Thursday, Nov 5, 2026
Morning Premium Edition
Updated
Democrats won at least 240 House seats and 54 Senate seats
Democrats have won at least 240 House seats and 54 Senate seats, enough to control both chambers, Al Jazeera reported Thursday. Forty-eight House races and two Senate races remain uncalled. The party could gain more seats but lacks the two-thirds majorities needed to override presidential vetoes; Republicans retain control until the new Congress convenes Jan. 3, 2027.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, osvnews.com, cfr.org, wttw.com, atlanticcouncil.org
Updated since this edition · Read the latest
Continuing
A Russian strike on a Ukrainian aid point killed dozens, police said
Police said the death toll from Monday’s Russian strike on an aid distribution point in Komyshuvakha reached 42, with up to 33 people still buried, Reuters reported. BBC reported body-camera footage from a police officer killed in the attack shows residents entering a shelter after an initial strike, before another blast hit it.
Reporting: Reuters, The Boston Globe, BBC News, AOL (with Reuters)
Updated
Donald Trump acknowledged the Iran war contributed to midterm election losses
Donald Trump said JD Vance was largely right that the Iran war contributed to Republicans’ midterm defeats, acknowledging that it drove gasoline prices higher in the short term. Trump defended the war as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and said he would make the same decision again. Iran International reported Republicans lost both chambers of Congress.
Reporting: Anadolu Agency, Iran International, Hindustan Times
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Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced Joshua Wong to 10 years in prison
Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, 30, to an additional 10 years in prison for conspiring to collude with foreign forces under the national security law. Wong pleaded guilty in September and is already serving a prison term for subversion. Deutsche Welle reported he is now due for release at the end of 2036.
Reporting: National Public Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera, amnesty.org
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House Democrats planned investigations into the Trump administration
House Democrats plan to launch four investigations into the Trump administration, Representative Robert Garcia, the incoming House Oversight Committee chair, said Wednesday. Democrats have also signaled they may examine the source of the Trump family’s wealth, Al Jazeera reported. Time said Democrats hope to connect investigations into alleged abuses of power with Americans’ economic concerns.
Reporting: Time, Al Jazeera, ABC7 Los Angeles, NBC Los Angeles, NBC New York
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A British healthcare worker with Ebola is being evacuated from Congo to Britain
A British man who tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is being flown to the UK for treatment, the government confirmed. Believed to be a healthcare worker, he is expected to arrive later Thursday. The Guardian reported him in stable condition; the government said the risk to the wider UK public is extremely low.
Reporting: Reuters, The Guardian, UA News, News.Az, CTV News, irishnews.com, gazettengr.com
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Airlines across Europe received bomb threats that forced diversions and emergency landings
Airlines across Europe received a new series of bomb threats Thursday, prompting diversions and emergency landings, Reuters reported. An Airbus A320 flying from Dublin to Rome was diverted to France’s Evreux airbase after a threat, the office of French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said. The Associated Press reported that earlier threats this week were hoaxes and no one was injured.
Reporting: Reuters, France 24, Deutsche Welle, The Jerusalem Post, aerospaceglobalnews.com, wgnradio.com (with Associated Press), informnny.com (with Associated Press)
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French trade unions staged a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations
French unions staged nationwide strikes and demonstrations Thursday, joining workers with a student-led protest movement and increasing pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government. The unions sought higher wages and changes to the government’s draft budget, CGT General Secretary Sophie Binet told France 2. An intelligence memo cited by RTL expected 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators across France, excluding the Paris region, and classified the day as high-risk.
Reporting: Reuters, BBC News, Central Oregon Daily, Radio France Internationale, WSLS 10 News
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Updated
Scott Colom narrowly leads Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi's unresolved Senate race
Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race remained too close to call Wednesday, with Democrat Scott Colom narrowly leading Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith by less than 1%, according to Local Memphis. About 20,000 ballots, including provisional, affidavit and mail-in ballots, remain to be counted. County clerks have until Nov. 13 to certify results; state law provides no automatic recount or runoff.
Reporting: CBS News, The Clarion-Ledger, WAPT 16 News, KCRA 3 Sacramento, wcnc.com, localmemphis.com
Updated since this edition · Read the latest
Updated
Mary Peltola leads Dan Sullivan in unresolved Alaska Senate race
The race remained unresolved Wednesday, with Democrat Mary Peltola ahead of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan by a few hundred votes, Alaska Public Media reported. Ballots remain to be counted, and if no candidate exceeds 50%, ranked-choice tabulation is set for Nov. 18. Sullivan’s campaign projected victory and alleged election cheating; Peltola’s campaign denied involvement in recruiting a same-name candidate.
Reporting: CBS News, Alaska Public Media, Alaska Beacon, Votebeat, fairvote.org, alaskasnewssource.com
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Voters approved abortion protections in Nevada and Virginia
Voters approved constitutional abortion protections in Nevada and Virginia, while Missouri voters rejected Amendment 3, preserving the constitutional right to abortion adopted in 2024, KFF reported. Idaho voters rejected a proposal to expand access, leaving the state with some of the most restrictive abortion laws. KFF said access was protected in three of the four states.
Reporting: The Guardian, contrariannews.org, kff.org
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Justice Samuel Alito told associates he will not step down before term ends
Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. does not plan to retire before the court’s term ends, The New York Times reported, citing two people close to him. He shared his plans after Democrats’ Senate victories; the Times said Republicans may have missed a chance for Donald Trump to appoint another justice during his final two years.
Reporting: The New York Times, The Seattle Times, The Daily Beast
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Indiana executed Jeffrey Weisheit by lethal injection in Michigan City
Indiana executed Jeffrey Weisheit by lethal injection in Michigan City early Thursday, after the Indiana Supreme Court rejected his emergency request for a stay, 3-2. Weisheit’s attorneys challenged the pentobarbital’s sourcing, citing the Indianapolis pharmacy’s probationary status. Chief Justice Loretta Rush and Justice Christopher Goff dissented, seeking a 10-day stay.
Reporting: Hindustan Times, fox59.com, wthr.com, indianacapitalchronicle.com, jconline.com
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Lawyers for Donald Trump are set to seek an appeal of his felony conviction
Donald Trump's lawyers are set to ask New York's Appellate Division, First Department, to overturn his 2024 conviction for 34 felonies tied to a 2016 hush-money payment. They cite judicial recusal, presidential immunity and alleged misuse of state law. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's lawyers oppose the appeal; both sides anticipate further appeals.
Reporting: CBS News, ABC News, WRAL News (with Associated Press)
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Donald Trump defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Donald Trump publicly backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, calling his work “very good” and saying he was not considering replacing him. The remarks came after Republicans’ midterm losses and criticism of the administration’s handling of the Iran war. Spokesman Sean Parnell told The Washington Post that Hegseth was committed to serving through Trump’s term.
Reporting: Forth (with Reuters), Hindustan Times, independent.ie
Continuing
House Speaker Mike Johnson decided not to lead House Republicans next year
Republicans face a leadership contest after House Speaker Mike Johnson said he will not serve as House minority leader next year following midterm losses, Reuters reported. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan are contenders. Johnson was re-elected to represent Louisiana, but his decision does not mean he will immediately resign as speaker, Vietnam.vn reported.
Reporting: Astro Awani, Vietnam.vn
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Deb Haaland and Peggy Flanagan won historic races in New Mexico and Minnesota
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was elected governor of New Mexico, while Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won a U.S. Senate seat in Tuesday’s midterms. They became the first Native American women elected governor of a U.S. state and to the Senate, respectively, marking milestones in Indigenous representation.
Reporting: CBS News, CBC News, Demokratis, Daily Sabah
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A New York state appeals court cleared New York City to collect a second-home surcharge
A New York appeals court on Wednesday allowed Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration to move forward with its surcharge on high-end second homes, reversing a September order that had required the city to restart the rollout. The court dismissed seven homeowners’ challenge for lack of standing. Homeowners’ lawyer Randy Mastro called the ruling “a shame”; two other challenges remain pending.
Reporting: The New York Times, CNN, Fox News, New York Post, Business Insider, Gothamist, law.com
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Billionaire Leon Black sued Rep. Robert Garcia of California over Jeffrey Epstein statements
Billionaire and Apollo co-founder Leon Black sued Rep. Robert Garcia, the House Oversight Committee’s ranking Democrat, alleging defamation over comments about Black’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Black’s suit says Garcia falsely accused him of involvement in Epstein’s crimes; Black told the committee he had no knowledge of or took no part in them. TMZ reported Black seeks $7.25 million.
Reporting: Bloomberg, NBC News, TMZ, Washington Examiner
Updated
Israeli President Isaac Herzog accepted certified election results and began consultations to form government
Israeli President Isaac Herzog accepted the certified election results as legally binding Wednesday and began consultations on forming a government. Herzog will likely choose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a coalition. Neither bloc won a majority: Netanyahu’s coalition took 53 seats and Eisenkot’s 48. The nominee has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension.
Reporting: PBS News (with Associated Press), Al Jazeera, Haaretz, WPDE News, St. Joseph News-Press (with Associated Press), oskaloosa.com (with Associated Press)
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U.S. forces attacked Iranian positions in the Strait of Hormuz
The Hill reported, citing The Wall Street Journal, that the United States struck Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, including an anti-aircraft facility on Qeshm Island. The attacks, part of a series over recent weeks, have not been publicly acknowledged by either country. Trump called Monday’s strike “minor,” as the Pentagon’s silence raised transparency concerns.
Reporting: The Hill
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Seoul planned to expand its Cheonghae anti-piracy unit near Oman's Duqm port
Seoul plans to expand its Cheonghae anti-piracy unit’s operating area to waters near Oman’s Duqm port, about 650 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz. The Defense Ministry will seek National Assembly approval to extend its mandate, adding 75 personnel and a P-8A patrol aircraft. An official said the aircraft would not monitor Iranian territory or waters.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, France 24 (with Agence France-Presse), Anadolu Agency, NewsCord, The Korea Herald, Around Prague, News.Az, Korea JoongAng Daily
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Israel's Central Elections Committee certified the election results
Israel's Central Elections Committee approved the Oct. 27 parliamentary election results Wednesday, finding no evidence of irregularities that affected the outcome. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies alleged Arab-led parties stole the vote. Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg warned that doubts could undermine confidence in the electoral process. President Isaac Herzog began consultations on forming a government.
Reporting: The New York Times, Demokratis, WTOV 9 News, canadianinquirer.net, thevibes.com, gujaratsamachar.com, israeltoday.co.il
Continuing
British Columbia conservation officers are investigating a suspected fatal grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola
British Columbia authorities are investigating whether more than one grizzly was involved in the suspected attack that killed Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her daughter, Selah Reed, 20, near Bella Coola. Inspector Jeff Tyre of the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said the number of bears remains unclear. Officers have begun trapping operations; none had been caught as of Wednesday.
Reporting: CBS News, CNN, The Independent, La Voce di New York, FOX Weather, United Press International, wabi.tv
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Bavaria Deputy Governor Hubert Aiwanger died in a Berlin hotel room
Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria’s deputy governor, economy minister and leader of the Free Voters party, was found dead at 55 in a Berlin hotel room Wednesday evening, the Associated Press reported. The circumstances remain unclear, and investigators said they were seeking to determine the cause and rule out foul play. Bavarian state premier Markus Söder said he was “deeply shocked.”
Reporting: Deutsche Welle, New York Post, Greenwich Time
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The UK Supreme Court opened proceedings on an appeal against Palestine Action's terror ban
The UK Supreme Court began hearing Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori’s challenge to the government’s 2025 ban. The two-day hearing tests the ban’s legality under the Terrorism Act and its effect on protest rights. Her lawyers say three of 385 actions over five years met the legal definition of terrorism; the Metropolitan Police said 25 protesters were arrested outside court.
Reporting: The Times of Israel, Suara Garut, Demokratis, thewhistler.ng, dailypost.ng
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African National Congress narrowly leads in early South Africa municipal election results
South Africa’s African National Congress led the Democratic Alliance in preliminary municipal election results, with its vote share sharply reduced. With about 12% of votes counted, election commission results put the ANC at roughly 32%. The CSIR projected final shares of 32% for the ANC and 26% for the DA, based on 11.5% of voting districts reporting.
Reporting: Reuters, The Straits Times, U.S. News & World Report (with Reuters), Devdiscourse
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China blocked SoftBank Group's planned $5.4 billion purchase of ABB's robotics business
China blocked SoftBank Group’s proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, ABB confirmed in an emailed statement. The Financial Times, citing people familiar with the matter, reported concerns over domestic supply chains, manufacturing capacity, intellectual property and possible overseas transfer of robotics data for AI training. SoftBank shares fell around 7% in Tokyo; ABB has not indicated next steps.
Reporting: The Japan Times, BigGo Finance, The Economic Times, startupfortune.com, cxodigitalpulse.com, law.com
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OpenAI pledged to pay data center power costs and increase transparency
OpenAI said Thursday it will cover full power costs for its data centers, keeping electricity costs off residents. For facilities it owns and operates, it pledged community input, public construction plans and no nondisclosure agreements with public officials. Its policy blueprint urges lawmakers to codify similar commitments. CNBC said pledges followed voters’ rejection of rapid AI expansion two days earlier.
Reporting: CNBC, Seeking Alpha, techbuzz.ai
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NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory re-entered Earth’s atmosphere over Indonesia
NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on Nov. 4, ending nearly 22 years studying gamma-ray bursts. The U.S. Space Force confirmed re-entry over northern Sumatra, Indonesia. NASA expected most of the spacecraft to burn up and estimated a 1-in-2,100 risk of debris harming someone. Katalyst Space Technologies’ LINK spacecraft could not carry out the rescue after attitude-control problems.
Reporting: Deutsche Welle, The Times of India, China Daily, Kazinform, skyatnightmagazine.com, space.com
Updated
Pennsylvania health officials report sixth measles-associated death
Pennsylvania health officials confirmed a sixth measles-associated death this year: an unvaccinated Jefferson County resident who tested positive. The Washington Post, citing a funeral director, reported the deceased was a 21-year-old woman who died after postpartum complications; state officials declined details. The Inquirer said it was the county’s second such death. Pennsylvania had 1,467 confirmed cases across 45 counties.
Reporting: Reuters, The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, New Hampshire Union Leader, NBC10 Philadelphia
Afternoon Premium Edition
Continuing
Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections
Democrats won both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterms, setting up two years of divided government. Their victories included Republican strongholds Texas, Kansas and South Carolina. Texas is sending a Democrat to the Senate for the first time since 1988. Trump said he would probably get along with Democrats, citing his veto power.
Reporting: Deutsche Welle, U.S. News & World Report, ABC7 News
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Investors sold chip and AI-infrastructure stocks, plunging the Nasdaq Composite Thursday
U.S. stocks plunged Thursday, led by technology shares, as investors weighed whether Democrats’ midterm gains could slow data-center development. The Nasdaq Composite fell more than 5% in late-morning trading, then recovered somewhat by midday, leaving it closer to correction territory; the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index was down more than 9% at midday, Axios reported.
Reporting: NBC News, Axios, CNN, Kitco News (with Reuters), Barchart, Investing.com News, fool.com
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Updated
Airlines received renewed bomb threats targeting commercial flights across Europe
A renewed wave of bomb threats disrupted flights across Europe Thursday, following at least seven flights targeted Tuesday. Fl360aero.com, citing Reuters, reported threats against at least 25 flights, while CBS News counted 15. Aircraft were diverted or escorted by military jets; no explosives had been found aboard the affected planes, and CBS said the incidents appeared to be hoaxes.
Reporting: Bloomberg, CBS News, Open Magazine, Business Insider, fl360aero.com, aerospaceglobalnews.com, theaviationist.com
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Paraguayan President Santiago Peña resigned
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña resigned Thursday after the central bank seized Ueno Bank, a digital lender close to his government, amid a solvency crisis. Customers could not access frozen accounts. Peña said he had acted with stability and social peace in mind, as lawmakers debated his removal. Deutsche Welle reported Ueno held hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds.
Reporting: Reuters, Bloomberg, CNN, Deutsche Welle, Killeen Daily Herald, NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
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Six people died and seven were injured in a Brooklyn house fire
A fire at a two-story home on 58th Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, killed six adults and injured seven early Thursday, the Fire Department said. The New York Times reported it was New York City’s deadliest fire this year. Fire marshals are investigating. ABC News reported a lithium-ion battery was found, but its connection to the fire was unknown.
Reporting: NBC News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, ABC News, The Guardian, New York Post, ABC7 New York, ABC7 Los Angeles
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Iran reported that three more tankers were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran said three more tankers were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, Reuters reported, warning that shipping would remain at risk while the Gulf war continues. Iran’s Guards warned that attempts to violate rules in the strait would bring the United States further financial losses and political defeats.
Reporting: Devdiscourse, rudaw.net
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Police took a woman into custody after a shooting at Des Moines post office
Police took a woman into custody after two people were shot at Des Moines’ main post office Thursday and a third was injured while trying to flee. CNN reported the suspect is a Postal Service employee accused of shooting two co-workers. Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek said none of the injuries was believed life-threatening.
Reporting: CBS News, NBC News (with Associated Press), ABC7 New York, ABC7 Los Angeles, kwwl.com, fox29.com
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JD Vance blamed the war against Iran for Republicans' midterm election losses
JD Vance blamed the war against Iran for Republicans’ 2026 midterm losses, The Wall Street Journal reported, in a rare public rebuke of the military campaign Donald Trump still supports. TeleSUR English reported internal friction in Trump’s administration and said Iranian officials characterized the losses as a rejection of the conflict by U.S. voters.
Reporting: The Wall Street Journal, teleSUR English, Yeni Şafak
Updated
Representative Robert Garcia outlined House Oversight Committee investigations into the Trump administration
Incoming House Oversight chair Representative Robert Garcia said Democrats plan four investigations into the Trump family, DHS and ICE abuses, corporate corruption and Jeffrey Epstein files. Garcia issued a two-word warning: “Lawyer up.” Senator Ron Wyden, expected to lead the Senate Finance Committee, said Democrats intend to investigate drug-pricing agreements between the Trump administration and pharmaceutical companies, Reuters reported.
Reporting: CNBC, ABC7 Los Angeles, NBC Los Angeles, federalnewsnetwork.com, pymnts.com
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Russia and Ukraine traded overnight airstrikes
Russia and Ukraine exchanged overnight airstrikes Thursday as reconstruction and security talks continued in Brussels. Ukraine’s lead negotiator Rustem Umerov said talks would continue for a second day. Kremlin-installed officials said a Ukrainian attack killed five and wounded 13 in occupied Luhansk. Rescuers continued searching for more than 30 people believed trapped after Monday’s strike in southern Ukraine.
Reporting: Greenwich Time, Military.com
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Harmeet Dhillon resigned from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division
Harmeet Dhillon resigned Thursday as the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for civil rights, CBS News reported. Fox News, citing sources, reported that Dhillon took office in April 2025 and resigned after Donald Trump’s Republican Party lost the House and Senate in this week’s midterm elections.
Reporting: CNN, CBS News, Fox News, wfmd.com
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Democrats won control of the Texas House in Tuesday’s midterm elections
Democrats took control of the Texas House in Tuesday’s midterms, the Associated Press reported, following historic wins for governor and U.S. Senate. Nationwide, Democrats gained at least 330 state legislative seats and full control of 22 state governments, The New York Times reported. Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said the victories had “shattered Republicans’ grip.”
Reporting: PBS News, The New York Times
Continuing
Scott Colom and Cindy Hyde-Smith remain in an undecided Mississippi Senate race
Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race between Democratic candidate Scott Colom and Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith remained unresolved Thursday, with ballots still outstanding. Scripps News reported just over 1,000 votes separated them, while an Associated Press tally cited by WTNH put Colom ahead by a few dozen. Colom’s campaign estimated about 15,000 affidavit ballots remained; a recount requires a court order.
Reporting: WAPT 16 News, Scripps News, WREG News Channel 3, wtnh.com
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Decision Desk HQ projected Nithya Raman to win the Los Angeles mayoral race
Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman is projected to defeat incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, ending Bass’s tenure after one term, according to Decision Desk HQ. Raman leads by about 26,000 votes, roughly 3% of 784,262 votes cast. Raman belongs to the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, and Bloomberg described her as a democratic socialist.
Reporting: Bloomberg, The Hill, NewsCord
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Google, Meta, and TikTok sued California over a child social media addiction law
Google, Meta Platforms and TikTok sued California to block enforcement of a new law intended to limit social media addiction risks for children under 16, Reuters reported. Known as Assembly Bill 1709, the statute bars platforms from offering minors features described as psychologically exploitative, including personal recommendations and sending videos through autoplay features, according to The News International.
Reporting: Reuters, The News International
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A security guard fatally shot the gunman who killed a woman at Citibank's Tampa campus
A gunman drove a car into a courtyard at Citibank’s Tampa business campus Wednesday and opened fire with a rifle, killing a woman before a security guard fatally shot him, authorities said. The attack left two dead. Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Frank Losat said four others were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not disclosed a motive.
Reporting: AL.com, WKMG News 6, Telegraph Herald
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Melania Trump urged Russian and Ukrainian envoys to build on the Oleshky truce
First lady Melania Trump hosted Russian and Ukrainian representatives at the White House on Thursday, urging them to build on a short-lived local ceasefire in Oleshky. Bloomberg reported that the White House credited Trump with brokering the truce, which allowed civilians to be evacuated; refugees returned to free Ukrainian territory on Oct. 31.
Reporting: Bloomberg, Washington Examiner
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Melania Trump hosted human rights chiefs from Moscow and Kyiv at the White House
First Lady Melania Trump will host Russian and Ukrainian officials, including human rights chiefs, at the White House on Thursday ahead of Abu Dhabi talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had “very detailed, hour-and-a-half-long” conversations with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner before next week’s meeting.
Reporting: France 24
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Helsinki court sentences Fitburg captain and boatswain over Gulf of Finland cable damage
A Helsinki court sentenced the Russian captain and Azerbaijani boatswain of the cargo ship Fitburg to prison for damaging two undersea telecommunications cables in the Gulf of Finland. The court said they intentionally dragged the ship’s anchor along the seabed for about 130 kilometers. Both denied wrongdoing; the captain plans to appeal, while the boatswain has not decided.
Reporting: Reuters, ABC News, Deutsche Welle, South China Morning Post, NV News, The Moscow Times, srnnews.com (with Reuters), theins.press
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Moscow planned to provide Iran with 90 helicopter-based missile launch systems
Russia agreed to supply Iran with 90 helicopter-mounted launchers for a precision-guided missile used extensively by Russian forces in Ukraine, the Financial Times reported. The report cited a 2024–2025 Vympel Design Bureau production schedule provided by Ukrainian intelligence and research group Dallas Analytics. It remains unclear whether the launchers were delivered.
Reporting: The Times of India, Demokratis, Suara Garut, Iran International, The Jerusalem Post, Ukrainian National News, theins.press
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Putin met Iranian security council chief Mohsen Rezaei at the Kremlin
Vladimir Putin met Iranian security council chief Mohsen Rezaei at the Kremlin on Thursday, the Russian president’s office said, Reuters reported. Iranian state media said Rezaei delivered a message from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but did not disclose its contents. A Kremlin-circulated image showed foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov and military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov in the Russian delegation.
Reporting: Reuters, AOL (with Reuters), Middle East Eye
Updated
More than 600,000 people rallied across France over pay and public services
More than 600,000 people rallied across France Thursday during a nationwide strike and protest over wages, living costs and public services, the New York Post reported. Workers, students and retirees joined the action as unions pressed for higher wages and school funding. The Paris march proceeded peacefully, though Reuters captions showed clashes there and a burning car in Lyon.
Reporting: The New York Times, Euronews, Le Monde, U.S. News & World Report (with Reuters), New York Post, Central Oregon Daily, The National, Radio France Internationale
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A London jury convicted Russell Brand of rape and sexual assault
A London jury on Thursday convicted comedian and actor Russell Brand, 51, of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. Brand, who denied the charges, was taken into custody. Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand faces a “significant” prison term when sentenced Monday. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Reporting: Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, PBS News (with Associated Press), NBC News, The New York Times, National Public Radio, CBC News, Courthouse News Service
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The Metropolitan Police is investigating two further rape allegations against Russell Brand
The Metropolitan Police is investigating two further rape allegations against comedian Russell Brand following his conviction for rape and sexual assault. The complaints, made by two women, can now be reported. Police said files concerning both have been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service. Police have warned that further victims may come forward.
Reporting: BBC News, The Independent, Courthouse News Service, walesonline.co.uk, huffingtonpost.co.uk, radionewshub.com
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The Bank of England raised its main interest rate to 4%
The Bank of England raised its main interest rate by a quarter point to 4% from 3.75%, its first increase in more than three years, to address inflation stoked by the Iran war. The bank signaled further increases remain possible. External Monetary Policy Committee member Catherine Mann favored a larger, half-point increase to 4.25%.
Reporting: Bloomberg, Reuters, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Telegraph Herald (with Associated Press), morningstar.com
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U.S. weekly initial jobless claims fell to 189,000 in late October
U.S. weekly jobless claims hit a 57-year low, which Reuters said pointed to labor-market resilience. Benzinga reported claims fell 6,000 to 189,000 in the final week of October, below the 196,000 forecast. Third-quarter nonfarm productivity rose 3.6%, above expectations, while unit labor costs fell 0.7%.
Reporting: Reuters, Demokratis, Benzinga
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CVS announced a plan to split into two publicly traded companies
CVS Health plans to split into two publicly traded companies by the first half of 2028, separating its pharmacy business, including roughly 9,000 retail locations, from its insurance business and pharmacy benefit manager Caremark.
Reporting: CNBC, Fox Business, healthcareuncovered.substack.com
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Researchers found newborn bleeding risks rose with declining vitamin K shots
Infant bleeding cases surged last year amid an increase in parents declining newborn vitamin K shots, a JAMA Pediatrics study reports. The share of babies not receiving the shot more than doubled, from 3.1% in 2017 to 6.8% in 2025. These babies had a 47% higher risk of bleeding in their first six months.
Reporting: The New York Times, The Washington Post, southernillinoisnow.com
Evening Premium Edition
Updated
Democrats seized control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections
Democrats seized both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterms, with majorities PBS News described as the largest in decades. The New York Times said moderate Democrats helped secure victory by campaigning in Republican-leaning states and competitive districts on lowering costs, improving health care and restoring trust. Representative Hakeem Jeffries is the presumptive next speaker; Senator Chuck Schumer, the would-be majority leader.
Reporting: The Washington Post, PBS News, The New York Times
Continuing
Investors pull U.S. stocks lower Thursday on AI worries
U.S. stocks plunged Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite falling 5.5% into correction territory, CNBC reported. The S&P 500 dropped about 4.4%, and the Dow fell roughly 1,833 points. Business Insider said investors feared Democratic election victories could bring tighter regulation of data centers and AI development, slowing investment. CNBC-TV18 reported a semiconductor index fell 11%.
Reporting: CNBC, CNBC-TV18 India, Business Insider
Updated
Paraguay’s lower house voted to impeach former President Santiago Peña
Paraguay’s lower house unanimously voted to impeach former President Santiago Peña minutes after he resigned amid the collapse of Ueno Bank, NPR reported. Reuters said lawmakers also rejected an impeachment motion against Vice President Pedro Alliana. Euronews reported Peña had held a stake until last year in a company related to the lender.
Reporting: Reuters, Bloomberg, Los Angeles Times, National Public Radio, Euronews, The Guardian, United Press International, organiser.org
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Gov. Gavin Newsom moved to commute all 548 California death sentences
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that he would commute all 548 death sentences in the state to life in prison without parole. The Los Angeles Times reported that nearly 60% of the commutations require California Supreme Court approval; CalMatters said approval would make the move the largest mass commutation of death sentences in U.S. history.
Reporting: Los Angeles Times, CNN, NBC News, BBC News, CalMatters, capradio.org, deathpenaltyinfo.org
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Wisconsin reported its first measles fatality since 1990
An infant in Wisconsin died after contracting measles, the state’s first measles-related death since 1990, state health officials announced Thursday. Wisconsin recorded 431 cases in 13 counties this year, CNN reported. CNN also reported the death was the third measles-related U.S. death reported this week. The health department withheld further details to protect the family’s privacy.
Reporting: The Hill, NBC News, CNN, NBC Chicago, statnews.com, kcrg.com, wausaupilotandreview.com, krdo.com
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Iran sent a new nuclear proposal to the United States through Qatar
Iran sent the United States a nuclear proposal through Qatar, but Tehran wants seven demands met before negotiations, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The official said Washington was reviewing it. Separately, Iran and the United States are reviewing mediators’ “concrete” proposals, five officials told The New York Times, signaling possible progress toward ending the war.
Reporting: The New York Times, Israel National News, Hindustan Times, The Jerusalem Post, Israel Hayom, The Media Line, i24NEWS, Iran International
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expanded the National Guard role in Washington, D.C
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the National Guard to expand its Washington, D.C., law-enforcement support, approving patrol cars, tactical vehicles, boats and portable light towers, The Associated Press reported, citing two Oct. 29 memos. Troops may carry rifles during some operations but not in Metro stations. The New Republic reported troops still cannot pursue suspects or make arrests.
Reporting: Bloomberg, PBS News (with Associated Press), The Hill, The New York Times, Task & Purpose, The New Republic, macombdaily.com (with Associated Press), todaypress.tv
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The GOP urged Mississippi election officials to safeguard all provisional ballots
The Republican Party is asking Mississippi election officials to “separate and preserve” all provisional ballots, which Democracy Docket described as the first step in a likely effort to throw out votes in the Senate race. Democratic candidate Scott Colom narrowly leads Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. Counties have until Nov. 13 to certify. Mississippi has no recount law.
Reporting: The Hill, NBC News, Democracy Docket, Action News 5
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Donald Trump met with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev at the White House
Donald Trump met Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev at the White House on Thursday but did not meet Ukrainian representatives who were also visiting, the Associated Press reported. Trump declined to disclose what they discussed, then suggested a deal was in the works. The Straits Times reported he said a “big agreement” could cover Ukraine and possibly all of Europe.
Reporting: PBS News (with Associated Press), The Straits Times, Ottumwa Courier
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European airlines face disruption from hoax bomb threats
Hoax bomb threats disrupted dozens of European passenger flights Thursday, forcing unplanned landings and prompting fighter-jet responses, Reuters reported. Aer Lingus Flight 402 from Dublin to Rome diverted to France’s Évreux military base. CBS News reported that no explosives were found and the incidents appeared to be hoaxes. At least seven flights were targeted Tuesday.
Reporting: Reuters, CBS News, ABC News (Australia), BBC News, Business Insider, brusselssignal.eu, theaviationist.com
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Nithya Raman wins Los Angeles mayoral race
Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman won the mayoral race, with the Associated Press calling it as counting continued. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass conceded, Politico reported. Raman, a Democratic Socialists of America member, is the first challenger in more than two decades to unseat an incumbent Los Angeles mayor, despite opposition from council colleagues and business and labor interests.
Reporting: NBC News, Politico, CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, NBC Los Angeles, KTLA 5 Los Angeles
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Democrats planned wide investigations into the Trump administration following midterm victories
After winning both chambers, Democrats say they will use Congress’s investigative powers to scrutinize the Trump administration and its business dealings. Reuters reported they plan to make what they call corruption central to their 2028 campaign.
Reporting: Associated Press, Reuters, PBS News, NBC News, National Public Radio, The Hill
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A New York appeals court heard arguments on Trump’s bid to overturn his conviction
Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a five-judge New York appeals court Thursday to overturn his 34-count falsifying-business-records conviction, arguing presidential immunity and federal campaign-finance law undermine the verdict. Trump lawyer Robert Giuffra Jr. said state prosecutors lacked authority to build the case on federal election law. Manhattan district attorney’s appeals chief Steven Wu defended the state’s authority to protect business-record integrity.
Reporting: Los Angeles Times, The Hill, Newsday
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Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon resigned
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon resigned; Attorney General Todd Blanche said he accepted her resignation. The New York Times reported midterm legal-strategy conflicts with Justice Department leaders. Dhillon told Fox News Digital she decided to resign three weeks earlier; White House chief of staff Susie Wiles asked her to wait until after the election, she said.
Reporting: The New York Times, Fox News, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, Newsweek, Oregon Public Broadcasting, SSBCrack, A News
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The Trump administration privately discussed removing Iranian nationals with Tehran during the war
Court documents show Donald Trump's administration held secret talks with Iran about deporting Iranian nationals during the war, The Associated Press reported. The documents say contacts involved submitting travel documents and exploring “possible avenues for removal.” The disclosure emerged from a lawsuit alleging immigration agencies shared confidential information about Iranian asylum seekers with Iran's government.
Reporting: PBS News (with Associated Press), The Guardian, AOL, News.Az, The Times of India, dailyadvance.com, breakingthenews.net
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Pete Hegseth’s future as defense secretary came under question after reported internal criticism over the Iran war
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s position is under pressure after Republicans’ midterm losses, with an impeachment effort emerging in the House. International Business Times UK, citing CNN, reported some Republicans faulted him for urging attacks on Iran without a clear exit strategy. Donald Trump has defended Hegseth, while Democrats are preparing investigations.
Reporting: Newsweek, The Washington Post, The Economic Times, Mezha, International Business Times UK, pragativadi.com, jfeed.com
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The Fire Department said a Brooklyn home fire killed six adults and injured seven
A fire tore through a two-story home in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood early Thursday, killing six people and injuring seven, including three firefighters. The New York Times called it New York City’s deadliest fire this year. CBS News reported hazmat teams were called after a lithium-ion battery was found; the cause remains under investigation.
Reporting: CBS News, NBC News, The New York Times, New York Post, ABC7 New York, WRAL News (with Associated Press), ABC7 Los Angeles, thechenabtimes.com
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Bernie Sanders urged a nationwide moratorium on data centers
After Democrats won control of Congress in Tuesday’s midterms, Sen. Bernie Sanders called for a national data-center moratorium, Quartz reported. Rep. Yassamin Ansari urged a pause on advanced AI development and a ban on artificial superintelligence. Nadine Smith, president and CEO of Color of Change, said some Democrats fear a blanket freeze could hamper AI and undermine national security.
Reporting: Quartz, Firstpost, tomshardware.com
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Emergency responders rescue dozens in record-flooded McCaysville and Copperhill
Overnight thunderstorms caused record flooding in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, submerging some buildings to their rooflines, The Associated Press reported. The Ocoee River crested at an all-time high of 18.05 feet in Copperhill, WSMV reported. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley said the city was under a state of emergency and closed; rescue operations remained ongoing.
Reporting: chronicleonline.com (with Associated Press), caledonianrecord.com, wjcl.com, wsmv.com
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Judge Janet Helson ordered Albertsons to pay Washington $900 million over opioid prescriptions
King County Superior Court Judge Janet Helson ordered Albertsons to pay Washington $900 million plus fees and costs for failing to adequately investigate opioid prescription warning signs. The state attorney general’s office said more than 6.5 million prescriptions with red flags were filled from 2006 to 2022. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said the judgment will fund treatment and prevention.
Reporting: Reuters, News From The States, KOMO News, sjvsun.com, washingtonstatestandard.com, mybellinghamnow.com, dailyfly.com
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The Internal Revenue Service announced inflation adjustments for nearly 70 tax provisions
The IRS announced inflation adjustments to nearly 70 tax provisions for tax year 2027, generally affecting returns filed in 2028. Bracket thresholds will rise about 3.2%, and tax rates remain unchanged, according to the Wall Street Journal and Kiplinger. The standard deduction will be $16,600 for single filers and $33,200 for joint filers, and the maximum child tax credit will increase to $2,300.
Reporting: The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, MarketWatch, thecollegeinvestor.com, journalofaccountancy.com, kiplinger.com, irs.gov
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A Hong Kong court sentenced democracy activist Joshua Wong to 10 more years in prison
Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong was sentenced Thursday to 10 more years in jail for colluding with foreign powers under the national security law. Wong pleaded guilty in September to seeking foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China. He has spent nearly six years in prison and is due for release in late 2036.
Reporting: France 24, Devdiscourse
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Mexican judge arrested in Colombia over alleged $2 million bribe
Mexican district judge Luis Benítez Alcántara was arrested in Colombia on Sunday on a U.S. indictment accusing him of accepting a $2 million bribe to release Canadian citizen Andrew Clark. Clark was accused of helping run a drug-trafficking network allegedly led by former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding. The nine-count indictment accuses Benítez of being an accessory after the fact.
Reporting: Bloomberg, Reuters, CBS News, Fox News, The Guardian, New York Post, LiveNOW from FOX, News4JAX
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Hundreds of thousands joined nationwide strikes and marches across France
Hundreds of thousands joined strikes and marches across France on Thursday, demanding higher wages and better public services. The Interior Ministry reported more than 600,000 demonstrators nationwide. Reuters said marches were largely peaceful, despite clashes with police in Paris and Lyon. Al Jazeera said about a third of high schools were closed or unable to operate.
Reporting: Reuters, Los Angeles Times, Al Jazeera, BBC News, The Hindu, China Daily, The Korea Times
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog will announce Sunday whom he will task to form the government
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he will announce Sunday whom he will task with forming the next government. After consultations, factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot, while factions representing 46 backed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Herzog said mutual vetoes left government prospects uncertain and he would hold further talks with party leaders before deciding.
Reporting: The Hill, Haaretz, The Times of Israel, Anadolu Agency, Arab News, Ynetnews, The Media Line
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Democrats push oil prices lower after decisive midterm win
Oil prices fell sharply after Democrats’ decisive midterm win, with markets anticipating Democratic control of Congress could bring a renewed push to end the Iran war. The Washington Post reported Brent crude fell 9 percent Wednesday. GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, Patrick De Haan, said the national gas average could fall below $4 within a week if prices hold.
Reporting: The Washington Post, Global News, Los Angeles Daily News, wbay.com
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Wendy's board unanimously rejected an unsolicited $1.4 billion takeover offer from Trian
Wendy’s board unanimously rejected an unsolicited $1.4 billion offer to take Wendy’s private from an investor group led by investor Nelson Peltz’s Trian Fund Management. Its $7.35-per-share cash offer also included BlueFive Capital, Sixth Street Partners and Flynn Group. Independent directors said it undervalued Wendy’s; the company adopted a one-year shareholder plan. Trian declined to comment, CNBC reported.
Reporting: Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, UA News, TradingView, qsrweb.com
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Five federal agencies warned of ongoing cyber threat activity targeting refrigeration systems
Five federal agencies warned Thursday of cyber activity targeting industrial refrigeration and cold-chain monitoring systems worldwide. They said attackers could exploit unpatched or internet-connected controllers to alter temperatures, creating fire hazards and inventory losses. CISA advised operators to disconnect devices and update software. Chris Butera, CISA’s acting executive assistant director for cybersecurity, said organizations should assume they could be targets.
Reporting: Reuters, CBS News, CNBC, Politico, TechCrunch, Nextgov/FCW, The Record by Recorded Future, aha.org
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A UK doctor diagnosed with Ebola in Congo was evacuated to the UK
A British doctor who tested positive for Ebola while working on the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was flown to the UK on Thursday. The BBC reported he was taken to the Royal Free Hospital in London. He is unidentified. A UK government spokesperson said public risk remains low.
Reporting: The Guardian, BBC News, WRAL News (with Associated Press), Facebook, heraldonline.com (with Reuters)
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Two studies find U.S. infant bleeding rates rose alongside vitamin K refusals
Two studies found that rates of life-threatening bleeding among U.S. infants rose sharply since 2017 as parents increasingly refused newborn vitamin K shots, Reuters reported Thursday. The research does not establish that refusals caused the increase. Tippinsights reported that infants who missed the injection had a 47 percent higher risk of bleeding events during their first six months.
Reporting: The Washington Post, Devdiscourse, HuffPost, tippinsights.com
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LIV Golf decided to liquidate its assets and shut down
LIV Golf will wind down operations and liquidate its assets rather than pursue “LIV 2.0,” lawyer Matthew Williams told a New Jersey bankruptcy court Thursday. Williams said the league could not secure the financial and player support needed for a viable relaunch, ending its effort to continue as a professional tour.
Reporting: USA Today, Sky Sports, Global News, ESPN