Thousands of demonstrators flooded Tirana on Wednesday, igniting clashes that left multiple government buildings damaged and one set ablaze. Protesters, chanting for improved university funding and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, hurled stones, petrol bombs and flares at police barricades while authorities responded with water cannons and tear gas. Riot police repeatedly pushed back crowds that continued to spread through the city centre after dark, smashing shopfronts, attacking the finance ministry and breaching the justice ministry where flames erupted on an upper floor. Interior Minister Ervin Demo condemned the "malicious hands of outsiders" while acknowledging student grievances, and the European Union called for restraint on both sides as it urged an investigation into alleged police excesses. Police reported 14 injured officers and 35 detainees, noting that violence had persisted since the protests began earlier in the week following longstanding complaints about tuition fees and alleged corruption. The unrest marks the latest flare‑up in demonstrations that originally stemmed from opposition to a luxury tourism project linked to Donald Trump's family.
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Two ships sank in the Strait of Hormuz this week after being struck by Iranian attacks amid a surge in violence in the key waterway.
A Singapore-registered container vessel, the GFS Pride, came under attack while moving through the strait on Tuesday, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said in a statement. The ship caught fire, the statement noted, but all crew members were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
A bulk carrier sank on Wednesday after it was hit by an Iranian attack the previous month, according to the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency that oversees shipping.
Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified as the United States seeks to increase oil shipments through the passage. In the past two weeks, Iran has targeted more than 14 vessels in the strait. October has become one of the most violent months in the waterway since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel began on Feb. 28. The United States has encouraged additional vessels to navigate the strait to help lower global energy prices. The initiative appears to be working; last month, traffic rose and oil flows approached prewar levels.
U.S. forces are responding with expanded operations that include air cover and heightened monitoring to safeguard the increased vessel traffic. Despite the heightened attacks, few commercial ships have been disabled, and even fewer have been sunk. Prior to this week’s incidents, the last sinking occurred in March, when a United Arab Emirates-flagged tugboat was struck while attempting to assist a disabled vessel. Three other ships were hit on Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported. Of those four vessels, three were container ships, the monitoring body said. Singapore’s port authority also reported a vessel, the GFS Giselle, was struck on Wednesday. The ship sustained hull damage but managed to reach a safe anchorage under its own power, the authority said.
Shaiq Hussain in Islamabad, Pakistan, contributed to this report.
A government watchdog report urging the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to adopt automatically activated body‑worn cameras was dismissed by ICE on Wednesday. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office had recommended that the agency update its camera policy so that devices turn on without manual prompting, especially during unexpected encounters that might involve force. The report argued that automated activation could help ensure footage is captured in line with policy and reduce reliance on officers remembering to start recording. ICE countered that the change raised privacy risks and declined the suggestion. The agency noted that all of its offices had received body cameras by early August, though training on their use remained incomplete. The watchdog’s proposal emerged amid heightened scrutiny of ICE’s actions, including recent incidents in which agents opened fire during immigration operations. In January, two U.S. citizens were killed in separate Minneapolis shootings linked to immigration enforcement, and a July New York Times analysis identified at least 25 such shootings since the start of the current administration, with a more recent CBS News count putting the figure at 30 incidents, nine of them fatal. Critics have questioned official accounts of some of these encounters, citing video evidence that contradicts claims of imminent threat. ICE has maintained that officers acted in self‑defense, but investigations into several shootings remain under review. Lawmakers from the Democratic Party have withheld funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of ICE, citing the need for reforms to curb excessive force. The agency also warned that automatic recording could inadvertently capture sensitive interactions with informants or victims. Activists argue that improved recording protocols could increase transparency and accountability, but the administration has yet to adopt the watchdog’s recommendations.
Paris Saint-Germain secured a 4-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, marking the English side's first home match following an independent commission's ruling that found them guilty of over 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules. The European champions struck three times in the opening 35 minutes, with Desire Doue opening the scoring in the 11th minute after a swift counter-attack that exposed City's defense. Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha added goals within the next 12 minutes, putting PSG firmly in control. City responded after halftime through Erling Haaland, who scored twice either side of Maghnes Akliouche's strike, briefly restoring PSG's three-goal lead. Despite the comeback, PSG's early dominance proved decisive. The match unfolded amid heightened tension, as former manager Pep Guardiola attended the game from the stands, seated alongside club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano. A pre-match video tribute highlighted the club's history, including their transformation following the 2008 Abu Dhabi takeover, while supporters displayed a banner reading "I'm City till I die." However, the atmosphere turned subdued as PSG's fluid attacking play overwhelmed City's defense. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had recently left PSG's coaching staff, was caught out by Doue's long-range effort before halftime. City made tactical adjustments at the break, introducing three substitutes, but failed to regain control. Haaland's second goal came after a header from Iliman Ndiaye, though a potential equalizer was thwarted when Donnarumma saved a penalty from Ferran Torres late in the game. The result underscores PSG's current superiority in European competition, even as Manchester City faces potential sanctions that could affect their domestic and continental standing. The financial ruling, which remains under appeal, casts uncertainty over the club's future, contrasting with PSG's stable ownership structure backed by Qatar. This victory reinforces PSG's status as favorites to win the Champions League for a third consecutive season, highlighting the divergent trajectories of two clubs shaped by state-backed investment but currently operating under vastly different regulatory pressures.
Kenya confirmed a second Ebola case on 17 October, ten days after a Kenyan man died from the virus following travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new patient, a 39-year-old man, is a close relative of the deceased and had been in quarantine when he developed symptoms on Tuesday, according to the Kenyan health ministry. Both infections are linked, and no evidence of community transmission exists, the ministry said, urging the public to "stay calm but vigilant."
The incubation period for Ebola ranges from two to 21 days, meaning symptoms may appear weeks after exposure. Early detection in the new case improved recovery prospects and reduced transmission risk, officials noted. The deceased, a 40-year-old man, had traveled from DR Congo through Uganda to Kenya without being detected, arriving in Nairobi on 5 October. He was diagnosed shortly after hospital admission and had contact with 128 people; 113 have been identified, with 108 in quarantine and 15 still being traced.
The current outbreak in DR Congo, caused by the relatively rare Bundibugyo species, began in May and has resulted in over 4,000 deaths, marking the second-deadliest known Ebola outbreak. No vaccine or treatment exists for this strain, though clinical trials are underway. The virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or vomit. Kenya's health ministry advises anyone experiencing fever, severe fatigue, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding to seek immediate care.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reconstructed the patient's movements over six weeks prior to his death, revealing missed opportunities for detection during visits to Congolese health facilities and at airport screenings in Uganda and Kenya. Health experts note that reliance on temperature checks and self-declarations has limitations in preventing cross-border spread. Kenya maintains open borders with no travel, trade, or gathering restrictions in place.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against four people and 11 companies linked to Mexico’s Cartel del Noreste, a group that has long used horse racing to move illicit cash across the border. The State Department had labeled the Cartel del Noreste a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025, noting its role in drug trafficking, human smuggling, kidnapping and the racing industry. Investigators say the cartel laundered over $22 million in drug proceeds from 2008 to 2012 by buying and racing horses in the United States. The latest measures focus on Club La Molienda, a racetrack in Nuevo Laredo, and its alleged partnership with the border casino Casino Centenario, both of which were suspended in April. Mexican officials say the track was used to profit from horses purchased in the U.S., funneling the money back to the cartel. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the action reveals how criminal groups exploit the horse racing sector to clean money and fund further illegal activity. Neither Club La Molienda nor Casino Centenario responded to requests for comment.
Guinea-Bissau's health minister clarified that the government has not authorized a Danish-led hepatitis B study involving newborns, contradicting earlier reports. The proposed research, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and private partners, would not assess vaccine safety or efficacy but instead monitor broad health outcomes such as overall mortality and neurodevelopmental conditions. The initiative has drawn attention from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as HHS secretary and has long questioned vaccine practices. The minister emphasized that no formal approval has been granted, and the study remains under review. Local officials and international observers continue to examine the trial's design and ethical implications, particularly regarding consent and oversight in vulnerable populations.
Elon Musk indicated on Tuesday that the US government might be responsible for speed restrictions imposed on Starlink services used by Ukraine, potentially slowing the operation...
Elon Musk indicated on Tuesday that the US government might be responsible for speed restrictions imposed on Starlink services used by Ukraine, potentially slowing the operation of drones deployed against Russian targets. The remarks came after Ukrainian officials reported that, during a critical night of Russian attacks, Starlink connections were abruptly limited to 100mph (160km/h), causing weapons travelling faster than that speed to lose network connectivity.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, serves civilian and defensive purposes, while its military counterpart, Starshield, is controlled by the US government. Musk stated that any limits on speed or usage of Starshield are determined by the US military and ultimately by the US president. He added that Starlink cannot be employed for offensive military actions, as such use would be unsuitable for a commercial entity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s adviser, Serhiy Beskrestnov, suggested the timing of the restrictions was unlikely to be coincidental and linked to recent tensions between Kyiv and Washington. Zelensky himself expressed hope that the slowdown was merely a technical error, but emphasized the need to restore full connectivity for Ukraine’s defence efforts. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s former defence minister, called for the removal of Starshield’s speed limit, describing it as critical for the country’s military response.
The speed restrictions occurred amid a large-scale Russian assault that targeted Kyiv’s energy infrastructure and communications networks, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Ukrainian officials reported that while many drones were intercepted, several strikes succeeded in hitting their intended targets. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties and disrupted essential services across the country.
US President Donald Trump has recently voiced frustration with Ukraine’s continued strikes on Russian energy facilities, though he denied any threat to cut intelligence sharing. Earlier, Zelensky indicated that the US had pressured him regarding a proposed ceasefire with Russia, though the White House has not confirmed such a condition. During a visit to London, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, and discussed ongoing military support, including the accelerated delivery of multirole missiles to counter Russian drone threats.
The incident highlights the complex interplay between private technology infrastructure, national security, and international diplomacy in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
SpaceX's Starshield, a satellite communications system developed for U.S. military and intelligence agencies, has drawn renewed scrutiny following public statements by CEO Elon Musk. The distinction between Starshield and SpaceX's commercial Starlink service has become a focal point of discussion, as both systems share underlying satellite infrastructure but operate under separate ownership and usage frameworks.
Starshield functions as a dedicated network for government and military operations, with ownership and control resting with the U.S. Department of Defense or the President, according to Musk's recent post on X. In contrast, Starlink remains a commercial service operated solely by SpaceX, restricted to civilian and defensive applications without involvement in offensive military actions. This separation of governance was emphasized in Musk's statement, which clarified that Starlink's commercial model does not extend to offensive military use.
The technical relationship between the two systems, however, is more intertwined than their operational distinctions might suggest. Starshield leverages the same low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation as Starlink, which comprises over 11,000 satellites providing broadband coverage to approximately 13 million users globally. This shared infrastructure enables Starshield to offer secure communications, Earth observation capabilities, and integration of specialized sensors or payloads, as noted by SpaceX. The Pentagon has invested heavily in both services, purchasing dedicated Starshield satellites for missile-warning systems and intelligence-gathering constellations, while also relying on Starlink's commercial network for certain military drone operations.
The ambiguity surrounding the boundaries of these systems has led to operational and financial tensions. In early 2024, the Pentagon and SpaceX clashed over pricing for satellite services used by military drones during the Iran conflict, with SpaceX arguing that certain customers paying $5,000 per terminal should have utilized Starshield's $25,000-per-terminal service instead. Britain has also adopted Starshield, employing dedicated terminals and network gateways separate from Starlink's commercial infrastructure, as confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence. Meanwhile, New Zealand is conducting trials to assess Starshield's utility for military operations, reflecting broader international interest in the technology.
The development of Starshield emerged in response to geopolitical pressures, including Russia's 2022 threat to target Western satellites supporting Ukraine. SpaceX unveiled the initiative later that year, though the classified nature of national security space programs has left many technical and operational details undisclosed. This opacity has fueled ongoing debates about the relationship between Starlink and Starshield, particularly as military reliance on satellite communications continues to expand.
The distinction between the two systems ultimately hinges on governance and purpose: Starlink serves commercial and civilian needs, while Starshield caters to defense and intelligence operations under U.S. government oversight. As global conflicts and strategic competition intensify, the role of satellite networks like Starshield in shaping modern military capabilities remains a subject of significant strategic and technical interest.
Russian authorities have taken into custody Yuki Imai, a reporter for the Hokkaido Shimbun, on Sakhalin Island, accusing him of espionage. The arrest was confirmed by Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who said Imai was alleged to have gathered information on Russia’s defence capabilities for Japanese intelligence. According to the state news agency Tass, he was detained while preparing to leave the island and was later transferred to Moscow, where a court ordered pre‑trial detention. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years.
Japan’s foreign ministry summoned Russian ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev in Tokyo and requested that Moscow provide “fair and impartial treatment” for Imai, urging the swift exchange of information. The Hokkaido Shimbun issued a statement saying it was still confirming details and that ensuring the journalist’s safety remained its priority.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of strained bilateral relations. Tokyo has supported Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion, and a longstanding dispute over the Kuril Islands — claimed by Japan as the Northern Territories — has further heightened tensions. Russia has previously detained citizens of other “unfriendly” nations on similar espionage allegations, including American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was sentenced to 16 years before being released in a 2024 prisoner swap.
Zakharova warned that attempts by Tokyo to use its correspondents in Russia to undermine state security were “regrettable” and not isolated. The islands have been under Russian control since the end of World War II, when Soviet forces displaced about 17,000 Japanese residents and replaced them with Russians. In 2022, Moscow halted a program allowing former residents to visit the islands to see ancestral graves, citing Japan’s support for Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin’s August visit to one of the contested islands sparked additional diplomatic friction.
Japan has indicated it will continue imposing sanctions on Russia and maintaining support for Ukraine.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Bogota and other major cities on Wednesday, marking the first day of a nationwide campaign against economic and security policies pursued by President Abelardo de la Espriella. The march was led by former left‑wing President Gustavo Petro, who joined unions, indigenous groups and social movements in denouncing a series of austerity proposals that would cut government programmes. Petro’s administration had previously expanded university access, raised the minimum wage and strengthened labour protections; critics say those gains are now at risk. The government has presented a draft 2027 budget that includes spending reductions, and de la Espriella has pledged to shift Colombia toward free‑market policies aligned with United States President Donald Trump. Police were granted expanded powers to intervene quickly against vandalism or disruptions to essential services, a move the president defended by saying “the right to protest is respected, but there is no right to destroy, attack security forces, assault others or sow chaos.” Indigenous communities sometimes block roads for weeks as part of their protests, and several demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid concerns over Colombia’s recent decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. Critics argue the embassy opening mirrors Trump’s 2018 relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Protesters chanted “It will fall,” a slogan reflecting their belief that de la Espriella’s government will falter. The president, a former defence lawyer and businessman elected in a narrow June runoff on a far‑right platform, had campaigned on a hardline agenda targeting crime, immigration and the economy, including proposals to expel millions of migrants and shrink the state. He has moved to reverse several reforms enacted under Petro, Colombia’s first left‑wing president, who took office in August and is barred by law from seeking re‑election. Teacher Ester Guerra, 32, told the news outlet AFP that many feel guarantees for education and health are disappearing. The protests have remained largely peaceful, though authorities warned that any violence or blockades would not be tolerated.
Thousands of students gathered in Tirana on Wednesday, continuing demonstrations that began the previous day outside the ministry of education. Protesters targeted multiple government sites, including setting fire to part of the education ministry building and assaulting the prime minister's office, finance ministry, interior ministry and nearby businesses.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu urged "calmness, self-restraint and maturity," stating "Albania does not need to burn to change." Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons after demonstrators, many wearing gas masks and balaclavas, threw rocks and firecrackers through ministry gates. One protester, Enida Bimi, told Reuters the movement extends beyond students: "The people are very angry at the system. They need to change everything. With this corruption all around, the crime and everything else is happening. And the people now are angry. They need to change the system."
Arber Leshi, another participant, described the protests as a reaction to "the most corrupt government our country has ever seen." Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro acknowledged the right to protest but distinguished "civic student protest" from "violence against public buildings and property." Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj condemned the actions, saying "Setting fire to an institution is not a peaceful protest. It is an act that endangers people's lives," referencing video evidence of rock-throwing at the finance ministry.
Albanian authorities reported 16 arrests related to violent acts during Tuesday's demonstrations. Opposition leader Sali Berisha praised the protesters, calling them "lions" and stating "The streets and squares of Tirana have never seen lions like these students," according to state news agency Ata. Getty Images captured central Tirana's evening scene amid the unrest.
President Laura Fernandez announced the opening of a new mega-prison on Wednesday, calling it part of a tough-on-crime approach adopted by her administration. The facility, named the High-Containment Centre Against Organized Crime, will hold up to 5,100 inmates, roughly 20 percent of Costa Rica’s current prison population.
The announcement comes as the country records near-record levels of homicide and expanding organized crime networks. In 2023, Costa Rica logged 905 homicides, followed by 876 in 2024 and 873 in 2025, according to local reports. Analysts attribute the increase to intensified clashes between criminal groups over drug trafficking routes.
The first inmate transfers to the new prison are scheduled for late October. Justice Minister Gabriel Aguilar stated the center aims to restore control over the nation’s prison system and reduce infiltration by organized crime.
Political leaders across Latin America have voiced support for similar large-scale incarceration models. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s use of mass arrests and a prolonged state of emergency has drawn both domestic approval and international criticism. His approach has influenced policy proposals in neighboring countries.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori, who took office in July, plans to visit Bukele’s Terrorism Confinement Centre in El Salvador as part of preparations for a comparable facility in Peru. In Colombia, President Abelardo de la Espriella, inaugurated in August, campaigned on a pledge to construct 10 mega-prisons. Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro, a leading right-wing senator in the country’s upcoming presidential runoff, has also proposed building five mega-prisons modeled on the Salvadoran example.
El Salvador’s security policies, introduced in 2022, have led to a significant decline in homicide rates but have also resulted in extended states of emergency, mass arrests, and allegations of due process violations. Critics highlight overcrowding, poor conditions, and reports of torture within facilities such as CECOT. Costa Rica’s new prison is expected to operate under similar security protocols, though government officials have not detailed specific oversight mechanisms.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the expansion of carceral capacity without corresponding reforms to judicial oversight or rehabilitation programs. The long-term impact of such facilities on regional crime rates and civil liberties remains under study.
President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a presidential decree that obliges digital platforms — including TikTok, Meta and X — to implement design‑based safeguards that limit minors’ exposure to violent, sexual and other harmful material. The decree requires platforms to block content that depicts violence, harassment or sexual abuse and to remove any material flagged as risky from minor accounts within a set timeframe. Companies will have one month to align their systems with the new requirements, according to government adviser Luisa Maria Alcalde. Sheinbaum warned that if platforms do not make demonstrable progress, the decree could be converted into a binding law, with penalties for firms that fail to comply. The measure follows a violent incident in Coahuila in early October, when two 18‑year‑olds attacked a former high school, killing one student and wounding three others. Officials said they have already discussed the decree with representatives of major social‑media and streaming services such as Meta, Microsoft, Apple, TikTok, Google, X and Huawei. The policy aligns with a broader international trend: Europe and Australia have recently tightened oversight of online platforms, Brazil has introduced similar child‑protection rules, and U.S. states are advancing a range of child‑safety measures. In a related development, Meta previously settled a U.S. federal case for $18 billion after being accused of endangering children by collecting personal data from users under 13 without parental consent, prompting the company to add new safety features to Instagram and Facebook. Critics have raised concerns that stronger protections might clash with privacy rights and freedom of expression, prompting ongoing debate over the balance between safety and digital liberty.
Ronen Bar, who led Israel’s domestic security agency Shin Bet until June 2025, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning statements made about Bar’s role in the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. The filing, submitted on Wednesday, arrives just days before Israel’s October 27 election, a contest in which Netanyahu is seeking to retain power amid intense political scrutiny.
Bar’s 134-page court document alleges that Netanyahu knowingly made false accusations, describing them as an attempt to shift public focus away from the prime minister’s own responsibilities for the attack. The lawsuit contends that Netanyahu’s policies over years heightened security risks in Gaza and that Bar had informed senior officials of potential threats prior to the assault. Bar stated he contacted the prime minister’s military secretary as soon as warning signs emerged but did not possess Netanyahu’s direct telephone number.
Netanyahu has denied receiving any advance notice from Bar on the morning of the attack, asserting that had he been alerted, he could have prevented the breach. In response, his Likud party issued a statement questioning Bar’s account, asking, “Ronen, are you serious?” and noting that Bar held the prime minister’s number on a designated emergency line and could have reached out immediately. The statement further inquired about the potential lives that might have been saved had contact occurred.
The legal action seeks three million shekels (approximately $968,500) in damages. It also comes amid broader allegations of record manipulation within the prime minister’s office. Former military secretary Avi Gil disclosed to Channel 12 that a stenographer, acting under instructions from Netanyahu’s chief of staff, attempted to alter the timestamp of a four-minute phone call from 6:40am to 6:29am local time (03:40GMT to 03:29GMT). Gil stated he was instructed not to make the change, calling the incident a factual discrepancy with no dispute over the original recording.
Additional context emerged from reports by The Wall Street Journal indicating that Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel had warned Netanyahu of an imminent attack in September 2023, with Kamel reportedly traveling to Israel to convey the warning in person. Days before the October 7 assault, Kamel allegedly placed a call to the prime minister, underscoring prior intelligence assessments of potential threats.
The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of at least 1,221 Israelis, according to official figures, and led to the capture of 251 individuals, including 44 who were killed during the initial breach. In the three years since, Israeli military operations in Gaza have contributed to a death toll exceeding 74,300, as reported by the Health Ministry in the enclave. A tentative ceasefire, mediated with U.S. involvement, was established last year but has not halted ongoing hostilities, with more than 1,400 Palestinians reported killed in subsequent Israeli strikes.
The lawsuit and related revelations have intensified public and political debate over accountability for the attack and the handling of pre-attack intelligence, with polling suggesting a tightly contested election outcome.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's party announced Wednesday it would lodge a formal complaint with the Organisation of American States, accusing Meta of interfering in the country's upcoming presidential runoff. The move follows claims that Meta has restricted the online visibility of Lula's campaign content across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. According to party communications secretary Eden Valadares, Lula authorized the action to expose what he described as systematic obstacles to his message. The complaint comes as Lula prepares to face Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in the October 25 runoff, the second round of voting that will determine the next president.
Lula's campaign alleges that in the days leading up to the first round, which saw Flavio Bolsonaro finish first, his official Instagram profile vanished from search results and a scheduled post failed to register view counts. The campaign said the disruptions diminished the reach of content meant to connect with supporters. Meta's office in Brazil rejected the allegations, calling them "simply false" and unsupported by evidence. A company representative stated that technical systems function normally and that no intentional actions had been taken to suppress political accounts.
The campaign also referenced a post from Lula's verified account that experienced an unexplained pause in engagement metrics. While the campaign interpreted this as evidence of interference, Meta attributed such inconsistencies to platform-wide measurement adjustments. Lula, who does not own a mobile device, has increasingly turned to social media to address voters directly through video messages posted online.
In a separate development, Lula's team convened with international election observers to discuss concerns about digital platform behavior during the electoral period. The president-elect has previously accused the United States of attempting to influence the outcome in favor of Flavio Bolsonaro, citing close ties between the Bolsonaro family and former U.S. President Donald Trump. No official response from U.S. authorities has been recorded.
The situation underscores growing scrutiny of how major social media platforms manage political content in high-stakes elections. While no legal findings have been released, the complaint marks an escalation in the campaign's strategy to challenge perceived imbalances in digital access. Whether the OAS will take up the matter remains uncertain, but the filing reflects a broader effort to bring international attention to alleged electoral irregularities beyond traditional vote-counting disputes.
The Vatican reported that Pope Leo XIV is walking and resuming a normal diet after surgery to remove a lower lobe of his lung, with recovery described as progressing as expected.
Doctors at Rome's Gemelli Hospital confirmed the 71-year-old pontiff underwent a roughly 90-minute procedure on Tuesday afternoon to excise the affected lung tissue. Blood tests and an X-ray conducted early Wednesday indicated normal recovery, and the Pope has begun respiratory physiotherapy.
The Vatican stated the surgery was radical, involving removal of the entire lower lobe of the right lung to ensure complete excision of the cancerous tissue. Post-operative examinations confirmed the nodule was malignant adenocarcinoma, as anticipated by pre-surgical tests. A Vatican source indicated further analysis is underway to assess potential spread.
Pope Leo announced his hospitalization during a Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, explaining doctors had identified an early-stage nodule requiring removal. The Vatican emphasized he exhibited no infection symptoms prior to surgery and remains generally healthy.
Lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer originating in mucus-producing cells, often progresses without early symptoms. Prognosis varies based on cancer stage and patient health, though early detection significantly improves outcomes. Modern treatments have enhanced survival rates in recent decades.
The Pope's hospitalization has prompted global Catholic attention, particularly given his predecessor's history of lung surgery and subsequent respiratory complications. Medical experts note adenocarcinoma's prevalence in routine screenings, where early-stage cases are frequently identified before symptoms emerge.
Pope Leo is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week for continued recovery monitoring.
South Australia became the first Australian state to receive Michelin Guide recognition, with 11 establishments earning stars in the inaugural local edition. Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide was the sole venue awarded two stars, while ten others received one star each. The state government funded the assessment process through anonymous inspections, which explains the limited scope to this region. Chef Scott Huggins of Magill Estate described the achievement as the culmination of a lifelong aspiration, noting his experience working in starred kitchens across Europe and Japan. He remarked on the significance of earning two stars, a distinction rarely granted. The Michelin Guide's expansion into Oceania preceded this development, with New Zealand securing inclusion through a three-year investment of NZ$6.3 million. South Australia's approach followed similar negotiations that had previously failed to gain traction with the global guide. Tourism Minister Emily Bourke characterized the investment as strategic for positioning the state as an international culinary destination. The guide, established in 1900 by the Michelin brothers to promote automobile travel, introduced star ratings in 1926. One star signifies high-quality cooking, two stars denote excellence worth traveling for, and three stars represent exceptional cuisine requiring a dedicated journey. The South Australian list includes venues specializing in native ingredients and open-fire techniques, alongside establishments recognized through the Bib Gourmand category for value-focused dining. The broader guide encompasses over 70 additional South Australian restaurants.
North Korea launched two submarine-launched cruise missiles on Wednesday, state media reported, marking the latest escalation in a series of weapons demonstrations following a cross-border mine incident. The missiles traveled into the East Sea, also called the Sea of Japan, and landed without reported effects on regional security, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The launch occurred days after three South Korean soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion near the Demilitarised Zone, an event that prompted both sides to conduct missile drills. KCNA described the submarine firing as part of a Navy training exercise intended to assess the readiness of underwater combat systems. The agency emphasized that the tests demonstrated the reliability and deterrent value of North Korea's war capabilities. Photographs released by KCNA depicted one missile ascending vertically from the sea surface before disappearing into thick smoke, while another showed a projectile emerging at a 45-degree angle. Analysts noted that vertical launches can extend range through steep climbs, whereas angled trajectories enable low-altitude flight that complicates detection. Cruise missiles, unlike ballistic weapons, operate at lower altitudes and speeds, making them more difficult to intercept. Although North Korea has previously conducted submarine missile tests, the strategic implications of its sea-based launch capacity remain uncertain. The latest drills follow a month of reciprocal missile activities between the two Koreas, including the testing of hypersonic weapons by both sides. South Korea recently deployed its first domestically developed hypersonic missile, responding to Pyongyang's earlier claims of an AI-guided intermediate-range hypersonic launch. The two nations remain technically at war, as the 1953 conflict concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Military experts suggest that mastering submarine-launched missile deployment would significantly enhance North Korea's second-strike capability and extend the reach of its arsenal beyond the peninsula.
A wildfire on Sumatra island, intensified by El Niño conditions, has destroyed nearly 300 homes and displaced hundreds of residents in Bangka Belitung province, according to local disaster officials.
The fire was first spotted by villagers on Saturday as it approached their settlement. Initial attempts to extinguish it using portable water pumps were halted when residents believed the blaze was under control. However, the fire persisted underground in peatland and reignited as wind conditions shifted, rapidly advancing toward the community.
Riza Herdavid, head of South Bangka regency, explained that the village had been built on former peatland within a protected area that had been converted into a residential complex the previous year. "They thought it was taken care of," Herdavid said, "but the fire was still smoldering beneath the surface."
Nearly 1,000 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters, including Leni, a 55-year-old resident who described losing her home: "There’s nothing left. I could only save myself and take my kids with me… I panicked and didn’t have the time to grab anything."
The disaster agency reported that the fires have generated severe regional haze, contributing to tens of thousands of respiratory illness cases. Air quality has also deteriorated in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia. Satellite data indicates that emissions and burned area are on pace with the 2015 fire season, one of the most destructive on record, which scorched 2.6 million hectares and released 333 megatonnes of carbon.
Wildlife impacts are emerging as a growing concern. The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency has rescued at least 46 critically endangered orangutans since August, with eight relocated earlier this week via car and boat to a protected forest. Experts warn that fire damage and drought could threaten 52% of Borneo’s orangutan population, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Other species, including silvered langurs, long-tailed macaques, proboscis monkeys, elephants, gibbons, pangolins, and turtles, have also been affected, with reports of animals found dead in burned areas or near dried-up water sources.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a coordinated response to the ongoing fires, which have persisted for three months in some regions. Over 60,000 personnel have been deployed to containment efforts, though thick smoke has grounded aerial water-bombing operations in certain areas.
The disaster agency has indicated that fire risk may persist through November, when El Niño conditions are expected to peak.