Qatari officials returned to Tehran on Friday to promote a deal ending the war between Iran and the United States, with the talks coordinated with Washington. The effort comes as President Donald Trump maintains the threat of renewed major strikes and reports emerge of incidents involving tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Qatar's delegation was led by a senior adviser to the country's prime minister and foreign minister and was scheduled to meet senior Iranian officials.
A U.S.-coordinated Qatari draft deal was presented to Iran, but a senior Iranian official described the ideas as unacceptable.
Iran wants the United States to lift its blockade of Iranian ports and remove sanctions limiting Iranian oil and gas sales.
Iran has said it will not change its position on the nuclear issue, which Washington wants included in negotiations.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said two oil tankers encountered unspecified incidents and were halted while using a route Tehran considers unauthorized.
Iran said four ships had hit sea mines while attempting to use shipping lanes promoted by the United States.
The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a tanker was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening.
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The article reviews Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s film You Can See Everything, which follows Elizabeth Holmes in the days before she entered prison. The reviewer says the film offers little new insight and notes that Holmes was convicted of fraud related to Theranos and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Key Facts
Theranos was valued at $9 billion at the height of its success, according to the article.
Holmes was convicted on four counts and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
You Can See Everything depicts the period before Holmes went to prison after exhausting her appeals.
Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim co-directed the film.
The reviewer describes the film as surreal and absurdist, but says it is shallow and offers little fresh insight.
The article says Holmes approached A24 about making a documentary that would tell her side of the story.
The article identifies Tyler Shultz and Erika Cheung as whistleblowers who exposed problems at Theranos.
Other works about Holmes and Theranos mentioned include the HBO documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley and the Hulu miniseries The Dropout.
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The article says today’s focus on fake news traces back to Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds” broadcast. It looks at what the broadcast can tell us 88 years later.
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The article centers on Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds” broadcast.
The article connects the broadcast to current concerns about fake news.
The title frames the broadcast as relevant 88 years later.
The article describes today’s attention to fake news as an obsession.
The supplied text does not give details about the broadcast or explain its effects.
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Activision will remove real news footage of the 2022 Seoul crowd crush from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 in an update on 12 November. The company apologized after families of people who died in the disaster objected to the footage’s use in the game.
Key Facts
The Seoul crush happened in the Itaewon district during Halloween celebrations in 2022 and killed almost 160 people.
Modern Warfare 4 used news footage of rescue efforts and victims in an opening scene depicting a fictional North Korean invasion.
Bereaved families said using the footage in an entertainment product was deeply upsetting.
Activision said it used the footage to establish the fictional story and did not intend to trivialize the disaster.
Activision apologized to families and victims and confirmed the footage would be removed in the game’s next update on 12 November.
The families’ association welcomed the removal but told the BBC it had not received a direct apology from Activision.
North and South Korea have not signed a peace treaty since fighting in the Korean War stopped in 1953.
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Blockchain intelligence firms said North Korea’s TraderTraitor hacking group was likely behind a theft of about $6.36 billion from Binance wallets across ten blockchains. Binance said it froze about $3 billion in affected assets, would cover losses, and expected to resume suspended withdrawals within a day or two.
Key Facts
TRM said the attacker moved about $6.36 billion from Binance wallets, mostly within about 20 minutes.
TRM attributed the attack to TraderTraitor, a North Korean hacking unit, with high confidence.
Chainalysis also said the hack was likely carried out by TraderTraitor.
Binance said deposits were unaffected, withdrawals were suspended, and it would cover all losses.
Binance said it had found no evidence that wallet private keys were exposed and would share more technical details after its investigation.
TRM said the theft would be the largest cryptocurrency theft on record; Bybit lost $1.5 billion in a 2025 hack that the FBI attributed to North Korea.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty in 2023 to a felony linked to failing to prevent money laundering, left his CEO role, and received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2025.
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Novaya Gazeta, a prominent independent Russian newspaper, says it is shutting down after receiving an eviction order and losing access to a system for collecting reader donations. The outlet blames Russian authorities for forcing it to stop work, following years of restrictions that included the revocation of its licence and the blocking of its website.
Key Facts
Novaya Gazeta announced that it was closing after about three decades of publication.
The newspaper said it received an eviction order and could no longer collect reader donations.
Russian authorities had revoked the newspaper's licence and blocked access to its website.
The newspaper said six journalists connected with it had been killed for their work, including Anna Politkovskaya.
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia adopted laws that the article says were used to punish dissent and criticism of the war.
Police searched the newspaper's office earlier this year, and investigative journalist Oleg Roldugin was arrested and charged with unlawful access to computerised information.
Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov was questioned by police, and authorities searched his home.
Novaya Gazeta co-founder Dmitry Muratov received the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize and was designated a foreign agent by Russian authorities in 2023.
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France, Spain and Germany are preparing for Halloween-weekend demonstrations and possible unrest on Oct. 31. French authorities plan to deploy 70,000 security personnel, Barcelona police are monitoring calls for another gathering after recent violence, and German organizers expect more than 100,000 young protesters in at least 23 cities.
Key Facts
France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said Oct. 31 carries a high risk of public disorder and said demonstrations would be barred from city centers.
France plans to deploy 70,000 police officers and security personnel on Saturday.
Authorities said 410,000 people joined marches across France the previous Saturday.
In Barcelona on Oct. 24, more than 600 young people gathered; authorities reported at least 23 businesses looted or vandalized and 33 small fires.
Authorities reported 130 arrests in weekend unrest in Spain, including 76 minors; about 20 more people were arrested after disturbances in Bilbao.
A Telegram group using the name Blocus BCN circulated calls for another gathering in Barcelona on Oct. 31, according to the article.
Germany expects more than 100,000 people to attend youth-led demonstrations in at least 23 cities.
The German demonstrations are organized by Gen Z Regelt and will address education, healthcare, climate action, living costs, military conscription and austerity.
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A study in mice found that consuming olive oil before a glucose drink slowed stomach emptying and increased hormones involved in blood sugar regulation. A dietitian said human studies support olive oil’s health benefits, but the effects of taking an olive oil shot have not been established in people; she suggested using it in meals instead.
Key Facts
The study was published by the American Diabetes Association and tested mice.
Mice that consumed olive oil before a glucose solution showed slower stomach emptying.
The mice also had increased secretion of glucagon, GIP and GLP-1, hormones involved in blood sugar regulation.
The study authors’ proposed effect of olive oil before carbohydrates has not been tested in humans, according to the article.
Dietitian Lisa Valente said pairing fat with carbohydrates can affect the blood sugar response after a meal.
Valente said a tablespoon of olive oil contains about 120 calories, so taking it before three meals could add roughly 360 calories a day.
Valente recommended adding olive oil to meals rather than drinking it straight.
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John Shegerian argues that Japanese habits around cleaning and litter reflect a view that people share responsibility for public spaces. He links those habits to the Sampo-yoshi business principle—benefit for sellers, buyers, and society—and contrasts it with a “take, make, waste” economic model.
Key Facts
Japanese soccer fans have been seen cleaning stadiums after matches since the 1998 World Cup, according to the article.
The article recounts Japanese fans and players cleaning up after matches at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups.
Many Japanese schools hold daily cleaning periods in which students clean areas such as floors, windows, and bathrooms.
The article describes gomi hiroi as picking up litter and cites baseball player Shohei Ohtani as someone who does it.
The article says Ohtani included picking up trash among goals on a chart he made as a high school student.
Sampo-yoshi is a business principle described as good for the seller, the buyer, and society.
ITOCHU was founded in 1858 by merchant Chubei Itoh and adopted Sampo-yoshi as its corporate mission in 2020.
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Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta says it will shut down after pressure from authorities. Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov said the outlet plans to turn off its servers and close its offices on November 9.
Key Facts
The newspaper’s editorial board said Russian authorities and intelligence services forced it to cease operations.
Novaya Gazeta said it would shut down its servers and offices on November 9.
Authorities searched Sokolov’s home and questioned him on October 15.
The search was linked by authorities to a criminal case involving colleague Oleg Roldugin, who was arrested in April and charged with unlawful access to computerised information.
Moscow has designated Novaya Gazeta a “foreign agent,” a label the article says is used to stifle dissent.
The paper had already reduced its operations in Russia after authorities revoked its media licence following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Former editor-in-chief Dmitry Muratov shared the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.
Reporters Without Borders said six Novaya Gazeta journalists and staff members had been murdered.
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More than 1,400 Africans have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine since 2023, according to the report. As African and Russian officials meet at a summit, families in Tunisia are seeking information about men who went to Russia for work or study and whose fate is unknown.
Key Facts
The report says more than 1,400 Africans have been enlisted since 2023.
The recruits are fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
African leaders and Russian officials are meeting at an Africa-Russia summit.
The summit agenda covers security, trade and political cooperation.
Recruitment of Africans to fight in Ukraine is not on the summit agenda.
Families in Tunisia are searching for several men who travelled to Russia for work or study.
The article reports that the families have not received answers about the men’s fate.
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President Donald Trump’s attorneys filed a 43-page brief in the Second Circuit on October 29, criticizing the late Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein’s rulings in Trump’s effort to move his New York criminal case to federal court. The lawyers argue that a 2024 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity gave Trump grounds to seek the transfer and that he did not wait too long to do so.
Key Facts
Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein died at age 92 on Wednesday, according to the article.
Trump’s attorneys submitted the brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on October 29, one day after Hellerstein’s death.
The filing challenges Hellerstein’s rejection of Trump’s attempts to move his New York criminal case from state to federal court.
Trump’s lawyers rely on a federal-officer removal statute that can allow some state criminal cases involving federal officers to be transferred to federal court.
The attorneys argue that the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling in Trump v. United States changed the legal position on presidential immunity and supported a new removal request.
The brief disputes prosecutors’ claim that Trump waited too long or waived his right to seek removal by continuing to participate in state court proceedings.
Trump’s lawyers say he continued to argue in state court to avoid possible sentencing and incarceration.
The filing also argues that delays in the proceedings, including a 10-month wait for a district court decision after a 2025 remand, should not block transfer.
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Michoacan state authorities arrested Uruapan welfare secretary Rosa Alejandra Vargas over alleged concealment related to the killing of Mayor Carlos Manzo. Prosecutors say investigators believe the Jalisco New Generation Cartel ordered the attack; authorities have arrested 34 people in connection with the case.
Key Facts
Prosecutors said Vargas was arrested on suspicion of concealing a crime.
State prosecutor Israel Vega said Vargas is related to several people already arrested and had not appeared when investigators summoned her.
Assassins killed Manzo in Uruapan during Day of the Dead celebrations in November 2025.
Investigators believe the Jalisco New Generation Cartel ordered the attack, according to the article.
Authorities have arrested 34 people over Manzo's killing.
Manzo had spoken out against organized crime in Michoacan and led the Sombrero Movement.
At least 13 mayors have been killed in Mexico since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office, according to an Associated Press tally based on official reports.
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All 435 U.S. House seats are on the ballot on Nov. 3, 2026, and ABC News rates 16 races as tossups that could determine control of the 120th Congress. Democrats need to gain at least three seats to take control of the House.
Key Facts
The article identifies 16 House races as tossups heading into Election Day.
Florida’s 14th District incumbent Kathy Castor faces Republican Mike Beltran after the state redrew the district.
Florida’s newly drawn 22nd District is an open-seat race between Democrat Pia Dandiya and Republican Casey Askar.
Iowa’s 2nd District is open because incumbent Ashley Hinson is running for Senate; Democrat Lindsey James faces Republican Joe Mitchell.
Kentucky’s 6th District is open because Republican Andy Barr is running for Senate; Republican Zach Dembo faces Democrat Ralph Alvarado.
In Michigan’s 4th District, Republican incumbent Bill Huizenga faces Democratic state Sen. Sean McCann.
Michigan’s 7th District incumbent Tom Barrett faces Democrat William Lawrence.
Michigan’s 10th District is open because incumbent John James is running for governor; Democrat Christina Hines faces Republican Mike Bouchard.
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Beijing’s annual Love Queer Film Week was cancelled shortly before it was due to begin after authorities reportedly increased pressure on organizers through repeated phone calls. Founded in 2001, the festival provided a public forum in mainland China for films and discussions about LGBTQ+ issues.
Key Facts
Organizers announced the cancellation in an Instagram post late Thursday.
The festival was scheduled to begin Friday in Beijing.
The festival was founded in 2001 by Peking University students.
It was described as one of China’s oldest independent film festivals and the only mainland Chinese festival offering a public forum for LGBTQ+ films and discussions.
Several international filmmakers whose work was selected for the festival had travelled to China to attend.
In June, police harassment led to the cancellation of Beijing screenings of LGBTQ+-themed films at the Institut Français.
Beijing’s public security bureau could not be reached for comment.
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Villa Vie Residences struggled to keep its MV Odyssey cruise operating after it ran short of money, according to internal documents and people familiar with the company. The ship’s financial troubles included unpaid bills and an emergency fundraising effort, before the company suspended operations in Cambodia and left more than 200 passengers and dozens of crew members stranded.
Key Facts
The Odyssey began its continuous around-the-world cruise in October 2024, offering passengers the option to buy cabins and live aboard.
In early August, the ship was docked in Singapore and Villa Vie warned it urgently needed to raise money.
A resident paid a fuel supplier $400,000 from a personal checking account to help the ship continue its journey, sources told CBS News.
Internal documents showed the company owed hundreds of thousands of dollars to port agents, fuel companies, food vendors and crew members.
Villa Vie warned residents on Aug. 4 that it might halt operations, lay off staff and repatriate the crew.
The company launched a discounted cabin sales program for current passengers to raise emergency funds; by Aug. 18, it said more than 20 cabins had been committed.
One document showed monthly operating costs of $3.1 million and projected a $600,000 loss even at full occupancy.
Villa Vie suspended operations in Cambodia, leaving more than 200 passengers and dozens of crew members stranded, according to the article.
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An Access Asia program examines rising anti-Indian sentiment in the United States after authorities foiled a plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois. It asks an expert on organized hate about the trend and whether rhetoric from President Donald Trump’s White House is contributing to it.
Key Facts
The program focuses on anti-Indian sentiment in the United States.
The discussion follows a foiled plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois.
The program interviews the executive director of the Center for the Study of Organized Hate.
The interview addresses possible causes of the trend and the role of rhetoric from the Trump White House.
The 13-minute program was issued on October 30, 2026.
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At least 60 Christians were killed in an attack in Ethiopia that the Orthodox Church described as religious violence. Responsibility remains unclear, as rebels and local government officials blame each other; about 20 houses were burned.
Key Facts
At least 60 Christians were killed in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church described the killings as religious violence.
It is unclear who carried out the attack.
Rebels and local government officials blame each other.
About 20 houses were burned.
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U.S. measles cases have risen, and some families are choosing to give children the second MMR vaccine dose earlier than the routine schedule. The CDC allows an early second dose, and evidence cited in the article indicates that two doses remain effective when given earlier.
Key Facts
The article reports twice as many confirmed U.S. measles cases as in the previous year.
The CDC typically recommends the first MMR dose after age one and the second between ages four and six.
The second MMR dose can be given as soon as four weeks after the first.
Some parents have moved the second dose earlier because of measles outbreaks, including one family that gave it three months after the first dose.
The routine timing of the second dose helps ensure children are vaccinated before kindergarten and reduces extra doctor visits.
The CDC recommends a first measles vaccine dose at six months in certain situations, including outbreaks, international travel, or exposure; infants in these cases should later receive three doses.
Germany moved its second-dose recommendation to four weeks after the first in 2020.
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Maine’s closely contested Senate race between Democratic challenger Troy Jackson and Republican incumbent Susan Collins is entering its final week, with voters weighing rising costs and President Donald Trump’s policies. Jackson argues Collins supports Trump too often, while Collins points to past votes where she broke with him and her party.
Key Facts
The election is scheduled for 3 November, and recent polling cited in the article showed Jackson and Collins close.
Jackson launched his campaign after former Democratic nominee Graham Platner withdrew amid controversies, including a sexual assault and rape allegation that Platner denied.
Lobster fisher Christian LaMontagne said his weekly fuel bill rose from about $350 to nearly $700 after the U.S. war with Iran began in late February.
Jackson criticized Collins over her support for Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and said federal funding she secured was outweighed by losses to Maine.
Jackson linked Collins to Trump and cited her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
A September ProPublica report said the FBI investigated Collins over an alleged scheme involving a campaign donor; Collins’s office called the report categorically false and said her campaign was not accused of wrongdoing.
Collins cited her votes against repealing the Affordable Care Act and to impeach Trump after the January 6 insurrection as examples of breaking with her party and the president.
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