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The United Nations reported that 42 migrants are presumed dead after their rubber boat capsized off the Libyan coast, with only 7 survivors rescued after 6 days adrift. The incident highlights the ongoing migrant crisis in the region, with Libya being a major departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. The U.N.'s International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated that the missing individuals included 29 from Sudan, 8 from Somalia, 3 from Cameroon, and 2 from Nigeria. The survivors, who were rescued after drifting for 6 days, consisted of 4 people from Sudan, 2 Nigerians, and 1 person from Cameroon. This incident is part of a larger trend, with at least 527 people having died off the coast of Libya since the beginning of 2025, according to the IOM. The situation is exacerbated by the lawlessness in Libya, which has been plagued by civil war since 2011.

Australian windsurfer Andy McDonald had a close encounter with a shark off the west coast of Australia, but despite being knocked off his board and bitten, he is eager to get back in the water. A camera captured the moment the shark attacked, and McDonald described the experience as being hit 'like a freight train.' He managed to escape with his life and has already ordered a new board to replace the one damaged by the shark.

A diamond brooch once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte and lost during his flight from the Battle of Waterloo sold for $4.4 million at a Sotheby's auction in Geneva. The brooch, featuring an oval diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, was part of Napoleon's personal belongings abandoned during his hasty retreat. The sale price far exceeded the pre-sale estimate, sparking interest due in part to the recent theft of Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre museum. The brooch had been part of the Prussian Royal House of Hohenzollern's heirlooms before being sold privately.

A widespread power outage hit the Dominican Republic, affecting nearly 11 million people and causing disruptions to transportation, businesses, and daily life. The outage was caused by a failure in the grid's transmission system, with generation units in San Pedro de Macorís and the Quisqueya Power Plant shutting down. The situation is made worse by the timing of the outage during the afternoon rush hour. Officials have not announced when power is expected to be restored. The country's energy supply is primarily fueled by oil and its products, with recent weeks seeing outages lasting up to 10 hours due to lack of maintenance and illegal connections.

Google has filed a federal lawsuit against a network of China-based cybercriminals accused of launching massive text-message phishing attacks. The scammers, known as 'Lighthouse,' sent legitimate-looking texts warning of 'stuck packages' or 'unpaid tolls' to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information. Google estimates that 15-100 million credit cards were compromised, and over 1 million victims were impacted. The lawsuit, filed under the RICO Act, targets unknown operators and aims to disrupt the scammers' operations and serve as a deterrent. Cybersecurity experts believe the lawsuit could have an impact on the ecosystem, making scammers second-guess their activities.

A TikTok influencer, Mariame Cissé, was publicly executed by armed men in Mali after posting videos supporting the country's military. Cissé, who had over 150,000 followers, received death threats before being abducted and killed. The killing is believed to be linked to her online activities, and no group has taken responsibility. Mali has been battling armed groups since 2012, and the situation has worsened since the military seized power in 2020. The incident highlights the growing violence against social media influencers worldwide.

A report by human rights groups Human Rights Watch and Cristosal found that the treatment of over 200 Venezuelan migrants imprisoned in El Salvador's CECOT maximum security prison at the U.S. government's request amounted to 'arbitrary detention' and 'torture' under international law. The detainees faced 'constant beatings,' sexual abuse, inhumane conditions, and inadequate access to food, medical care, and hygiene. The U.S. government is accused of being 'complicit' in the mistreatment, having given El Salvador $4.7 million to imprison deportees accused of gang ties. The Venezuelan men were eventually released and returned to Venezuela as part of a U.S.-brokered prisoner swap.

A Turkish military cargo plane, a C-130 Hercules, crashed in Georgia on its way back from Azerbaijan, killing 20 soldiers on board. The plane lost communication 27 minutes into its flight, and video footage showed the tail breaking off before it plunged to the ground. The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed the deaths and stated that a detailed examination of the wreckage would determine the cause of the crash. Various countries and organizations, including NATO, offered condolences to Turkey. The plane that crashed was 57 years old and had been purchased from Saudi Arabia in 2010.

The Indian government plans to conduct a caste census in 2027, which will count every caste for the first time in nearly a century. The move has sparked debate among scholars and activists, with some arguing that it will help target welfare spending and recalibrate quotas, while others warn that it may harden the caste system and legitimize inequality. Critics argue that counting castes will bureaucratize inequality and distract from deeper issues, while proponents see it as a necessary tool for achieving social justice. The census may also reveal new information about the complex and nuanced nature of caste in India, including the relationships between different castes and the impact of affirmative action policies.

French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was pardoned by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and allowed to leave the country after being arrested and sentenced to five years in jail for undermining national unity. The decision came after a direct approach from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who intervened due to Sansal's advanced age and fragile health. Sansal was taken to hospital upon arrival in Germany. The diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria, which had been escalating over several months, was eased by Sansal's release. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Tebboune for the act of humanity, and French officials praised the role of German diplomacy in securing Sansal's freedom.

Israeli settlers launched arson attacks on a Palestinian warehouse, a Bedouin village, and farmland in the occupied West Bank, injuring several Palestinians. The incidents coincide with the olive harvest season and follow a recent surge in settler violence. The UN's humanitarian office reported that October saw the highest number of violent attacks by settlers since it began collecting figures nearly 20 years ago. Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, condemned the attacks, and four suspects were arrested. The violence has been ongoing, with over 1,500 settler attacks recorded since the start of the year.

The Italian public prosecutor's office in Milan has launched an investigation into allegations that Italian citizens participated in 'sniper safaris' in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 1990s war, paying to shoot at civilians in the besieged city of Sarajevo. Journalist Ezio Gavazzeni filed a complaint based on his research, which includes testimony from a Bosnian military intelligence officer. The allegations claim that wealthy individuals paid large sums to kill defenceless civilians from Serb positions around Sarajevo, with different rates for men, women, and children. Over 11,000 people died during the four-year siege of Sarajevo. While similar allegations have been made before, Gavazzeni's evidence is being examined by Italian counter-terrorism prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis. The investigation is ongoing, with Italian prosecutors and police identifying witnesses and trying to establish who might have been involved.

A major corruption scandal has engulfed top allies of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, leading to the resignation of Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko. An investigation by anti-corruption bodies uncovered a $100m embezzlement scheme in the energy sector, involving several government officials and associates of Zelensky. The scandal highlights ongoing corruption issues in Ukraine despite efforts to combat it, and raises questions about Zelensky's commitment to anti-corruption reforms.

The Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City, Nigeria, has been embroiled in controversy just before its planned opening. The museum, which cost $25m to build, has been the subject of local power politics, with the Edo state government revoking the land use permit due to a name change from 'Edo Museum of West African Art' to 'Museum of West African Art'. Protesters demanded that the museum be placed under the control of the Oba of Benin, a traditional ruler, and be renamed the Benin Royal Museum. The museum's executive director, Phillip Ihenacho, aims to create a hub for contemporary African creativity, but the controversy has overshadowed its opening. The museum's collection is expected to include the Benin Bronzes, looted by British soldiers in 1897, but their return and custodianship remain a contentious issue.

The United States is ending its production of pennies after more than 230 years. The Philadelphia Mint will produce its last batch of one-cent coins on Wednesday. The decision is expected to save the government around $56 million annually. Pennies cost nearly four cents to make, more than twice the cost of a decade ago. The rise of electronic transactions has made the penny increasingly unnecessary, with many coins ending up in piggy banks and not being used. Businesses are already adjusting prices as pennies become harder to find, which may raise costs for shoppers. Other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have also phased out their lowest-value coins. The US is now considering the fate of the nickel, which costs nearly 14 cents to produce.

The article discusses the rising health-care costs in the United States, with medical costs for those on group insurance set to increase by 8.5% according to a consultancy firm, PWC. The annual open enrollment period for health insurance plans is approaching, and employees can expect to see higher premiums. The article highlights that one reason for the increase is that people are seeking more medical treatment.

The article discusses how the Democratic Party's momentum after the off-cycle elections in November 2025 was short-lived due to the party's collapse in the shutdown fight. Seven Democratic senators and an independent who caucuses with them broke party ranks to side with Republicans on a short-term funding bill, ending the longest government shutdown on record. This move was seen as a significant blow to the party's unity and momentum heading into the next year's midterms.

The article discusses the rapid growth and increasing influence of the Human Resources (HR) profession in corporate life, particularly in the rich world. As HR professionals' roles expand, they are taking over various aspects of corporate life. The article questions whether the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) might shrink the HR profession. It touches upon various related topics, such as unconscious-bias training and the use of facial analysis in hiring processes.

A new working paper by Emily Nix, an economist at the University of Southern California, examines the dynamics of workplace romances, particularly those between employees and their bosses. The research suggests that breakups in such relationships can result in significant wage penalties. The article references a Netflix reality show, 'Selling Sunset', where office envy erupts due to alleged favoritism shown to an agent romantically linked to their boss, mirroring the dynamics the researchers studied.

The article discusses the rise and fall of CAHOOTS, a mobile crisis service in Eugene, Oregon, that was praised by New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as a model for handling mental health crises without police. CAHOOTS, which operated for 36 years, ended its services in Eugene on April 7th. The article explores the reasons behind its demise, citing a mix of factors including hippie origins, policing, mental illness, and mismanagement.

The city of Tianmen in China's Hubei province is being used as a test site for policies aimed at boosting birth rates. The city is offering incentives such as over $40,000 for families having a second child. The article describes a visit to a maternity hospital in Tianmen, where the changing ideals around family size are evident in the hospital's decorations and slogans. The hospital's atmosphere has shifted from focusing on a single child to promoting families with multiple children.

The article discusses China's involvement in Myanmar's civil war, which began four years ago after a military coup. China has significant investments in Myanmar, including rare earth mines and a pipeline that brings oil and gas from the Bay of Bengal. The leaked transcript reveals China's muscular statecraft in protecting its interests in Myanmar, as it seeks to secure its investments and maintain its influence in the region. China's actions are driven by its economic interests and its desire to maintain its regional power.

China's solar industry has vowed to 'fight to the end' against cutthroat competition driven by oversupply, with the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) pledging to restore fair market order through industry self-discipline. The CPIA's executive secretary general, Liu Yiyang, warned that companies seeking to profit from vicious and unfair competition would 'fail sooner or later.' The pledge is aimed at addressing recent rumors and speculation about the industry's efforts to consolidate production capacity.

The article highlights seven Lifestyle stories from the South China Morning Post's recent reporting, focusing on how Mongol rule changed China and actor Anthony Wong's life amid adversity. The Yuan dynasty saw significant changes in Chinese society, including the rise of Silk Road trade routes and the use of paper money. Meanwhile, Anthony Wong overcame humble beginnings to become a top Hong Kong actor despite being blacklisted in mainland China for his support of the 2014 'umbrella movement' protests. Other stories include the use of AI in planning a Silk Road trek and a woman empowering girls through running.

The Malaysian government has reopened an investigation into the abductions of two social activists, Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat, who disappeared nearly a decade ago. The move follows a landmark court ruling that found the government and police liable for their disappearances. The new investigation team, led by an assistant commissioner of police, was formed after the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision, which the authorities are now seeking to overturn. The abductions occurred in 2016 and 2017, and despite previous investigations, no one has been seen since.

The article introduces Rear Admiral Ma Weiming, a Chinese naval engineering genius behind the Fujian aircraft carrier's electromagnetic launch system (EMALS). Ma, a professor at the PLA Naval University of Engineering, has been working on ship power technologies for two decades and was instrumental in developing the EMALS, a cutting-edge technology that puts China ahead in naval warfare. The Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier and the first to be indigenously designed, is equipped with the EMALS, making it one of the most advanced aircraft carriers in the world. Ma's innovations have significantly altered naval warfare, and his work on the EMALS has overcome the challenges faced by the US Navy's similar system on the USS Gerald Ford.

The article discusses the fourth day of the 2025 National Games, focusing on Hong Kong's performance. Hong Kong's women's rugby sevens team narrowly missed out on a medal, while the men's team remains in contention for gold. The article also highlights Siobhan Haughey's preparations for a gold medal swim and the city's cyclists competing on the track. The event is drawing comparisons to the Olympics due to its high level of competition and excitement.

A newcomer candidate, Jeffrey Chan Chun-hung, questioned two incumbent Hong Kong lawmakers, Tang Ka-piu and Frankie Ngan Man-yu, over their commitment to addressing urgent public transport issues in east Kowloon during the fifth government-hosted Legislative Council election forum. The debate focused on cultural and creative industry development and transforming the area into a new central business district (CBD). Chan challenged the incumbents on their support for the East Kowloon Line, a high-rise light rail system, and their efforts to improve bus frequencies, which is a more pressing demand from residents. The incumbents initially failed to address Chan's questions, instead speaking about their contributions to the development of the rail system.

The US government has reopened after a 43-day shutdown, but the effects of the shutdown will linger for weeks. Federal agencies face backlogs in grant disbursements, loan applications, and customer calls, while billions in losses may never be recouped. The shutdown has caused delayed environmental permits, workplace inspections, and contracting activities. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expects flight curbs to be lifted within a week, and Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian predicts 'great' Thanksgiving holiday travel.

Australian spy chief Mike Burgess warns that Chinese hackers are sabotaging key infrastructure in Australia, having penetrated US systems and aiming to do the same in Australia. Burgess stated that espionage cost Australia A$12.5bn last year and highlighted the activities of Chinese hacking groups Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon. China's foreign ministry accused Burgess's statement of spreading false narratives. The warning highlights the difficulty faced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in balancing economic ties with China while mitigating security concerns.

A newly opened 758-metre bridge in China's southwestern province of Sichuan has partially collapsed, with footage showing part of the bridge crashing into the ground. The collapse occurred just months after its construction was completed, and an investigation has been launched into the cause. There were no reported casualties, although one truck was on the bridge at the time, and the driver was successfully rescued. The bridge was closed to traffic on Monday after cracks appeared on nearby shops and roads, and shifts were seen in the terrain of a nearby mountain. Heavy rainfall triggered landslides, leading to the collapse of the approach bridge and roadbed.

German police arrested a suspected Hamas member, Lebanese-born Borhan El-K, for allegedly acquiring Glock pistols and ammunition to attack Jewish institutions. El-K was detained on the motorway after crossing into Germany from the Czech Republic. Authorities believe the weapons were intended for use by Hamas in assassination attacks on Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany. Three other men, including Wael FM, were previously arrested in connection with the plot. Another alleged member, Mohammed A, was arrested in London at Germany's request. The arrests came a day before Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Hamas denied any connection to the men, calling the allegations 'baseless'.

Princess Anne visited Singapore to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations with the UK. She attended a memorial service at the Kranji War Cemetery, where she laid a wreath to pay tribute to those who died defending freedom. The visit also included meetings with veterans and staff from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which she heads. Anne also visited the National Orchid Garden, where an orchid was named after her, and HMS Spey, a Royal Navy ship deployed to the Indo-Pacific region.

The UK has cut its funding to the Global Fund, a Geneva-based organization that combats AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, by £150m. The new pledge of £850m for 2026-2028 represents a 15% drop from the £1bn contributed for 2023-2025. The decision has been criticized by charities and aid groups, who argue that it jeopardizes vital partnerships that protect children from preventable diseases. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the funding was an 'investment in our shared security and prosperity' and would help save up to 1.3 million lives. The UK is set to co-host a pledging event for the fund with South Africa later this month.

Ukraine's justice and energy ministers have resigned amid a major embezzlement and kickbacks scandal involving the state nuclear power company, Energoatom. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for their removal after a 15-month investigation by anti-corruption watchdogs revealed alleged corruption involving top officials. The scandal involves payments from constructing fortifications against Moscow's assaults on energy infrastructure and kickbacks in the energy sector. Five people have been detained, and seven others are linked to about $100m in alleged kickbacks. The scandal comes at a critical time for Ukraine as it faces Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure and mounting energy shortages.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's 'America First' strategy is centered around a strong alliance with Israel, according to national security experts. The strategy is seen as a hard-nosed policy of deterrence built on strong alliances, particularly with Israel. Experts argue that Israel's actions against Iran and its proxies have benefited U.S. interests, and that the alliance is crucial for regional stability and energy security. The article highlights the views of Fred Fleitz and Mike Makovsky, who emphasize the strategic importance of supporting Israel and countering Iran's nuclear program and proxy wars.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had thwarted 'another ceasefire violation' in the Gaza Strip after a 'terrorist' crossed the 'yellow line' that separates control of the territory. This incident is the second of its kind reported over the last two days. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect on Oct. 10. The IDF stated that its troops eliminated a terrorist who posed an immediate threat to them. Israel's Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, said that Israel is committed to the ceasefire agreement but will enforce it when Hamas violates the terms. The IDF had controlled nearly 80% of the Gaza Strip before pulling back to the designated 'yellow line,' which helped compel Hamas to agree to the ceasefire.

A massive bridge at a hydropower station in southwest China's Sichuan Province collapsed on November 11, 2025, sending concrete and steel plunging into a river. The Hongqi Bridge, which was part of the G317 national highway, had reopened to traffic just months earlier. Authorities reported no casualties, as the bridge was closed after cracks were detected on the road surface and slope. The collapse is under investigation, with early assessments suggesting geological instability may have played a role. The bridge was a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and spurring economic growth in the region.

The leader of the Nigeria Evangelical Missions Association, Andrew Gwaivangmin, has welcomed former US President Donald Trump's threat to take military action against Islamic terrorists in Nigeria, describing it as an 'answered prayer.' Gwaivangmin stated that Nigerian Christians are 'excited' that Trump is prioritizing efforts to stop the violence against believers after years of bloodshed. The violence is primarily perpetrated by Islamist militants, including Fulani fighters and Boko Haram, in the northern, Muslim-majority states of Nigeria. Gwaivangmin expressed hope that the US could provide logistical support and equipment to strengthen Nigeria's forces, although he believes having American boots on the ground isn't realistic. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu responded to Trump's threat, stating that his administration has worked with Christian and Muslim leaders to address security challenges and safeguard freedom of religion for all Nigerians.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's warning to Nigeria over the killing of Christians, with many Nigerians welcoming the move. Trump has designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and is considering stopping aid and introducing financial sanctions against government officials. Nigerian Christians, including a pastor and a bishop, have expressed relief and gratitude for Trump's intervention, but are wary of US military action. They have been subjected to violent attacks by radicalized Muslim Fulani nomadic tribesmen, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacement. The Nigerian government has been criticized for not doing enough to protect Christians, and some fear that if the US does not act, Nigeria may turn to Russia or China for support.

A Chinese businessman, She Zhijiang, accused of running over 200 illegal online gambling operations, has been extradited from Thailand to China. She, 43, was arrested in Thailand in 2022 on an international warrant and Interpol red notice requested by Beijing. His gambling empire includes a $15bn casino complex called Shwe Kokko on the Thai-Myanmar border, which has been linked to regional scam and trafficking networks by the US. The US Treasury Department sanctioned nine companies and individuals tied to Shwe Kokko for their links to these networks. The extradition is seen as a significant move against transnational crime in the region.

Japan is experiencing a surge in bear attacks, with a record 13 fatalities this year, and the situation is being exacerbated by AI-generated videos on social media platforms like TikTok. These videos, often realistic and difficult to distinguish from real footage, show people interacting with bears, including feeding them, which is contrary to government advice. Experts warn that these videos could increase public anxiety and undermine official messaging on how to behave during bear encounters. The bear sightings are attributed to poor crops of acorns and beechnuts, and the blurring of natural boundaries between forests and residential areas due to rural depopulation.

The Dutch government's row with Chinese chipmaker Nexperia has highlighted the risks of Europe's dependency on China for essential tech. The six-week standoff, which threatened to cripple the global car industry, was sparked by the Netherlands' decision to take supervisory control of Nexperia, citing risks to European economic security. Dutch Economy Minister Vincent Karremans defended his actions, stating that he would have done the same thing again, and warned that the crisis should serve as a wake-up call to Europe and the West.

A 'cannibal' solar storm caused by powerful bursts of energy from the sun resulted in a stunning display of the aurora australis, visible across large parts of Australia and New Zealand. The geomagnetic storm reached 'G4 geomagnetic storm conditions' over Australia and a G5 rating in the UK. The storm was caused by two coronal mass ejections that merged together, resulting in the largest induced geoelectric field recorded in the UK since 2012. The storm also postponed the launch of two Mars-bound NASA spacecraft in the US.

British American Tobacco (BAT) has been accused of hypocrisy for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Zambia that are already in place in the UK. BAT's Zambian subsidiary pushed for changes to a draft bill that would weaken proposed regulations on tobacco advertising, health warnings, and flavoured products. The company's actions have been criticized by anti-tobacco campaigners and WHO officials, who warn that industry interference can have deadly consequences.

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar has been hospitalized with liver issues after a scheduled liver transplant was canceled due to the donor organ being infected. Kosar, 61, has undergone two surgeries to address internal bleeding and is awaiting a third. He has been on the liver transplant waitlist since 2024 and was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease in July 2024. The Browns organization has expressed support for Kosar, and he has asked for fans' love, support, and prayers.

New York City restaurateur Stratis Morfogen has cancelled plans to open three new restaurants in the city following the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor. Morfogen cited Mamdani's radical policy proposals, including a plan to raise the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, as the reason for his decision. Another restaurateur, Richie Romero, has also put a halt on new openings in the city, except for one project that was already underway. Both Morfogen and Romero expressed concerns about Mamdani's policies, including his stance on public safety and his plans to tax the rich and open publicly-run grocery stores. Morfogen stated that he will continue to operate his existing restaurants but will not expand in New York, instead pursuing opportunities in other cities like Miami.

Dima Tower, a 21-year-old Ukrainian adoptee, broke down in a Florida court during his murder trial, accused of slaughtering his adoptive parents, Jennifer and Robbie Tower, in August 2023. The defense attorney acknowledged that Tower is not innocent but asked the jury to consider evidence of premeditation and potentially convict him of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Tower's troubled past, including being placed in Ukrainian foster care and having a history of violence against his adoptive parents, was highlighted during the trial.

Disney is set to report its Q4 2025 earnings, with a focus on its streaming business, including Disney+ and ESPN direct-to-consumer app. This will be the last quarter that Disney reports paid streaming subscriber numbers. Wall Street expects Disney to report earnings per share of $1.05 and revenue of $22.75 billion. The company's streaming subscriptions and traditional TV networks will be under scrutiny, with investors looking for updates on the impact of price hikes and the suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'.

Cisco Systems' quarterly earnings exceeded expectations due to strong demand for its AI infrastructure products, leading to an 8% year-over-year revenue increase to $14.88 billion. The company's non-GAAP earnings rose 10% to $1 per share. Despite a miss in its security business, Cisco's overall performance was driven by double-digit order growth, particularly from AI customers. The company's CEO attributed the strength in AI orders to deepening relationships with existing customers and a major multi-year campus networking refresh cycle. As a result, the author is increasing their price target for Cisco to $85 per share from $78, while reiterating their '2' rating.

Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, 84, has been hospitalized for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder that affects body movements, walking, and balance. Jackson, a protégé of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., has been managing the condition for over a decade and was initially diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition released a statement saying Jackson is under observation, and the family appreciates prayers. Jackson has spent over six decades advocating for racial equality, economic justice, and voter rights, and has faced several health challenges in recent years, including Parkinson's diagnosis, gallbladder surgery, Covid-19 hospitalization, and a fall at Howard University.

The US trade war and tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are pushing Canada closer to China. Despite a strained relationship in the past, Canada and China have been re-establishing ties, with high-level meetings and ministerial visits. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, marking a 'turning point' in their relationship. Experts warn that China may be exploiting Canada's vulnerability, but both sides have economic incentives to improve ties. Canada is seeking to diversify its trade relationships amid the US trade war, and China is looking to drive a wedge between the US and its allies.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani's coalition appears to have won the most votes in the country's parliamentary election, but may struggle to form a government due to complex negotiations and rivalries. Al-Sudani has positioned himself as a leader who can balance the interests of Washington and Tehran, but faces opposition from within his own Shiite majority. The US has signaled that it will not accept leaders close to Iran in the next government and wants the disarmament of Iranian-aligned militias.

The UK government has given the go-ahead for a smaller nuclear reactor to be built on Anglesey Island in northern Wales, ending years of uncertainty over the fate of the site. The modular nuclear power station, designed by Rolls-Royce SMR, will be the first of its kind in Britain and is expected to support 3,000 local jobs and power three million homes. The project is seen as a move to increase the government's role in the economy, particularly in the energy sector, and to create a British nuclear champion. However, some critics argue that the decision to build a smaller plant rather than a larger one is a 'missed opportunity' and may disappoint the US, an important ally.

Scientists are making progress in xenotransplantation, using genetically modified pig organs for human transplants. Recent breakthroughs include two patients surviving over six months with pig kidneys. Several clinical trials are underway in the US, with companies like United Therapeutics and eGenesis testing pig kidneys and livers. Despite challenges like immune rejection and viral infections, experts believe they are nearing a turning point. The global organ shortage is a significant issue, with kidney disease being the ninth-leading cause of death worldwide. Xenotransplantation could potentially alleviate this shortage, especially in low- and middle-income countries where dialysis is not readily available.