Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov told the BBC that civilians have died because Kyiv did not receive timely warnings about incoming Russian missile strikes, a claim that surfaces amid ongoing disputes over US intelligence support. Beskrestnov said, “People have already died,” citing instances where alerts arrived only minutes before impact, leaving little time for shelter. He added that restrictions on the Starlink satellite network, particularly its military service Starshield, have hampered Ukraine’s ability to detect and respond to aerial threats, noting that mobile units now face speed limits of 100 mph (160 km/h) when using the system. Elon Musk previously indicated that the US government controls access to Starshield, which was designed for Pentagon use, suggesting possible government involvement in the limitations. The White House has denied any changes to intelligence sharing with Ukraine, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated he was unaware of any pause in such cooperation. Despite these denials, some Ukrainian officials suspect the timing of the intelligence and Starlink issues may reflect deliberate pressure from the United States to encourage negotiations with Russia. Zelensky recently acknowledged two ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, one of which occurred without warning, resulting in civilian casualties, including a toddler and an 11-year-old girl in Kharkiv. Ukrainian authorities continue to seek alternative communication systems to compensate for gaps in early warning capabilities.
Geopolitics, diplomacy, and the stories shaping nations.
Saudi Arabia has delayed its annual Future Investment Initiative conference until 2027, citing ongoing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. The statement released on Tuesday announced that the event, originally scheduled for October 26‑29, will be rescheduled for next year, with a new date to be announced soon. The conference, informally called “Davos in the Desert,” is organized by the Future Investment Initiative Institute and serves as a platform for the kingdom to showcase its economic diversification plans.
FII Institute chief executive officer Dr Maha Bint Mishari Al Saud said the postponement reflects a commitment to partners, members, speakers and delegates, noting that the 2026 edition would have marked the institute’s tenth anniversary. Expected participants had included Alphabet & Google president and chief information officer Ruth Porat, Goldman Sachs Group chairman and CEO David Solomon, and BlackRock chairman and CEO Laurence Fink, according to the institute’s website.
The decision follows a series of Houthi strikes on Saudi territory. On October 8, the group claimed responsibility for an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which resulted in smoke and flames visible in video footage. The Houthis, an Iran‑aligned movement, have targeted military, energy and civilian infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh’s international airport, killing at least 18 people and injuring hundreds. In response, Saudi government agencies in Riyadh have instructed staff to work remotely through at least Thursday, with some locations extending the directive until further notice. The Kingdom Centre, which houses the International Monetary Fund’s regional office, also asked employees to stay away.
The escalation of hostilities coincides with renewed fighting between the Saudi‑led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Houthi forces. The conflict has intensified across Yemen, deepening the humanitarian crisis. While the Saudi government has not disclosed the exact financial impact of the attacks, the postponement underscores concerns over security and the broader regional instability.
Mass demonstrations swept France on Saturday, drawing estimates of 550,000 participants from authorities and up to 800,000 according to organizers. The protests, initially sparked by student blockades over education funding and infrastructure deficits, expanded to include labor unions and activist groups seeking to revive the Yellow Vests movement. Clashes between demonstrators and police resulted in at least 2,400 arrests, severe injuries to multiple teenagers, and one fatality linked to a cardiac event during unrest.
Protesters reported being targeted with tear gas and grenades classified as A2 weapons under France’s internal security code, including stun devices, crowd dispersal grenades, and rubber bullet launchers. Legal representatives and human rights advocates described these tools as “less lethal” in official terminology but emphasized their potential for serious harm when deployed at close range. One attorney noted that police equipment stocks have risen significantly in recent years despite austerity measures in other sectors, reflecting a broader shift toward militarized crowd control.
The government’s response included deploying approximately 60,000 law enforcement officers nationwide, a number officials acknowledged was insufficient to manage the scale of the demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez admitted to a “lack of anticipation” in planning for the protests, while President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and announced measures to protect public infrastructure, including temporary curfews in select urban areas. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu directed local authorities to consider partial curfews where necessary, though no nationwide state of emergency has been declared.
Critics within the political sphere have questioned the proportionality of police tactics, particularly the use of high-intensity crowd control methods against largely peaceful student-led actions. Some officials have called for a reassessment of public order doctrine, citing concerns over civil liberties and escalating injuries. Meanwhile, intelligence estimates had projected around 200,000 demonstrators, a figure notably lower than the actual turnout, raising questions about preparedness.
The incidents have reignited debates over the role of non-lethal weapons in domestic policing, with experts noting that such tools, introduced in the 1990s, can cause catastrophic injuries when misused. While authorities maintain that force was applied within legal frameworks, the growing number of documented harm cases has intensified scrutiny of current protocols.
As France navigates the aftermath, the interplay between public safety measures, protester grievances, and institutional accountability remains unresolved. The situation underscores broader tensions around governance, youth disenfranchisement, and the evolving nature of civil dissent in contemporary European democracies.
French authorities announced overnight curfews in central Paris and several other cities following a weekend of widespread protests and looting. Police confirmed the curfew would run from 23:00 local time to 06:00 in Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district, areas where crowds had gathered. Similar restrictions were rolled out in Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, Lille and additional towns across the country.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that police had "lost control" in some locations, a remark that came after days of escalating demonstrations. The unrest initially stemmed from student demands for improved school conditions but broadened to include grievances over rising fuel prices, cost‑of‑living pressures and strained public services. Trade unions and various protest groups joined the demonstrations, swelling the number of participants.
Authorities reported more than 2,500 arrests and approximately 1,000 police officers injured, including an incident in which a protester’s hand was blown off by a police crowd‑control grenade, according to the AFP news agency. Over 2,000 shops and businesses reported damage, with estimates of repair costs reaching "hundreds of millions of euros," as stated by the head of France’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that local mayors would receive authority to enforce curfews "where they need," though specific cities were not named. He also indicated the government might consider a state of emergency and set aside funds to aid recovery, with plans to recover costs from those responsible for property damage. A partial unemployment benefit was introduced for individuals unable to work due to the riots.
Nuñez disclosed that 200 investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to identify potential ringleaders. He attempted to resign on Sunday, but President Emmanuel Macron declined the resignation, citing the necessity of stable law‑enforcement leadership. The president’s office called for transparency regarding "intelligence and foresight failings."
The French government has accused the left‑wing party La France Insoumise of contributing to the chaos ahead of upcoming elections, a claim the party’s leader, Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, has demanded be substantiated or withdrawn. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in France issued a travel alert urging its citizens to avoid affected demonstration zones and to exercise caution near large gatherings. Similar warnings were issued by Chinese and German diplomatic missions.
The riots have prompted a wave of online listings for stolen goods, prompting Vinted, a resale platform, to state that the sale or solicitation of such items is "strictly prohibited" and that it is actively removing related listings and increasing monitoring of suspicious activity.
A U.S. congresswoman has urged the U.S. government to arrest an Israeli military officer who is believed to have overseen an attack that killed a five‑year‑old Palestinian girl in Gaza. Representative Rashida Tlaib said on Monday that the United States has a legal duty to investigate and, if appropriate, detain the commander of an Israeli unit tied to the incident. The call came after reports indicated that the officer, identified as Sean Glass, was present in the United States.
Tlaib cited a filing by the Hind Rajab Foundation, which tracks Israeli soldiers suspected of war crimes. The foundation submitted an emergency request to the Department of Justice asking that Glass be taken into custody for his alleged role in the death of Hind Rajab and others who were with her. The foundation said Glass led a unit known as the “Vampire Empire” that was operating near the vehicle in which Rajab was traveling when it came under fire.
Rajab died on January 29, 2024, after her car was struck by Israeli fire while she and her family attempted to leave Gaza City. Her relatives reported that she called emergency services, pleading for help. Recordings of that call were widely circulated. Both Rajab and the medics who tried to reach her were later killed. Israeli authorities initially described the incident as a firefight with Palestinian militants, but an analysis by the group Forensic Architecture found no evidence of armed resistance and concluded that only Israeli forces were present.
The incident has drawn international attention and has been cited by human rights organizations as emblematic of broader concerns about civilian casualties in the conflict. The United Nations and several watchdog groups have described Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as a genocide, estimating that tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, including a significant number of children. The United States has continued to provide diplomatic, military and economic support to Israel despite documented instances of war‑related violations by Israeli forces.
Israel has opened an internal investigation into the episode, a move that Palestinian officials view as insufficient for achieving accountability. The U.S. Congresswoman’s request adds to a growing list of calls for legal scrutiny of individuals implicated in the conflict.
At least four people have died and several others remain missing after intense rainfall triggered flash floods across eastern Spain over the weekend. Emergency officials confirmed that three fatalities occurred in the Valencia region, with a fourth death reported in Catalonia. In Oliva, a 79-year-old woman was discovered inside her home, while a man suffered a fatal heart attack at a nearby campsite. Another victim drowned while swimming at a beach in Sagunto. Authorities in Catalonia also reported the death of a woman who was swept away by a swollen stream.
The storms dumped up to 700 litres of rain per square metre in parts of Valencia within a 24-hour period, overwhelming drainage systems and sweeping away vehicles. Floodwaters submerged roads and forced residents to remain indoors for several hours. Over 400 rescue operations were conducted across the Valencia region, involving both ground teams and aerial support. Military units assisted in evacuation efforts as conditions gradually improved.
The extreme weather prompted regional governments to order approximately 100 municipalities to stay indoors temporarily. Most restrictions were lifted by early afternoon as rainfall subsided and floodwaters receded. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on social media that the government would provide full support, including personnel and resources, to aid recovery efforts.
Meteorologists noted that the intensity of the storms aligns with broader trends of increasing Mediterranean rainfall linked to climate change. Sea surface temperatures have risen during summer months, leading to greater evaporation and heavier autumn precipitation. The national weather agency AEMET confirmed that last month was mainland Spain’s hottest September on record, following the country’s warmest summer since national records began.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has floated the idea of a meeting with President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperat...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has floated the idea of a meeting with President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Shenzhen, China, next month, according to individuals familiar with the Russian and Chinese discussions who spoke on condition of anonymity. The proposal was raised during a conversation in which Putin indicated interest in holding such a summit on the sidelines of the APEC gathering, the people said. Chinese officials have contacted U.S. counterparts to seek clarification about the interest in a three-way meeting, an Asian diplomat familiar with the Chinese side of the discussion said. Any dialogue among Washington, Moscow and Beijing could shift toward the ongoing war in Ukraine, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would not be included, the sources noted.
During a trip to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that a meeting had been discussed but not confirmed. "I think the president is open to anything that he can do to help bring the war to an end, if it’s possible," Rubio said. Trump, speaking to reporters on the same day, expressed willingness to meet with Putin and Xi in China without Zelensky present, though he did not confirm whether such a meeting would take place. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the proposal as "hypothetical," adding that no substantive proposals or agreements — regarding the meeting itself, its agenda or its content — had been formally put forward by any party. China’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the matter.
The timing of the proposal coincides with a sharp escalation in the conflict, as both Russian and Ukrainian forces target a broader range of infrastructure. On Sunday, Zelensky accused the White House of restricting Ukraine’s access to Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, without prior notice. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied the claim. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the notion of a trilateral meeting in China that excludes Kyiv, writing on X that such a forum would "encourage Putin to continue this war" rather than help end it. In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that Zelensky "doesn’t want to end this war, and probably never did," and accused Ukraine of harming U.S. businesses through attacks on Russian diesel refineries. Earlier, Trump had withheld a sweeping sanctions package aimed at further targeting the Russian economy, though the White House later indicated the measures might be revived.
Whether China or the United States would agree to the Russian request remains uncertain. China is set to host APEC for the first time in 12 years in Shenzhen on November 18 and 19, and a high-profile summit with Trump and Putin could draw attention away from the forum’s broader agenda. Beijing is also cautious about straining relations with the European Union, a major trading partner and supporter of Ukraine. Analysts noted that a trilateral meeting would likely serve Moscow’s interests more than those of Washington or Beijing, according to a person familiar with the Russian discussion. Michael Birnbaum, Lyric Li and Susannah George contributed to this report.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told U.S. senators on Monday that the Pentagon was holding up delivery of interceptor missiles that European partners had already paid for, saying the shipment was awaiting a signature from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. He added that several European nations had prepared Patriot missile batteries for transfer but were still waiting for Washington’s green light. “The missiles are ready, and they could already be in Ukraine,” Zelensky said, “but unfortunately, there is still no approval.”
The remarks came as Kyiv reported it had received no advance warning of recent Russian missile attacks that struck energy infrastructure across the country, leaving more than 500,000 people without power and killing six civilians, including three children, near Kharkiv. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to Uzbekistan, denied any change in intelligence‑sharing with Ukraine and echoed President Donald Trump’s call for a focus on ending the war.
Relations between the two capitals have grown tense since Trump partially lifted sanctions to secure a diesel‑supply arrangement with Russia and publicly criticized Zelensky as a warmonger. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Ukraine should seek a negotiated settlement and has hinted at a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in China next month, a prospect that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga warned would only embolden Putin.
In a separate development, the Vatican announced that Zelensky spoke with Pope Leo XIV on Monday, following a similar call between the pontiff and Putin earlier in the week. The Vatican said the Pope urged both sides to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Russian‑occupied town of Oleshky and to allow civilians to leave.
No official U.S. statement has confirmed a change in missile‑delivery policy, and the Pentagon has not publicly addressed the delay. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic and military channels continue to negotiate the flow of Western weapons to Ukraine.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Israel for an unannounced meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the trip. The encounter took place on Monday and was first disclosed by the news outlet. Reuters could not independently verify the visit, and neither the Pentagon nor Israel’s embassy in Washington responded to requests for comment.
The meeting occurred ahead of Israel’s parliamentary election, which has become one of the most tightly contested in recent years. Netanyahu, who has led the country since 2009, is seeking to retain power amid a fragmented coalition and shifting voter sentiment. Recent opinion polls suggest his religious-nationalist alliance may fall short of a governing majority, while the opposition bloc also faces difficulties in forming a stable government.
During his social media post on Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced support for Netanyahu, describing him as a steadfast ally of the United States in the region. Trump wrote, “BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” and framed the endorsement as a reflection of Netanyahu’s stance on Iran. The post marked the first public political intervention by Trump in the Israeli electoral contest.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance declined to weigh in on the Israeli election during an interview earlier that day. He stated that his role is limited to endorsing American candidates and that he is focused on domestic midterm contests. Vance, who had previously endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a visit to Budapest, emphasized that he was not taking a position on Netanyahu or any Israeli political figure.
The discussion between Hegseth and Netanyahu reportedly covered regional security concerns, including Iran’s influence and broader stability in the Middle East. No official readout of the meeting was released, and the specific agenda items were not disclosed publicly.
The visit underscores the continued coordination between the United States and Israel on defense and foreign policy matters, even as both nations navigate complex domestic political landscapes ahead of a pivotal election cycle.
A drone strike near a market in southern Sudan on Sunday evening killed 80 people, mostly commuters returning home after market day. Ahmed Wadi, a local witness, reported that the attack in al-Dibab, West Kordofan state, left “50 bodies who I helped bury, one of them my own brother Mohamed.” Using a satellite internet connection to bypass a communications blackout, Wadi said 47 others were taken to al-Mujlad, where a medical source, speaking anonymously for safety, confirmed 30 died from injuries. The medic stated, “A total of 80 people were killed in the drone strike on al-Dibab, and another drone strike on al-Mujlad injured four who are currently being treated.” Wadi described the drone striking twice, 10 minutes apart, “on a transport hub where people gather to travel back to their villages after the market day ends.” The incident ranks among the deadliest single strikes since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF), led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The RSF-administered region of Tasis accused the army of conducting Sunday’s strike, though all of West Kordofan remains under RSF control. Sudan has seen a sharp rise in drone usage, with strikes accounting for at least 880 civilian deaths between January and April, representing over 80% of conflict-related civilian fatalities. Earlier attacks, including one on a livestock market in Nyala, South Darfur, killed RSF fighters but also resulted in civilian casualties, with the RSF alleging 30 deaths. The broader conflict has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced many more, drawing involvement from foreign powers with strategic interests. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned last week that the crisis is worsening “with no breakthrough on the horizon,” noting that warring parties “are not moving closer to dialogue” and appear to rely on external support to gain battlefield advantages.
Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina announced the end of her marriage to French former player Gaël Monfils, attributing the decision to the emotional strain of the war in Ukraine.
Svitolina, currently ranked world number six, shared the news on Instagram, describing it as the most difficult disclosure she has ever made. She wrote that the conflict had altered her inner self, stating she could not return to her former identity within the marriage. "Some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you," she wrote.
The couple, who married in 2021 and share a four-year-old daughter named Skai, will continue co-parenting. Svitolina emphasized that her daughter will always come first, adding that while their marriage is ending, their family remains intact. Monfils, 40, had recently been listed as retired by the International Tennis Integrity Authority, effectively ending his professional career. He is now pursuing work in Swiss wealth management.
Svitolina, who grew up in Odesa, noted that Ukraine's significance to her has been widely recognized. The war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has deeply affected her personal life. She described sleepless nights and a gradual sense of self-loss that she could not reconcile within the relationship.
Monfils, a former world number six with 13 ATP Tour titles, had been expected to compete at the upcoming Paris Masters before confirming his retirement. His departure from anti-doping protocols rendered him ineligible for professional tournaments.
The separation was finalized after the pair reached the semi-finals in mixed doubles at this year's US Open. Svitolina's post concluded with gratitude for Monfils' support, acknowledging his strength and grace during a challenging period.
A Kenyan court on Monday found Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, and approximately 30 associates guilty of murder in connection with the deaths of 190 children and one adult linked to the Shakahola forest starvation crisis. The verdict, delivered after an eight‑hour hearing at the Mombasa high court, marks one of the most severe cult‑related fatalities in recent history. Prosecutors presented evidence that Mackenzie and his followers deliberately deprived children and adults of food to accelerate a self‑declared path to heaven, a plan that resulted in the recovery of over 400 bodies from shallow graves in the coastal forest. Only 26 of the remains have been positively identified, while investigations into additional deaths continue. Relatives of victims, including Francis Wanje, who lost eight family members, attended the proceedings, expressing both relief and lingering psychological trauma. The case has reignited debate over religious oversight in Kenya, where faith institutions wield considerable influence. President William Ruto previously acknowledged governmental responsibility for preventing the tragedy. Mackenzie, a former taxi driver, had previously been placed under surveillance after police searches of his premises in 2017 and a 2019 shutdown of his church, after which he relocated to the Shakahola forest. He now faces additional terrorism‑related charges stemming from alleged killings in a nearby village, which he denies. The court rejected Mackenzie’s claim that he did not coerce victims, concluding that the systematic deprivation of sustenance constituted murder.
An eighth individual in Kenya has tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, marking the nation’s first confirmed cluster of the virus as the ongoing outbreak — the second-largest in recorded history — has resulted in more than 4,300 deaths and over 9,000 infections across the region.
The development underscores a shift in U.S. involvement in the crisis, characterized by reduced financial and operational support following policy decisions made during the Trump administration. These include the closure of USAID missions in several African nations, cuts to CDC personnel abroad, and the establishment of a quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Kenya, which has been met with local opposition and legal challenges.
The quarantine center was initially intended to house American citizens returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who might have been exposed to Ebola. However, its operation has been criticized for lacking transparency and community consultation. Allan Maleche, executive director of the Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV and Aids (Kelin), noted that public concern stemmed from the absence of clear communication about the facility’s purpose, users, and oversight.
Legal proceedings regarding the future of the quarantine site are scheduled for November. In the interim, Maleche observed that Kenyan authorities have faced difficulties in communicating accurate public health guidance, contributing to heightened public anxiety.
Public health experts have questioned the strategic rationale behind relocating potentially exposed individuals to Kenya for monitoring, particularly when dedicated Ebola treatment infrastructure exists in the United States. Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health, raised concerns about both the burden placed on Kenyan institutions and the safety implications of concentrating monitoring efforts in a single location.
The U.S. has maintained that its global health investments — including the construction of Ebola treatment units in West Africa during previous outbreaks — were designed to support international response capacity. Some of these facilities remain operational, though their current status and utilization in the context of the current outbreak have not been publicly detailed.
These developments occur against a broader backdrop of reduced U.S. engagement in global disease surveillance and prevention. In early October, the CDC discontinued HIV prevention programs in Angola, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe, reflecting a wider trend of funding reductions and staff withdrawals from international health initiatives. Similar cuts have affected programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a region central to the current Ebola transmission chain.
Maleche highlighted that the abrupt termination of long-standing health programs has eroded local capacity to detect and respond to emerging threats. “When funding is withdrawn without transition plans, clinics close, staff depart, and surveillance systems weaken,” he said. “This makes it harder for countries to respond when outbreaks occur.”
The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization in early 2023 has further complicated collaborative efforts. The exit included the suspension of a significant portion of American funding, which Maleche noted has diminished the WHO’s ability to coordinate multinational responses to health emergencies.
The current Kenyan outbreak originated when a 46-year-old man fell ill in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in early October. He traveled by road to Uganda before flying to Nairobi on October 3, where he was hospitalized and died two days later. Since then, seven close contacts have tested positive for Ebola, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Kenya to eight, according to Patrick Amoth, director-general for health in Kenya.
Health officials have credited contact tracing and isolation measures with limiting further spread. Approximately 108 individuals have been placed under quarantine in Nairobi, and no secondary transmissions beyond the initial cluster have been reported. Nevertheless, questions have arisen about how the infected individual was able to cross international borders despite heightened awareness of the outbreak in the region.
Uganda had previously reported Ebola cases in May and was declared free of transmission in August after a brief outbreak involving 20 suspected cases and two deaths. A French medical worker who had been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo tested positive for Ebola in June, and several U.S. personnel have been evacuated to Europe for monitoring or treatment.
There is growing concern in Kenya about how other nations might respond to the detection of local transmission, particularly regarding travel restrictions. The United States had previously imposed entry bans on individuals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, a move that some observers have described as ironic given the establishment of a quarantine facility in Kenya.
In June, U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana co-signed a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to reject proposed cuts to global HIV prevention and monitoring programs. They argued that dismantling USAID, withdrawing from the WHO, and reducing foreign health funding has degraded the United States’ ability to detect and contain infectious disease threats before they reach domestic shores.
Nuzzo emphasized that early detection relies on sustained investment in international public health infrastructure. “Strengthening surveillance abroad isn’t just about helping other countries — it’s about creating early warning systems that protect everyone,” she said. “The same networks used for HIV testing, laboratory diagnostics, and specimen transport can be mobilized during Ebola or other outbreaks.”
While some U.S.-funded programs have been repurposed or scaled back, experts stress that maintaining global health capacity is critical to preventing future pandemics. The current situation in Kenya illustrates both the risks of fragmented support and the potential of existing systems to respond effectively when properly sustained.
A Japanese spacecraft departed for Mars on Tuesday, beginning a five-year mission to study the planet’s moons Phobos and Deimos and return samples to Earth. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency led the effort, launching the spacecraft from Tanegashima Island before dawn. Five space agencies are participating in the project, which aims to land a robotic prospector and a rover on Phobos, the larger of Mars’ two moons. No previous mission has landed on either moon, and no samples have ever been retrieved from Mars or its satellites. The spacecraft will reach Mars by late next summer and deploy a rover named Idefix, developed by the French-German space agencies, to operate on Phobos for up to 100 days. The rover, weighing less than a microwave oven, will move at a speed of one millimetre per second and is designed to self-right if it lands upside down. A stationary lander will descend to Phobos in 2028 or 2029 to collect at least 10 grams of material using drilling and vacuuming tools, then launch back toward Earth. Samples are expected to arrive in 2031. The mission also includes flybys of Deimos and collaboration with NASA, the French Space Agency, the German Space Agency, and the European Space Agency, which are contributing funding and technical support. Scientists hope the returned material will reveal how Mars’ moons formed and provide insights into planetary development and the potential for life beyond Earth.
A series of drone attacks across Sudan has resulted in more than 160 civilian deaths in the past week, according to medics and rights organizations.
Emergency Lawyers, a monitoring group, reported that a strike on Monday hit a transport hub in Al-Dibab, a town in West Kordofan under Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control, killing 80 people. Medical sources said 47 others were wounded and later died from their injuries in Al-Mujlad, a nearby town. Residents and health workers said the attack targeted a gathering point where villagers had congregated after market day to secure rides home.
The RSF’s self-declared administration, known as Tasis, and Emergency Lawyers attributed the strike to the Sudanese army. No immediate comment was received from the army or the RSF.
In eastern Sudan, military sources said air defenses intercepted several RSF drones targeting the Atbara and Setit dams in Gadaref state, about 420 km east of Khartoum. The RSF did not comment on the incident.
Another drone strike on Monday hit the RSF stronghold of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. Medical and RSF sources reported 17 fatalities, including seven RSF officers, and 23 injuries.
A separate attack on Friday struck a gathering of displaced people in Blue Nile province, near the Ethiopian border. Emergency Lawyers said 41 people were killed in that strike. The United Nations condemned the series of attacks, stating that civilian casualties, including children, and the disruption of essential services are deeply concerning.
The current conflict began in April 2023 when tensions between the regular army, led by General Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), escalated into open fighting. The RSF leader was sentenced to death in absentia in June for war crimes, but hostilities have continued, resulting in at least 59,000 deaths according to the conflict monitor ACLED. Aid agencies estimate the true toll may be higher.
The United Nations reports that about 13 million people have been displaced, creating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Approximately 33.7 million people across Sudan require urgent food assistance, with 17.3 million children among them. An estimated 825,000 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition.
The United States recently called on the UN Security Council to impose a humanitarian truce and expand an arms embargo on Sudan. China and Russia have opposed broadening the embargo.
French leaders faced mounting scrutiny on Monday over their handling of a weekend of riots that shocked the country. The government ordered curfews in parts of Paris and several other cities as it sought to restore order after what officials described as the worst unrest in years. Nearly 2,500 people were detained after rioters set fire to public buildings and damaged storefronts in urban centers across France. Officials acknowledged shortcomings in containing the violence and looting that left streets littered with debris.
The disturbances followed weeks of demonstrations that began with student protests over school funding but expanded with the support of labor unions. The protests evolved into a broader expression of anger over public spending cuts and other grievances tied to President Emmanuel Macron’s administration, occurring amid a politically charged environment as far-left and far-right factions gained ground ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted that police had “lost control” during the weekend. He cited a “lack of anticipation” and said law enforcement had not been adequately prepared for the nighttime rioting that erupted after planned demonstrations on Saturday. Nuñez offered his resignation to Macron, who declined it in order to preserve “continued leadership of law enforcement.” Instead, the president ordered a security review to “ensure transparency over the failures in planning and intelligence that led to the violence.”
After a cabinet meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu pledged an “absolute” commitment to reassert order and deploy “all the tools at the government’s disposal.” He announced that curfews would take effect on Monday night in specific areas for “the protection of people, but also shops,” though exact locations were not immediately disclosed. Two districts in Paris were placed under curfew from 11 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to police. Authorities also prohibited gatherings beginning Monday evening in several parts of the capital, including near train stations and government sites such as the Élysée presidential palace and the National Assembly.
As ministers acknowledged responsibility for the government’s response, Lecornu placed blame on what he described as a shadowy network of “ultraleft” agitators responsible for “profound disorder in the country” ahead of the April election. “While we witnessed very difficult scenes involving violence against property, no one was killed, and that is a miracle,” Lecornu said. He announced a large-scale law enforcement operation to apprehend those involved, with approximately 200 investigators active in Paris.
More than half a million people had participated in marches on Saturday over rising living costs and energy prices before the protests turned violent. Officials reported that fringe groups clashed with police while looters exploited the chaos to ransack shops and restaurants. Masked individuals broke into city halls and defaced businesses in cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, Limoges, Lyon, and Lille. The government has attributed the unrest in part to Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the hard-left party, whom officials accuse of inciting violence. Melenchon responded by demanding evidence of his involvement or urging the prime minister to remain silent and stop exacerbating the disorder.
Some analysts suggested the dramatic scenes could benefit far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who was already leading in opinion polls and had used the unrest to promote her presidential campaign. In a video addressing the “extreme left” and Macron’s leadership, Le Pen framed herself as the candidate capable of restoring stability. She claimed popular sentiment had been hijacked “by thugs sowing chaos” in French cities and stated that, within six months, French voters would be able to choose “a different path: That of restored authority and security.”
The street-level tensions emerged as the government worked to pass budget cuts and reassure financial markets, which had grown anxious about the country’s economic stability. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin told French television on Monday that authorities had “undeniably failed” during the weekend’s riots and were working to “understand what went wrong.” He pointed to “a failure in intelligence” as a contributing factor.
In Marseille, local officials had announced a ban on demonstrations on Monday. Overnight curfews for minors were also imposed in parts of four northern cities, including Lille, as well as in central Nice on Monday night. The mayor of Nice, Eric Ciotti, said the restrictions would remain in place nightly until the following Sunday.
Some municipal leaders called for the government to declare a national state of emergency, while others issued sharp criticism. Marseille’s mayor, Benoît Payan, described the situation as “a near-total loss of control,” and Lyon’s mayor, Grégory Doucet, demanded a “complete diagnosis of what happened.”
The interior minister confirmed that additional police officers would be deployed nationwide ahead of the upcoming weekend. Meanwhile, certain protest groups have announced plans for another demonstration on Saturday, and French trade unions have called for a new round of strikes on November 5. Reporting was contributed from London by an external journalist.
Curfews took effect in several French cities, including Paris, Bordeaux, Nice and Lyon, as authorities responded to widespread looting and civil unrest linked to demonstrations over rising living costs and education funding. The restrictions, enforced by police, barred residents from public spaces between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu indicated that a nationwide state of emergency remained a possible escalation if violence persisted. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez acknowledged that law enforcement had struggled to contain the disturbances, which included clashes between protesters and officers, arson attacks on public buildings and theft from commercial establishments. The unrest originated from nationwide protests that began the previous day, initially centered on economic grievances and student advocacy for increased education funding. In Paris, authorities specifically restricted access to Place de la Republique and surrounding areas near Les Halles during the curfew window. The Yellow Vest movement announced plans for additional demonstrations, signaling continued tension. No official declaration of emergency measures had been issued at the time of reporting, though officials left the option open pending further developments.
Four people died after heavy rain swept eastern Spain, authorities confirmed on Monday. The storm, named Adam, dropped up to 700 litres of rain per square metre in 24 hours across parts of the Valencia region, triggering flash floods, road closures and the evacuation of tens of thousands.
The downpour began on Saturday and intensified over the weekend, overwhelming drainage systems and turning streets into rushing waterways. Floodwaters isolated several coastal towns along the Mediterranean, submerged vehicles and forced residents onto rooftops. Emergency crews performed more than 400 rescues in the Valencia region, according to regional government spokesperson Pilar Bernabé.
Two victims were found in Oliva, a coastal resort town. A third died after being swept into the sea at a beach in Sagunto. A fourth person fell into a swollen stream in Catalonia. In Els Poblets, near Alicante, residents described scenes of devastation as cars and vans were piled atop one another by the force of the water. "The village, well, it’s a disaster. Some people have lost everything all over again, just like in 2007, when exactly the same thing happened," said local resident Javier Fornez.
Over 2,000 people were evacuated, primarily from Oliva, with nearly 100 additional rescues reported in Valencia and Alicante by the Civil Guard. In Pego, Mayor Enrique Moll noted that several individuals remained stranded on rooftops awaiting helicopter evacuation, with all access routes blocked. Deputy Mayor Salvador Llopis of Oliva confirmed that emergency teams were extracting elderly residents trapped inside homes with water reaching waist height.
Shelter-in-place orders initially affected 800,000 people across eight municipalities but were lifted for most by early afternoon as conditions stabilized. The regional government reported that restrictions were gradually reduced as floodwaters receded.
The storm also impacted the Balearic Islands and Catalonia, compounding challenges for emergency services already responding to widespread infrastructure damage. AEMET, Spain’s national meteorological agency, had previously warned that September 2026 marked the warmest September on record for mainland Spain, following an unusually hot summer.
Authorities continue to assess damage and coordinate recovery efforts across the affected regions.
Albertans will vote on Monday to determine whether the province should remain part of Canada or pursue a second, binding independence referendum. The vote follows years of debate over perceived financial inequities between Alberta and the federal government, with some separatists arguing that Ottawa has limited the province’s ability to develop its fossil fuel resources. A deadly fire at CFB Wainwright on Saturday, which killed multiple people and injured others, cast a somber tone over the campaign. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who had previously opposed a referendum, called the vote after pressure from within her United Conservative Party. Smith has not endorsed independence, estimating transition costs at C$400bn and ongoing annual expenses of $25bn-$50bn, statements that drew criticism from some party supporters.
Opposition to separation has centered on economic concerns. The University of Calgary’s school of public policy projected potential costs of up to $170bn over five years, with long-term outcomes described as highly uncertain. The issue has not followed partisan lines; former premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley appeared together to advocate for national unity. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who grew up in Alberta, campaigned in Calgary and Edmonton for a united Canada, warning that a vote for independence would represent a “dangerous bluff” with “years of deep uncertainty and lost opportunities.” Carney referenced the economic turbulence following Brexit as a cautionary example.
Carney highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including a pipeline to expand crude oil exports to Asia, as evidence of progress within the current constitutional framework. He stated that frustrations over federal energy policies are real but emphasized the risks of separation. The movement for independence has been complicated by internal disputes and allegations involving key figures. Lawyer Jeff Rath, linked to the Alberta Prosperity Project, faces accusations of mismanaging First Nations trust funds, while political organizer David Parker is under investigation for a data breach affecting nearly 3 million Albertans. Keith Wilson, a prominent separatist strategist, released a 214-page transition plan asserting that independence would be “super easy” to implement and dismissing concerns about trade retaliation as economic suicide for Canada.
Despite these arguments, some separatists question the feasibility of rapid independence. Bill Jones of the Wildrose Independence Party noted the lack of essential institutions, such as a police force or pension system, and warned that immediate separation could leave future generations in hardship. The referendum also includes nine unrelated proposals on social programs, judicial appointments, and Senate reform. A “no to the nine” campaign has gained traction, even among some separatists critical of Smith’s stance. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas warned of “catastrophic impacts” from separation and criticized rhetoric that questions the legitimacy of certain residents.
In October, reports emerged about meetings between Alberta separatists and U.S. Republican operatives, including discussions about redirecting oil royalties to the U.S. in exchange for support in establishing a new country, as well as proposals to export Alberta’s water resources. First Nations groups played a pivotal role in shaping the referendum’s wording. The Blackfoot Confederacy successfully challenged the government’s original question, arguing that treaty rights and constitutional principles require any separation to account for Indigenous agreements. Chief Troy “Bossman” Knowlton of the Blackfoot Confederacy stated that treaties are “living documents” with legal authority, and criticized separatists for treating them as “symbolic” or disregarding their power. He noted that the legal victory was followed by a suspension of land claims discussions, which the province attributed to unrelated reasons. Knowlton emphasized that Alberta’s future should be one of shared prosperity, echoing historical promises of resource-sharing between Indigenous peoples and newcomers.