axios, tasnimnews.ir, The New York Times, BBC News, haaretz.com, Bloomberg
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The Trump administration’s lawsuit seeks to block Alaska Senate election certification if the Republican incumbent loses
The Justice Department sued Alaska’s Division of Elections, seeking to delay certification of the November 3 Senate result if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses to Democrat Mary Peltola by fewer votes than a namesake candidate receives. President Donald Trump said he ordered the suit, which would hold certification pending an investigation.
Reporting: votebeat.org, Al Jazeera, instagram.com, alaskapublic.org, Agence France-Presse, PBS News, alaskabeacon.com
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The Justice Department demanded that California counties help identify suspected noncitizen voters and set aside related ballots
The Justice Department directed officials in at least 18 California counties to identify suspected noncitizens and set aside ballots pending eligibility checks; outlets reported a 48-hour deadline. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned of legal jeopardy for knowingly processing such ballots. State officials say the information is unreliable, and a hearing on the lawsuit is set for next week.
Reporting: CBS News, CNN, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, dailymail.com, PBS News (with Associated Press), Suara Garut, davisvanguard.org
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Ukraine restored high-speed Starlink and Starshield connectivity after restrictions disrupted military systems
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said Saturday monitoring showed Starlink and Starshield service was restored after officials said restrictions disrupted front-line operations for over a week. Commanders reported lost drones and canceled missions. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said speed or usage limits are set by the U.S. military and ultimately the president; neither Musk nor the U.S. government has acknowledged responsibility.
Reporting: CNBC, Axios, Business Insider, NBC News, CBS News, Greenwich Time
Gunmen killed nine people and wounded dozens at a church funeral in Jordan
King Abdullah II ordered Jordan’s security forces to respond with an “iron fist” as authorities searched for gunmen who killed eight people and wounded 40 during a Greek Orthodox church funeral in Karak on Friday, Reuters reported. Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour said two wounded people were in critical condition. Jordan declared three days of mourning; no group had immediately claimed responsibility.
Reporting: The Guardian, dawn.com, South China Morning Post, CBC News, Reuters, National Public Radio
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Israel’s military operation in Hebron displaced families and included demolitions after a deadly checkpoint attack
Israeli forces began an operation in Hebron Saturday, with demolitions and displacement, a day after an attack near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint killed two Israeli soldiers. Reuters reported about 1,200 Palestinians displaced; France 24 cited around 250 families. Middle East Eye said residents reported five minutes to leave. The military said the operation in the area would last several days.
Reporting: France 24, Al Jazeera, middleeasteye.net, The New York Times, Reuters
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Nationwide protests in France drew large crowds and clashes with police
French demonstrations over cost of living and school funding drew hundreds of protests nationwide Saturday, with police saying 110,000 attended the main Paris march. The march reached its destination without incident despite rain. Paris police said officers stopped and checked more than 3,000 people and arrested 65; clashes were reported in six other cities, and the Louvre and Orsay closed.
Reporting: France 24, The Guardian
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Two former FBI officials were charged with lying to Congress about the Hunter Biden laptop investigation
Former FBI officials Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides surrendered and appeared in federal court in Washington Friday, each facing one count of making a false statement to Congress, prosecutors allege. The charges concern 2023 testimony about the Hunter Biden investigation and laptop. They are due back Tuesday.
Reporting: Politico, Reuters, The New York Times
Melania Trump’s office said she helped broker a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine
The White House says first lady Melania Trump helped broker a localized ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky, Ukraine, after learning of the humanitarian crisis at a U.N. General Assembly event in September. Russia’s human rights ombudswoman Yana Lantratova confirmed an agreement to organize a humanitarian mission; Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets thanked Trump. The truce is set to begin Oct. 29.
Reporting: thewellnews.com, The Daily Beast, NewsNation (with Associated Press), Deutsche Welle, news18.com
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Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking political change to contact the CIA
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking political change to pursue a “discreet partnership with the CIA” in a Friday post on X. The CIA later posted a Spanish-language video explaining how people could submit information. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio mocked the appeal as “public recruitment for the CIA.”
Reporting: informat.ro, Fox News, WION, Arab News, openthemagazine.com, France 24
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Iran said U.S. forces would not be allowed in the Gulf
Iran’s armed forces chief of staff—identified as Ali Abdollahi by L’Orient Today and several other reports, but as Mohammad Bagher Abdollahi by Kurdistan24—said Saturday that U.S. military vessels would not be allowed into the Persian Gulf. Iran International reported that he claimed Iran had rendered the U.S. Navy ineffective.
Reporting: lorientlejour.com, Iran International, Kurdistan24, newstimes.com, The Times of India
A Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted Houthi missiles aimed at Saudi cities
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles fired toward Taif and Yanbu on Saturday. Coalition spokesman Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said they were destroyed, Arab News reported. Houthi outlet Al-Masirah reported Saudi airstrikes killed 11 people in Sanaa, and said a separate strike on a cement-worker residence in Sanaa governorate killed six women and one child.
Reporting: CNBC, South China Morning Post, arabnews.jp
A drone attack damaged facilities in Togliatti, with Ukraine saying a petrochemical plant was hit
Several industrial facilities were damaged in a drone attack on Togliatti on Saturday. Mayor Ilya Sukhikh said preliminary reports indicated no deaths or injuries and did not identify the sites. Ukraine’s General Staff said it struck the Togliattikauchuk petrochemical plant and the Proton electronics plant in Oryol, which Kyiv says makes cruise and ballistic missile components.
Reporting: The Straits Times, Arab News, The Moscow Times, arise.tv, Kyiv Post, Al Jazeera
Typhoon Champi killed one person and injured hundreds in Taiwan as it moved toward China
Typhoon Champi swept past Taiwan on Oct. 24, killing one person. Taiwan’s fire department reported 527 injuries, while Anews reported more than 600. A man died after being swept away by waves from Liuqiu. Anews said over 340,000 households were affected by outages, with power restored to more than 90%. Champi was weakening and moving north toward China’s coast.
Reporting: AOL, gmanetwork.com, vietnam.vn, Reuters, Firstpost, protothema.gr, anews.com.tr
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Rescuers searched for survivors after a deadly earthquake in China’s Tibet region
More than 5,000 people, including police and military personnel, have been deployed for rescue operations after a magnitude-7 earthquake in Tibet. Local authorities reported 16 deaths and 76 injuries. Nearly 400 aftershocks followed, and at least 339 homes collapsed or were severely damaged. Xinhua reported more than 12,000 residents were evacuated; officials cited difficult geography and low temperatures.
Reporting: ABC News (Australia), The Independent
Minnesota officials said the Trump administration stopped sharing evidence in the Good and Pretti killings
Minnesota officials say federal authorities stopped sharing evidence with state investigators probing Renee Good and Alex Pretti’s killings by federal officers. October filings say transfers stopped soon after a July announcement. Officials say investigators lack an officer’s recorded statement, officers’ firearms and phones, projectiles, casings and a gun taken from Pretti. Justice Department attorneys argued that sharing is discretionary.
Reporting: southernminn.com (with Associated Press), PBS News
The U.S. Treasury proposed restrictions on high-tech investments in China and other countries of concern, drawing objections from China
Treasury proposed expanding its Outbound Investment Security Program to add Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia to countries of concern, Kharon reported. The proposal also includes advanced biotechnology, high-performance computing and supercomputing, and hypersonic systems among prohibited or notifiable technologies. BioPharm International said biotech restrictions would focus on equity investments and joint ventures in China and other countries of concern.
Reporting: PBS News (with Associated Press), biopharminternational.com, kharon.com
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The USDA said it would proceed with a Forest Service reorganization, including moving its headquarters
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the department is “full-bore ahead” with its Forest Service reorganization despite a district court stay. The stay bars office closures and employee or position moves outside local commuting areas. The proposal would move Forest Service headquarters from Washington to Salt Lake City, shutter 23 research stations and replace many regional offices with state offices.
Reporting: jamoke.news, jhnewsandguide.com (with Associated Press), govexec.com
State officials raised concerns about expanded federal election monitoring ahead of the midterms
The U.S. Department of Justice plans to deploy election monitors to Multnomah County, Oregon, on Nov. 3, after notifying Oregon election officials on Thursday. Oregon is among at least six states notified, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read said the state’s election system is reliable and warned that observers may not interfere.
Reporting: oregoncapitalchronicle.com, The Oregonian
Flooding in the Four Corners region prompted evacuations, emergencies and rescues
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared emergencies in 11 counties and authorized National Guard help in southwest Colorado as Four Corners flooding continued. In Pagosa Springs, the San Juan River reached 15.02 feet Friday morning, its second-highest level on record. The Navajo Nation Police Department reported rescuing 30 people; flooding damaged more than 100 homes and recreational vehicles in Hurricane, Utah.
Reporting: Demokratis, NBC News (with Associated Press), Around Prague, kanw.org, UA News, The Guardian
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Protests demanding the Albanian prime minister’s resignation turned violent in Tirana
Anti-government protesters gathered in Tirana on Saturday amid demonstrations over corruption and environmental concerns. Daily Sabah reported fires as protesters targeted ministries, the Supreme Court and Socialist Party headquarters. Demonstrators said a project threatened ecologically sensitive areas around Sazan Island and Vjosa-Narta; the unrest posed the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government in more than a decade.
Reporting: dailysabah.com
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The WHO announced an Ebola vaccine clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The World Health Organization announced the start of the first Ebola vaccine clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo outbreak. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said participants received the Ervebo vaccine in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province and the outbreak’s epicentre. Vaccinations took place Friday.
Reporting: Al Jazeera
Amgen said a drug combination reduced the risk of death for patients with aggressive lung cancer
Amgen said its drug Imdelltra, combined with AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi as first-line maintenance therapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, reduced the risk of death by 58% in Phase 3 results. Median overall survival was 21.1 months, versus 12.7 months with Imfinzi alone. Amgen Chief Medical Officer Paul Burton said the findings could transform care; Amgen plans to share them with regulators.
Reporting: CNBC, pluang.com, Moneycontrol, amgen.com, Reuters, marketscreener.com, briefs.co
JetBlue creditors hired advisers as the airline’s shares and bonds fell
JetBlue creditors are working with restructuring advisers as the airline faces cash burn and high oil prices, according to people cited by Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal. Bloomberg said the group includes holders of $2 billion in 2031 notes and a $742 million first-lien loan. The notes fell to 42 cents on the dollar Thursday.
Reporting: viewfromthewing.com, tradingview.com, theaviationhub.co.uk, Seeking Alpha, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, onemileatatime.com
Defense attorneys in the Charlie Kirk killing case said they need years to prepare for trial
Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, proposed a 2029 trial, citing years of preparation, tens of thousands of prosecution files and investigations into possible mitigating factors if convicted. Erika Kirk’s attorney, Jeffrey Neiman, called the schedule “absurd” and urged a trial in October 2027. Judge Tony Graf set no date, scheduling a Nov. 9 hearing.
Reporting: PBS News, telegraphherald.com, Killeen Daily Herald, djournal.com, Marietta Daily Journal
Jordan Bardella was reelected president of France’s National Rally
Jordan Bardella was reelected president of France’s far-right National Rally, also called the Rassemblement National, at its congress in Orléans on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Unopposed, he was reappointed with 98.98% of the vote, Bloomberg reported. The party held its congress in Orléans.
Reporting: Bloomberg
Dengue cases continued to rise in Florida after an emergency declaration
Hillsborough County extended its state of local emergency over dengue through Oct. 22, as mosquito-control crews stepped up efforts, the Osprey Observer reported. County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed the order. The county reported more than 200 locally acquired cases across nearly 60 ZIP codes. The latest CDC data cited by The Washington Post showed 352 cases, up from 177.
Reporting: The Washington Post, ospreyobserver.com
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Six Flags is considering safety changes, including seat belts on the Goliath roller coaster, after a death
Six Flags signaled Goliath will reopen and plans to add seat belts to it and similar rides at other parks, CNN reported. FOX 5 Atlanta said safety reviews led to the temporary closure of eight additional rides across five parks, while the parks remain open. The investigation into the fatal fall continues, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Reporting: atlantanewsfirst.com, FOX 5 Atlanta, CNN, 11alive.com, WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta, The Wall Street Journal
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A fire gutted Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest retreat in Bavaria, and police detained a suspect
Fire engulfed the Eagle’s Nest, the Alpine retreat of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, in Bavaria, on Friday night, and reports said it was almost completely destroyed. German police said they detained a suspect. The BBC reported the suspect was a 33-year-old man. The Kehlsteinhaus stands above Berchtesgaden; local media reported that the public was urged to avoid the area.
Reporting: BBC News, theaustralian.com.au, istitutoimpariamo.it, gephardtdaily.com, herefordtimes.com
Evening Premium Edition
U.S. officials warned of increased Iranian threats to U.S. personnel and reduced staffing at Middle East diplomatic posts
On Friday, the State Department ordered reductions in U.S. personnel at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan, a U.S. official told Axios, citing Houthi attack threats and Iranian plots. The official said only essential staff would remain. Earlier, non-essential personnel and families were ordered to leave Saudi Arabia; CBS reported other posts adopted “restricted operations” status.
Reporting: Associated Press, CBS News, Axios, The New York Times, BBC News, Bloomberg
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The Justice Department intervened in Alaska’s Senate election and sought to block certification under specified circumstances
Democratic and voting-rights groups seek to intervene in the Justice Department’s lawsuit over Alaska’s Senate-result certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. Alaskans for Mary, the campaign for Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, and the Democratic Senate campaign committee seek defendant-intervenor status to file dismissal motions; a group includes the League of Women Voters of Alaska, Common Cause and two voters.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, CNBC, The New York Times
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China to open a new bridge linking the two countries
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China on Saturday, crossing the newly opened bridge to Dandong, according to Chinese and South Korean sources. He met Wang Huning, a member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee. China said it was willing to expand trade cooperation, and experts called the bridge a symbol of closer ties.
Reporting: PBS News, The Economic Times, The Korea Times, Straight Arrow News, NDTV Profit, Al Jazeera, fox2now.com
The Justice Department sought information from California counties about potential noncitizens on voter rolls
The Justice Department’s Friday letters asked California county election officials to identify potential noncitizens and set aside and verify ballots, giving them 48 hours. The department also requested personal registration information. NBC News reported letters went to 57 of 58 counties; The New York Times said every county received one. The Orange County Register, citing the Times, reported some lists had errors.
Reporting: The Hill, Democracy Docket, The New York Times, NBC News, Reuters, Orange County Register, abc7chicago.com
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Mass protests across France ended in clashes with police in Paris and arrests
More than 400,000 people protested across France Saturday over living costs, fuel prices and school funding, with clashes breaking out in Paris after a mostly peaceful march. Paris prosecutors said 64 people were arrested and 40 placed in custody, including six minors; Anadolu reported 65 arrests in Paris. Lyon’s prefecture reported 29 arrests by 6 p.m.
Reporting: Anadolu Agency, BBC News, PBS News (with Associated Press)
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Gunmen killed at least 40 people in northeastern Nigeria, according to Amnesty International
Amnesty International said at least 40 people were killed when gunmen attacked Binnari village in Taraba state’s Karim Lamido local government area on Friday afternoon. Police initially confirmed 10 deaths, while Amnesty said additional bodies were later recovered. Amnesty said attackers burned homes, shops, foodstuff and motorcycles; police said they looted food. Their identities and motives were not immediately known.
Reporting: Arab News, News.Az, kslm.news, mezha.net
Gunmen opened fire at a church funeral in Jordan, killing and injuring dozens
Jordanian authorities were searching Saturday for three gunmen who killed eight people and wounded 40 during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate, Reuters reported. Al Jazeera said the attackers were masked and the shooting occurred in the village of Hamoud. No immediate claim of responsibility was reported.
Reporting: National Public Radio, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Reuters, mysuncoast.com
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Israeli forces demolished Palestinian homes and displaced residents in Hebron during a military crackdown
Israeli forces have demolished homes and businesses and displaced almost 1,200 Palestinians in a large-scale operation in Hebron, according to local reporting. The operation followed a clash at a military checkpoint that killed two Israeli soldiers and two Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority called for international pressure on Israel to protect residents.
Reporting: BBC News, The New Arab, The National, bdnews24.com
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The Pentagon prepared options for possible U.S. strikes on Iran as Tehran threatened retaliation
The Hill reported U.S. military planners prepared options for possible strikes on Iran after the Nov. 3 midterms. Kurdistan24 said President Donald Trump was briefed on options and leaned toward renewed major combat, but no final decision had been made. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned against another U.S. attack; Tehran threatened U.S. bases, warships and Gulf allies.
Reporting: The Hill, Kurdistan24, Bloomingbit, CBC News, indiasnews.net
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Four pilots died when two Philippine air force planes collided during a training flight
Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed Friday when two SF-260 trainer aircraft collided during a training flight and crashed within Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas province. Philippine Air Force spokesperson Colonel Alvin Jay Capinguian said an investigation is underway. No ground injuries were reported, and the air force temporarily grounded its SF-260 fleet.
Reporting: The Times of India, Firstpost, AOL, Associated Press, New York Post, NDTV, aviationnews.eu
Flooding affected San Juan County in a major Four Corners region event
Floodwaters inundated homes in San Juan County, New Mexico, prompting rooftop rescues as the San Juan and Animas rivers neared expected crests late Friday into Saturday. County emergency management public information officer Devin Neeley warned of historic danger. Bloomfield’s Water Reclamation Facility suspended operations, and untreated wastewater entered the San Juan River; officials asked residents and businesses to reduce water use.
Reporting: Suara Garut, ualrpublicradio.org
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A detained man died at a Georgia immigration facility amid an ongoing hunger strike
Luis Sandoval, a man detained at Georgia’s Folkston immigration detention center, died after being found with a ligature around his neck, ICE said. The agency said he was found at 1:46 a.m. and pronounced dead 42 minutes later. ICE did not say whether he had joined the reported hunger strike; an investigation and autopsy are planned.
Reporting: The Guardian, thecurrentga.org
Documents and interviews indicate a Russian energy company secretly financed a U.S. firm involved in talks with the Kremlin over an Alaska gas project
Executives have quit Polar LNG, an American startup seeking to liquefy and export Alaska North Slope gas, saying they recently learned it was secretly funded by Russia’s Novatek, The Wall Street Journal reported. Former chief executive Joel Riddle alleged Novatek also directed the project before necessary U.S. approvals were secured.
Reporting: The New York Times, The Daily Beast, The Wall Street Journal, eurasiabusinessnews.com, mezha.net, investing.com, sfg.media
Some rural Alaska early-voting sites had not opened, prompting state officials to question why they remained closed
At least 18 villages in Alaska had early in-person voting locations that failed to open, according to a Friday letter to the Division of Elections from state Sen. Bill Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat. Wielechowski called the failures “shocking.” The division did not immediately respond to questions about this year’s voting issues.
Reporting: The New York Times, adn.com
A ceasefire was brokered for the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, with Melania Trump claiming a role
Russia and Ukraine confirmed a ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky for aid and evacuations, crediting U.S. first lady Melania Trump. The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 16 to urge a truce, prompting criticism that his role was overlooked. The Daily Beast cites the White House for Oct. 29; The Moscow Times reports Oct. 27.
Reporting: The Moscow Times, The Daily Beast, The Independent, Anadolu Agency
A woman died of Ebola in Kenya, becoming the second recorded fatality in the country’s outbreak
Kenya has recorded its second Ebola death, officials said. The victim, a 65-year-old woman and close relative of the first victim, developed symptoms in quarantine. The first victim was a man who travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Seven other patients were receiving treatment; the ministry reported no evidence of community transmission.
Reporting: The Sun, BBC News, Ukrainian National News, eyeradio.org, operativmm.az, gov.ng, addisstandard.com
A poll released before Brazil’s presidential runoff showed incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro statistically tied
On the eve of Brazil’s runoff, reports on a CNT/MDA poll gave differing results. The Rio Times reported Senator Flávio Bolsonaro of Rio de Janeiro at 50.7% of valid votes and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at 49.3%; Al Jazeera gave Bolsonaro 46.3% and Lula 45%. Al Jazeera also cited a Datafolha survey showing 50% support for each.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, riotimesonline.com
Thousands of Israelis rallied against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government shortly before the country’s election
Thousands of Israelis rallied at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, three days before the general election, protesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and calling for an independent inquiry into the security failures that led to the October 7, 2023 attacks. Al Jazeera reported that Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, joined the demonstration.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, San Francisco Chronicle, France 24, A News, org.eg
Volkswagen planned a new Audi factory in Georgia
President Donald Trump is expected to announce that Audi, Volkswagen’s premium subsidiary, plans a Georgia assembly plant, a government official told Reuters. The plant is expected to produce 200,000 SUVs annually, including Q7, Q8 and Q9 models. Reuters said Audi may announce plans to build 25,000 vehicles in South Carolina. Bloomberg reported Volkswagen hopes the announcement may bring tariff relief.
Reporting: Bloomberg, Reuters, CNBC
The U.S. Treasury proposed restrictions on certain high-tech investments in China and other countries of concern, drawing an objection from Beijing
China’s Ministry of Commerce said Saturday it firmly opposed the proposed expansion and called it discriminatory and an overreach of national-security concerns, saying it could disrupt bilateral economic and trade cooperation. The ministry said Beijing would closely monitor developments and reserved the right to take corresponding measures. Treasury has proposed expanding restrictions on U.S. investments in sensitive technologies.
Reporting: PBS News (with Associated Press), Suara Garut, The Hill, Bloomberg, koreaherald.com, forth.news, com.my, com.cn
Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking political change to act, renewing U.S. pressure on Havana
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio mocked Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s public appeal for Cubans seeking political change to form a discreet partnership with the CIA, saying the agency seemed desperate to sell its services “like a tube of toothpaste.” President Donald Trump suggested at a Fort Myers rally that U.S. warships returning from Iran could stop near Cuba; his remarks did not establish that military action was authorized.
Reporting: Proto Thema, Arab News, Open Magazine, Latin Times, Suara Garut, dainikjagranmpcg.com
A tanker carrying Russian diesel set sail for the United States under a controversial agreement between Washington and Moscow
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Friday that the first tanker carrying Russian diesel under a new U.S.-Russia import agreement had sailed. Kpler said the vessel was bound for New York, with arrival expected Nov. 7. The Associated Press reported the agreement is unlikely to meaningfully reduce fuel prices and has drawn criticism from Republicans and Democrats.
Reporting: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, KTVN 2 News Nevada, India Today, The Nation Thailand, Vietnam.vn, substack.com
Dengue cases continued to rise in Florida after an emergency declaration
Locally acquired dengue infections have been reported beyond Hillsborough County, Udaipur Kiran reported: Manatee County confirmed another case, while Brevard and Orange counties also reported local infections. The Florida Department of Health is working with local mosquito-control authorities on surveillance and prevention, including aerial spraying. The Osprey Observer reported more than 200 cases in Hillsborough, the vast majority of Florida’s reported cases.
Reporting: Osprey Observer, udaipurkiran.com
German authorities arrested a man accused of contributing to the suicide of a 14-year-old girl in Indiana whom he met online
German police arrested an 18-year-old man in Hamburg on Thursday after an FBI tip, in connection with the death by suicide of a 14-year-old girl from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hamburg prosecutors accuse him of influencing her through Discord to harm herself while he was 17. NBC Chicago, citing NDR, reported he later sought recordings of her suicide and threatened people close to her.
Reporting: Demokratis, Suara Garut, CBS News, ABC News, Dawn, nbcchicago.com
Six Flags planned to add seatbelts to its Goliath coaster after a rider’s fatal fall
Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly said the company will install seat belts on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia and coasters with similar restraints. The move follows the Oct. 12 death of 42-year-old Atlanta rider Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who was ejected. Goliath remains closed during the investigation; independent engineers and ride inspection specialists will review safety procedures.
Reporting: CNN, PBS News, ssbcrack.com, twaslnews1.twaslnews.com
Typhoon Champi killed one person and injured hundreds in Taiwan before moving toward China
Champi weakened to a tropical storm after passing Taiwan and was heading north toward China, where it was not expected to make landfall, Reuters reported. Anews said one person had died and more than 600 were injured in Taiwan, and that over 5,000 people were evacuated. Power had returned to more than 90% of over 340,000 affected households.
Reporting: Firstpost, AOL, GMA News Online, Reuters, Proto Thema, A News, Al Jazeera
A man was fatally shot in the Paris suburb of Trappes in an attack authorities are investigating as terrorism
A shooting in Trappes and La Verrière, west of Paris, killed one person and wounded five; authorities are investigating it as a suspected racist terrorist attack. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said it spanned three locations over about 15 minutes. Police arrested the suspect less than 20 minutes after the first shots, The Economic Times reported.
Reporting: The Economic Times, France 24, searchlightmagazine.com
Protesters demanding Albania’s prime minister resign clashed with police in Tirana
Thousands rallied in Tirana Saturday, demanding Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. Police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets; Reuters reported protesters set fire to the Agriculture Ministry entrance. Authorities said more than 300 protesters and police were injured and dozens detained. Opposition supporters burned pillows placed by Rama as a dialogue gesture.
Reporting: Bloomberg, News.Az, The Hindu, UA News, Daily Sabah, France 24, Euronews, PBS News
A preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu
A preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Vanuatu, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, prompting a tsunami warning that was later rescinded. The quake was centered 197 kilometers west-northwest of Port Olry, called Port-Orly by The Hindu, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Several aftershocks followed, including a preliminary magnitude 6.3 quake. There were no immediate reports of damage.
Reporting: The Hindu, Al Arabiya, WTOP News, starbeacon.com, rollingout.com