Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026
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Voters are deciding control of Congress in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections
Americans are voting Tuesday in the 2026 midterm elections, which could shape control of Congress and the next two years of Donald Trump's presidency, BBC News said. Pennsylvania voters also face contests affecting the governor's office and state legislature, WHYY reported. BBC noted projections are not official results; states certify results days or weeks later.
Reporting: PBS News, BBC News, lehighvalleylive.com, whyy.org
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The United States carried out defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz
The United States conducted defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said. The official said the targets were Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets. Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island. Oil prices rose in early Asian trading Tuesday after reports of the strike, Reuters reported.
Reporting: Saudi Gazette, PBS News, WSVN 7News, NBC News, Australian Associated Press, smh.com.au, globalbankingandfinance.com (with Reuters)
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The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's request to set aside California ballots
The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s request to set aside up to 20,000 California mail-in ballots the administration said could have been cast by noncitizens. In a one-line order, the court gave no explanation. California election officials said the process used to identify alleged noncitizens was inaccurate. The ruling came on the eve of the midterms.
Reporting: Bloomberg, BBC News, NBC News
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A child died of measles in rural northern New York
A child in rural Lewis County, New York, has died after contracting measles, the state’s first known measles-related death in more than 30 years, health officials said Monday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called it “a devastating reminder” of what is at stake when vaccine protections erode. State health officials said they were expanding vaccination efforts, case monitoring and contact tracing.
Reporting: The New York Times, New York Post, The Independent, The Guardian, CNN, Euronews, ABC News, Associated Press
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A Washington state resident died of bird flu
A Yakima County, Washington, resident died from bird flu after exposure to infected dairy cattle, county health officials said Sunday. The death was the first U.S. bird-flu fatality in a year and the third since the virus began spreading to livestock in 2024. CDC analysis found no changes making the virus easier to spread or more severe.
Reporting: Greenwich Time, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, HuffPost, New York Post, CNN, arstechnica.com
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Russian guided bombs killed dozens at an aid site in Komyushuvakha
The death toll from Monday’s Russian attack on a humanitarian aid site in Komyushuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region, rose Tuesday, with CBC News reporting 29 dead and 48 missing and WRAL News, citing The Associated Press, reporting 31 dead and dozens missing. Acting head of the regional military administration Mykhailo Semikin said four police officers and two rescue workers were among the dead.
Reporting: CBC News, WRAL News, gpb.org
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Southwest residents evacuate after severe flooding
Flooding in the Southwest has forced hundreds to evacuate, while Brevard County’s Supervisor of Elections Office plans to temporarily relocate several polling locations as extreme flooding persists ahead of Election Day. Rain was clearing in the Southwest on Monday, but flood risk remained high after powerful downpours.
Reporting: The Economic Times, WRAL News, wesh.com
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Southwest residents faced high flood risk after powerful downpours
Flood risk remained high across parts of the U.S. Southwest after skies cleared, as powerful downpours sent water surging across the usually dry landscape. Hundreds were forced to evacuate, one person died in floodwaters and police suspect a second death was weather-related. The San Juan River in New Mexico was still rising and could crest Tuesday through Wednesday; cleanup and repairs could take weeks.
Reporting: Star Beacon, WTOP News, The Washington Post, CNN
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The United States will mediate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington will mediate Ukraine-Russia working-level talks in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10-11, focused on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts and steps toward peace. Reuters, citing a source, reported Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to represent the United States. U.S. negotiators will meet allies in Brussels this week.
Reporting: Open Magazine, Kyiv Post, The Moscow Times, AOL, CBS News, Ukrainska Pravda
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Donald Trump notified Congress of plans to end AGOA access for South Africa and Rwanda
Donald Trump notified Congress and the governments of South Africa and Rwanda of plans to end their African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) access effective Jan. 1, 2027. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said both countries’ practices are inconsistent with eligibility criteria. South Africa exported $1.7 billion under AGOA in 2025, according to Al Jazeera and DW.
Reporting: News.Az, Around Prague, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, allafrica.com, notus.org, fibre2fashion.com
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Supreme Court hears challenge by two Catholic preschools to Colorado public-funding condition
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a challenge by two Catholic preschools to Colorado’s requirement that preschools seeking public funds enroll children of gay or transgender parents. Colorado withheld funding from the schools, saying they violated state anti-discrimination laws by excluding those children. The court has sided with religious-rights claims in other cases.
Reporting: MS NOW, punchng.com
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A federal judge ordered Iowa to allow the Satanic Temple's Capitol holiday event
A federal judge ordered Iowa officials to approve the Satanic Temple’s holiday event in the state Capitol rotunda, scheduled for Dec. 12, after the state denied its application three years in a row. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose found the group likely to succeed on its free-speech claim. The state intends to appeal, Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office said.
Reporting: Telegraph Herald, Newser, CBS2 Iowa, Des Moines Register, middletownpress.com, couriernews.com (with Associated Press)
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North Korea denied responsibility for the record Binance cryptocurrency theft
North Korea denied the FBI’s claim that it was responsible for the record $6.3 billion Binance cryptocurrency hack. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called the U.S. assertion “absurd rhetoric and nothing new,” Bloomberg reported; Free Press Kashmir reported that North Korea called the allegations “a trite provocation.”
Reporting: Free Press Kashmir, BBC News, Bloomberg, hani.co.kr, cryptorank.io, thedefiant.io, theblock.co
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Persian Gulf allies are preparing for potential U.S. strikes on Iran
Persian Gulf allies of the United States are preparing for possible renewed U.S. strikes on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, fearing Iranian retaliation against their economic and civilian infrastructure. Some Arab states warned Tehran they could retaliate individually or collectively if their infrastructure is targeted. Diplomatic efforts have made little progress, the Journal reported.
Reporting: Iran International, The Wall Street Journal, 8am.media
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The Asian Football Confederation postponed the Asian Cup to Dec. 23, 2027-Jan. 21, 2028
The Asian Football Confederation postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by almost a year, moving the 24-team tournament to Dec. 23, 2027-Jan. 21, 2028. The AFC cited exceptional regional circumstances, including security concerns, travel disruptions and logistical difficulties. Türkiye Today reported that the revised dates still require approval from FIFA.
Reporting: The Times of India, Türkiye Today, dailypakistan.com.pk, dailysports.net
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Houthis in Yemen advanced to within 80 kilometers of Aden
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis advanced to within 80 kilometers of Aden, the internationally recognized government’s temporary capital, four military sources told Reuters Monday. This is their closest approach since the war’s early months in 2015. The sources said the Houthis seized Al-Maqatira, and government forces withdrew toward Tur al-Baha, where fighting continued near a military camp.
Reporting: Internazionale (with Reuters), Shafaq News, UA News, L’Orient Today, The Chosun Daily, fakti.bg, jfeed.com, kiprinform.com
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NATO confronts a Black Sea security challenge from seven cargo-ship strikes near Romania and Bulgaria
Seven strikes on cargo ships near NATO members Romania and Bulgaria last month have widened the Russia-Ukraine maritime conflict into a security challenge for the alliance. NATO said it would deploy maritime patrols. A Greek container ship was sunk last week by naval drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone; another vessel was struck outside Romanian waters on October 23.
Reporting: Tawasul News Network, The Business Standard, timeslive.co.za
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Britain and France will lead a military drill in Poland rehearsing deployment to Ukraine
Britain and France will lead Exercise Koalicja, a Nov. 9–22 drill in Poland where about 2,800 troops will rehearse possible deployment to Ukraine after a peace deal or ceasefire. Lt. Gen. Tom Bateman, commander of Multinational Force-Ukraine, said the force would help rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces, reassure commercial aviation and clear Black Sea mines. No ceasefire is in place.
Reporting: News.Az, Kyiv Post, Around Prague, BBC News, EUalive, The Independent, Open Magazine, eutoday.net
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Security services respond to bomb threats aboard two Warsaw-bound flights
Bomb threats were reported Tuesday aboard two passenger flights bound for Warsaw, prompting security checks and the closure of Warsaw-Modlin Airport. A LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 737 MAX from London Heathrow diverted to Modlin, landing with 181 people aboard; those aboard were being evacuated. An SAS flight from Copenhagen landed at Warsaw Chopin Airport, where checks began as operations continued.
Reporting: The Aviation Hub, Türkiye Today, Reuters, ABC News (Australia), Daily Mail, arnnewscentre.ae
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Two helicopters collided at a landing site in Nepal's Everest region
Two helicopters operated by Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty collided while landing at Pheriche in Nepal’s Everest region Tuesday, killing 47-year-old Indian passenger Vasanth Kumar Balaramudu, a Chennai resident, and injuring a New Zealand national. A post cited by Aerospace Global News said the cause was under investigation.
Reporting: ABC News (Australia), Al Jazeera, Ukrainian National News, South China Morning Post, Reuters, itij.com, aerospaceglobalnews.com
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Wilson Joseph of Haiti's 400 Mawozo gang asked the U.N. to send a delegation
Wilson Joseph, leader of Haiti’s 400 Mawozo gang, told The Associated Press he had asked the U.N. secretary-general to send a delegation to Haiti for dialogue and mediation. His Nov. 1 letter cited concern about developments where the Chen Mechan gang operates. Joseph also alleged politicians warned him about security operations headed his way.
Reporting: United News of Bangladesh, Temple Daily Telegram, Associated Press, The Herald Bulletin, The Washington Times
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The United Kingdom and the European Union agreed to ease post-Brexit food trade barriers
The UK and EU have agreed a draft deal to ease post-Brexit barriers on food and agricultural trade. It would remove requirements including export health certificates, inspection fees and other checks, and allow British exporters to resume shipments of sausages, burgers and domestically caught shellfish. The British government says it could generate about £5.1 billion in annual benefits for the UK.
Reporting: News.Az, The News International, bgnes.com
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Nvidia instructed cloud computing clients to sell at least 51% of services outside China
Nvidia told cloud and data-centre clients to sell at least 51% of their services to companies outside China, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The instruction was relayed verbally, applies globally and covers future contracts only; existing leasing agreements remain unchanged. Nvidia said infrastructure built on American chips underpins American model and application makers’ competition worldwide.
Reporting: The Standard (Hong Kong), Bloomberg, The Times of India, Financial Times, fourweekmba.com, startupfortune.com
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Walt Disney Co. considers another round of layoffs that could affect thousands of workers
Walt Disney Co. is preparing for potential layoffs that could affect thousands of jobs, according to a Bloomberg report cited by multiple outlets. Some managers were asked to identify ways to achieve as much as 20% in annual cost savings, potentially through job cuts, spending reductions or both. Deadline reported cuts may affect TV networks and the motion picture studio. Disney declined to comment.
Reporting: The Statesman, NDTV Profit, Indiatimes, Deadline, jagranjosh.com, blogmickey.com
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Australia’s central bank raised interest rates to their highest level in 18 years to combat inflation
Australia’s Reserve Bank raised its cash rate target by 0.25 percentage points to 4.85% on Tuesday, an 18-year high and its fifth increase this year. The board split 6–3, with three members favoring no change. It cited fuel and commodity costs and AI-related investment adding to technology prices. Governor Michele Bullock said recession was “not our base case.”
Reporting: News.Az, ABC News (Australia), TradingView, Firstpost, The Nightly, CNBC, The Australian Financial Review, theconversation.com
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China’s securities regulator told investment banks to halt IPOs, according to a report
China’s securities regulator reportedly told investment banks to pause initial public offerings and temporarily suspend large share sales by existing shareholders until markets recover, the Financial Times reported on Nov. 3, citing three sources with knowledge of the discussions. Reuters said it could not verify the report. The report follows an 8.5% October fall in the CSI300.
Reporting: The Straits Times, Devdiscourse, Business Today Malaysia
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Anthropic reported 17 billion dollars in third-quarter revenue in an amended filing
Anthropic reported third-quarter revenue of $17 billion, up 1,127% year over year, and about $895.4 billion in aggregate computing and infrastructure purchase and lease commitments in an amended filing ahead of its planned IPO. It posted a $23.3 billion net loss, largely from non-cash accounting charges linked to its rising valuation; AFP said the listing is planned for later this month.
Reporting: Devdiscourse, TradingView, thepeninsulaqatar.com
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Saudi Aramco reported a roughly 35% rise in third-quarter net profit
Saudi Aramco reported third-quarter net profit rose 35%, boosted by higher oil prices and sale of its PRefChem stake to Petronas, the Associated Press reported. Bloomberg said adjusted profit, excluding the sale, rose 9% to $31.2 billion, beating estimates. Aramco President Amin Nasser said attacks on key energy facilities amplified global supply concerns.
Reporting: The Economic Times, ABC News, The New Region, Bloomberg, Ottumwa Courier, Reuters
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Oracle filed plans to raise $20 billion through stock and bond sales
Oracle filed Monday to raise $20 billion in stock and bond sales as it expands AI and cloud infrastructure, including $10 billion each in common stock and senior notes. Bloomberg News later reported the share sale was expected at $116, about 11% below the Oct. 30 close. Oracle capped additional AI financing at $20 billion through fiscal 2030.
Reporting: Investing.com News, The Business Times, Reuters, Bloomingbit, Anadolu Agency, longbridge.com, koreaittimes.com, logos-pres.md
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Google partners took down a backdoor affecting over 1.3 million set-top boxes
Google and industry partners dismantled XCPE, a backdoor that enrolled more than 1.3 million set-top boxes in a botnet, according to Google's Threat Intelligence Group. Google identified Shenzhen-based Videostrong Technology Co. as the manufacturer behind the operation and barred it from certified Android hardware and software. Google has not clarified whether a factory reset removes the backdoor.
Reporting: Shattered, krebsonsecurity.com, pasqualepillitteri.it, meteoraweb.com, thehackernews.com, techbuzz.ai, lavx.hu, securityaffairs.com