Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s recent missile attacks show no real change in Moscow’s approach to the war, despite talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and a US envoy. The attacks caused deaths and injuries across Ukraine, including in Kyiv and other cities, while Ukraine continues to seek advanced defense weapons.
Key Facts
Russia launched ballistic missile attacks across a dozen regions of Ukraine, hitting homes, energy sites, markets, and a monastery.
The attacks killed at least four civilians, including two women in the eastern city of Lozova, and wounded dozens more.
The strikes happened shortly after Russian President Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss restarting peace talks.
Zelensky said these attacks show Russia has not changed its attitude toward the war.
Ukraine has asked allies, including the US, for advanced missile-defense systems like Patriot interceptors.
NATO is allowing Ukraine to buy weapons through its central procurement agency case by case.
Zelensky accused Russia of targeting civilians deliberately and using cluster munitions, which spread many small explosives over wide areas.
US President Donald Trump said the peace talks might be the closest to ending the war so far, but European leaders remain skeptical.
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Amy Acton, a Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, criticized an attack ad from her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, that features her estranged mother making negative claims about her. The ad has caused political controversy and led to backlash, including from the current Republican governor Mike DeWine, who endorsed Ramaswamy but found the ad troubling.
Key Facts
Amy Acton is running for Ohio governor as a Democrat.
Vivek Ramaswamy, her Republican opponent, released an ad featuring Acton's estranged mother accusing Acton of lying.
The ad does not mention that Acton and her brother were removed from their mother's custody due to abuse by her husband.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who supports Ramaswamy, called the ad deeply troubling and asked for it to be taken down.
Acton says many people have experienced trauma and that Ramaswamy's ad is harmful.
Ohio Secretary of State is reviewing complaints that the ad may have aired without proper legal disclaimers.
Ramaswamy’s campaign plans to spend $4 million to air the ad statewide.
Polls show Acton slightly ahead of Ramaswamy, and if she wins, she would be the first Democratic Ohio governor in 20 years.
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A billionaire donor to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, Hossein Ghandehari, was involved in a business with an Iranian religious foundation linked to Iran’s supreme leader. The business was a joint venture to build telecoms infrastructure in Iran, which ended in 2016 as hardline officials took over. Ghandehari’s lawyers say his involvement aimed to encourage political change in Iran.
Key Facts
Hossein Ghandehari, an Iranian-born British businessman, pledged millions to Reform UK and donated £50,000 to Nigel Farage.
Ghandehari’s investment fund, HP Trust, was a major owner of a joint venture to build fibre-optic cables in Iran from 2013 to 2016.
The joint venture was partly owned by Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), a powerful religious foundation in Iran linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
AQR has been sanctioned by the US for controlling large parts of Iran’s economy with ties to the supreme leader and government officials.
Ghandehari’s business ties included John Richard Simpson, another Reform UK donor whose firm worked for Ghandehari’s family.
The business partnership ended when hardline leaders replaced the previous AQR custodian in 2016.
Ghandehari’s lawyers say he faced false allegations by Iran’s security council after 2016 and that his goal was to increase access to information in Iran.
Nigel Farage has publicly criticized Iran as a major security threat to the UK.
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Guinea-Bissau’s government has officially rejected a clinical trial planned by Danish researchers and funded by the US, which would study possible harms from the newborn dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. The trial faced strong criticism from experts and the World Health Organization because it would withhold the vaccine from some babies in a country with high rates of hepatitis B.
Key Facts
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended worldwide for newborns and has been used safely for many years.
Guinea-Bissau’s Council of Ministers formally rejected the vaccine trial on October 16.
Police in Guinea-Bissau raided the research group’s offices and took vaccines after the trial was rejected.
The trial would have given half the babies no hepatitis B vaccine, which experts called unethical given the risks of the disease.
The World Health Organization said there is no good scientific reason to do the trial and that it puts babies at unnecessary risk.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided $1.6 million funding to the researchers, stirring public outcry.
The lead researchers have been criticized and are under investigation for previous research conduct.
Guinea-Bissau currently does not provide the newborn hepatitis B vaccine routinely but plans to start in 2028; ethical rules say trials should use the best current care available globally, not just what is offered locally.
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A San Francisco startup called Catchouse is creating a new platform for real estate professionals that works mainly with AI agents instead of just human clients. This platform helps realtors share data that AI can use to recommend homes, reflecting a growing trend where people use AI tools to find real estate and other local services.
Key Facts
Catchouse is a startup based in San Francisco focused on real estate technology for the AI age.
The platform is designed to be used by AI agents, which will help match clients with realtors and services.
Catchouse raised $3.5 million in a pre-seed funding round from investors like New Enterprise Associates.
Around 1,000 users are currently on Catchouse, mostly in the Bay Area, with plans to expand nationwide soon.
Over 80% of Americans are now using AI to gather information about real estate, according to Realtor.com data.
The platform aims to include other real estate-related professionals such as interior designers and mortgage brokers.
Younger homebuyers are increasingly relying on AI for home searches, changing traditional referral networks.
The National Association of Realtors sees digital tools and AI as key to the future of the real estate market.
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Experts say that a short, three-day joint military attack by the US and Israel on Iran is unlikely to change the ongoing conflict significantly. The main goal is to pressure Iran to negotiate, but there is a risk that such strikes could cause a larger regional crisis.
Key Facts
The US and Israel are reportedly planning new military strikes on Iran.
A three-day offensive is being discussed but is not expected to produce a decisive political result.
The strikes aim either to reduce Iran’s military capabilities or to push Iran to engage in talks.
There is concern that military action might lead to a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Iran still has some influence over the US in this situation.
The discussion comes just before upcoming US and Israeli elections.
Experts question if limited military attacks can achieve the political goals that long confrontations have not.
The context involves issues such as Iran’s nuclear activities and regional power dynamics.
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Albanian lawmakers fought in their parliament, throwing things and breaking microphones. This happened after many days of street protests about corruption and poor school conditions.
Key Facts
Lawmakers in Albania's parliament physically fought and threw objects at each other.
They also ripped microphones from desks during the scuffle.
The incident followed months of daily protests on the streets.
The protests started because of concerns about corruption in the country.
Protesters later focused on poor conditions in schools.
The situation shows ongoing unrest in Albania related to political and social issues.
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Downing Street rejected Steve Witkoff’s description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” during peace efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The UK government highlighted Putin’s role in civilian deaths, attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, and the ongoing conflict despite negotiations.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s chief negotiator on Ukraine, called Putin a “humanitarian” during a meeting in St Petersburg.
Downing Street said they do not agree with this description and cited Putin’s responsibility for killing civilians and damaging Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Ukraine’s foreign minister criticized Russia’s actions, contradicting the idea of Russian humanitarian efforts.
The UK government regularly discusses the Ukraine situation with international partners, including the US.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said Putin is responsible for illegal invasion and attempted assassinations in the UK.
Russia agreed in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the US after Witkoff’s meeting.
Despite talks, Russia continued missile and drone attacks, including one on Kharkiv during the meeting.
President Trump suggested the war might be close to ending but had made controversial comments about Ukraine’s president.
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President Donald Trump said he asked Google’s CEO to rename the Atlantic Ocean on Google Maps, but Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, denied this claim. Trump said this during a rally in South Carolina, also mentioning that Google Maps had changed some place names.
Key Facts
President Trump said he called Google CEO Sundar Pichai to rename the Atlantic Ocean on Google Maps.
Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, denied that any such request was made.
Trump made the statement during a rally in Clemson, South Carolina.
The president praised Google Maps for changing some place names.
The Atlantic Ocean's name is a long-established geographical feature.
The news focuses on a dispute over a claimed conversation between the president and a tech leader.
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University professor Jonathan Zimmerman says college programs to prevent sexual assault do not work well enough. He suggests that middle and high schools should teach better sex education that includes the effects of pornography.
Key Facts
Jonathan Zimmerman is a university professor.
He believes college sexual assault programs are not enough.
Zimmerman wants sex education to start earlier, in middle and high school.
He stresses the need to discuss how pornography affects people.
The goal is to prevent sexual assault by educating students earlier and more fully.
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Two Syrian security officers died and five were hurt in a fight with a suspected ISIL group during a raid near Damascus. The authorities killed five ISIL members, arrested six, and seized weapons during the operation in Rankous.
Key Facts
The clashes happened during a raid on an ISIL cell on the outskirts of Damascus.
The fight began when the suspected ISIL members opened fire instead of surrendering.
Two security officers were killed and five wounded; five ISIL suspects were killed and six arrested.
Authorities seized weapons and explosive belts from the group.
Local residents reported the group had about nine people; some escaped, and others were injured.
Syrian security forces imposed a curfew and arrested several people after the raid.
Earlier this month, Syrian authorities foiled another ISIL plot and arrested a top ISIL military commander.
ISIL has frequently attacked Syrian security forces with bombings and ambushes.
Syria joined the international coalition against ISIL in November, after Kurdish forces defeated ISIL in northeast Syria.
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At a rally in South Carolina, President Donald Trump spoke in support of Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. A short video showed the crowd booing after Lindsey Graham's name was mentioned, but fuller footage reveals the boos were directed at a heckler interrupting the event, not directly at Lindsey Graham.
Key Facts
President Trump campaigned in South Carolina supporting Darline Graham, who was appointed after her brother Lindsey Graham's death in July.
A viral 25-second video showed the crowd booing right after Trump mentioned Lindsey Graham.
The boos were not against Lindsey Graham but were directed at a heckler who disrupted the rally.
Trump responded to the heckler by calling the noise "loud, horrible, disgusting."
The rally included multiple interruptions from protesters, with at least one protester being removed and one punched.
Polls show Darline Graham leads her Democratic opponent Annie Andrews by a small margin.
President Trump has faced regular protests and interruptions at his recent rallies ahead of the midterm elections.
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Costco is planning to open a new warehouse in a state where it does not currently have any stores. Some states still have not had their first Costco warehouse despite the company's popularity.
Key Facts
Costco has not opened stores in every U.S. state.
The company is now planning to open a warehouse in a new state without a Costco location.
This expansion shows Costco is growing its presence in more areas.
Some states are still waiting for their first Costco warehouse.
Costco warehouses are large stores where customers can buy goods in bulk.
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Airbnb has introduced new rules that stop hosts from asking guests to do time-consuming chores like laundry and cleaning tasks that usually require professional help. Some hosts disagree with these rules, saying they are unfair and may cause higher costs.
Key Facts
Airbnb’s new policy stops hosts from asking guests to do major chores like stripping beds and starting laundry.
The policy aims to protect guests from work that might make their stay less enjoyable.
Tasks like washing dishes or putting away laundry are not allowed to be requested from guests.
Hosts can still ask guests to do small things, like putting used dishes in the sink or sorting trash.
The new rules apply to bookings made from November 20 onward.
If hosts break the rules often, Airbnb may reduce their listing’s visibility or warn guests on the listing page.
Over 5,000 hosts signed a petition asking Airbnb to reverse the new policy.
The petition says these chores are normal and that professional cleaners doing extra work could increase costs for hosts and guests.
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The U.S. government has accused Canadian officials of trying to influence American elections ahead of the November 3 midterms. Canada denies these claims, saying their actions respond to U.S. trade policies and aim to protect Canadian interests.
Key Facts
The U.S. Embassy in Canada published a fact sheet listing nine examples of Canadian involvement in U.S. politics.
Canadian officials have met with American politicians and supported efforts against U.S. tariffs.
At least 11 Canadians have been charged or sentenced since 2012 for illegal voting in U.S. elections.
Canada says its actions are responses to U.S. trade measures, not election interference.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford denies trying to interfere in U.S. elections.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joked about U.S. concerns over interference at a pro-Canada rally.
The Trump administration has increased monitoring of noncitizen voting in the U.S. ahead of elections.
Trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada have worsened relations between the two countries.
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Meta made a deal with Mark Zuckerberg to keep him in California and running the company despite a proposed billionaire tax. The deal lets Zuckerberg sell some Meta shares to pay the tax without losing control of the company.
Key Facts
California may introduce a one-time 5% tax on residents worth over $1 billion.
Zuckerberg, with a $226 billion net worth, considered moving away to avoid this tax.
Meta formed a special committee to negotiate with Zuckerberg to keep him in California.
The deal allows Zuckerberg to sell shares to cover tax costs but keeps his leadership control.
Meta sees Zuckerberg’s role as vital for managing the company during tough competition.
Most major U.S. tech companies are based in California, home to about 225 billionaires.
The proposed tax will be voted on by California residents on November 3.
Meta is heavily investing in artificial intelligence, making Zuckerberg’s leadership important.
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A foreign man was killed by a crowd of about 50 people in Durban, South Africa. The police are investigating the incident, which happened during ongoing protests against immigrants in the country.
Key Facts
The victim, a foreign national in his late 30s or early 40s, was attacked by two men and then by a larger group.
He died at the scene, and police have not yet determined the motive.
This killing follows recent violent protests against immigrants in South Africa's cities, including Durban and Soweto.
The government has asked protesters to remain peaceful but acknowledges the need for immigration reform.
Tens of thousands of undocumented foreign nationals have been deported or sent back this year as part of a crackdown.
Groups like March and March demanded that undocumented migrants leave South Africa by June 30.
Several African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, have taken steps to protect and repatriate their citizens amid fears of violence.
South Africa has a history of xenophobic attacks; in 2008, over 60 people died and many were displaced during similar violence.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Russia used cluster missiles in attacks on Kyiv, killing at least four people and injuring 34 others, including children. Russia denied the cluster bomb use and reported shooting down many Ukrainian drones during the same period.
Key Facts
Ukraine says Russia fired ballistic missiles with cluster warheads hitting Kyiv and other areas.
Cluster bombs release smaller explosives over a wide area and can harm civilians.
Over 100 countries banned cluster bombs in 2008, but Russia and the U.S. did not join the treaty.
At least four people died and 34 were injured in the attacks, including five children.
Russia said its air defenses shot down 808 Ukrainian drones overnight.
More than 600 drones were launched toward Moscow recently, according to Moscow’s mayor.
Talks between Russia and the U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff are ongoing but progress is slow.
Zelenskyy urged President Trump to provide interceptor missiles to help Ukraine defend itself.
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Virginia state Senator L. Louise Lucas was charged by federal authorities for leading a criminal group that bought and sold large amounts of marijuana and hid its profits. The charges say she used her political influence to protect the operation and put her own financial gain above her duties as a public official.
Key Facts
L. Louise Lucas is a Virginia state senator and a long-time Democratic politician.
She was charged Thursday with running a criminal enterprise involved in marijuana distribution.
The group also laundered, or cleaned, the money made from selling marijuana.
Prosecutors say Lucas used her political power to avoid investigation.
Six other people, including family members, were charged along with Lucas.
The U.S. Attorney General and FBI Director announced the charges in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lucas surrendered to authorities and was set to appear in federal court the same day.
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Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy released an attack ad featuring Donna Arthur, mother of Democratic candidate Amy Acton, accusing Acton of lying about her past. Acton’s campaign responded by highlighting her mother’s history of legal troubles and abuse allegations, noting that Acton was sexually abused by her late stepfather.
Key Facts
Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign created an ad showing Donna Arthur accusing her daughter Amy Acton of lying.
Amy Acton is the Democratic nominee for governor in Ohio and a former Ohio Department of Health director.
Acton and her mother have been estranged since 1978 after Acton accused her stepfather of sexually abusing her.
Donna Arthur stayed married to Acton’s stepfather, who was charged with raping Acton.
Acton’s campaign shared records of Donna Arthur’s history of legal issues and fraud allegations.
Court records show Donna Arthur was charged with animal neglect and theft by deception in the past.
Acton’s campaign said Ramaswamy’s ad was a smear and called use of her estranged mother “disgusting.”
Ramaswamy’s campaign defended the ad by accusing Acton of lying to the public.
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