Today's News Digest
A high-speed passenger train crash near Toledo, Spain, has killed at least 68 people, with the toll still rising. It is the country's second major train accident this year.
Middle East
Israel's Election Yields No Clear Winner
With 85% of ballots counted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud and its allies are set to win 53 of 120 Knesset seats, short of a majority. Both Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot have claimed confidence in forming the next government, and vote counting could take days.
Arab Parties Excluded From Opposition Coalition Talks
Arab parties posted a strong showing, but the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot has refused to ally with them. Balad's leader called the exclusion 'racist,' and a former Israeli diplomat described the refusal as 'reckless.'
New Elections Seen as a Possible Outcome
Analysts outlined four scenarios for breaking the deadlock, and the most likely may be a new round of elections.
Serbian Attacker Killed Outside Israeli Embassy
A knife-wielding attacker, a minor, was fatally shot outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade after attacking a police officer. Serbian authorities described it as a terrorist attack and said the attacker appeared to support the Islamic State.
Europe and Eurasia
Deadly Train Crash in Spain
A high-speed passenger train slammed into the rear of a stopped train south of Madrid, derailing two cars. At least 68 people have been killed, and the toll is rising. It is Spain's second major train accident this year.
Kremlin Excludes Europe From Next Ukraine Talks
Moscow said European countries will not take part in the next round of Ukraine talks. The comment came as the UK and the Netherlands pledged additional military support for Kyiv.
EU Proposes Associate Membership for Canada
At a Canada-EU summit, the EU proposed making Canada its first associate member, amid tensions over US tariffs.
Africa
Ebola Outbreak Passes 10,000 Infections
More than 10,000 people have been infected with Ebola since the outbreak was first declared in May. Africa CDC has called the outbreak 'unprecedented' and warned it could reach the UK without more funding for preparedness.
Nigeria Evacuates Ebola Patient
Nigeria evacuated an Ebola patient more than a week after the first case was reported in Africa's most populous nation. Key questions about how the infection occurred remain unanswered.
Sudan's Families Struggle Amid War and Inflation
Soaring food prices and shrinking incomes are forcing families in Khartoum to borrow money and skip meals, according to reporting from the Sudanese capital.
Ethiopia Receives Russian Fighter Jets
Ethiopia received 12 Russian Su-35 jets and plans to acquire S-400 air defense systems, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced during a Moscow summit. Ethiopia is fighting armed groups in the Tigray and Amhara regions.
Egypt Shuts Independent Outlet Mada Masr
An Egyptian court convicted editor Lina Attalah of managing an unlicensed website, fined her, and ordered the independent news outlet Mada Masr shut down. Press freedom groups warn of an escalating crackdown on independent media.
Tanzania Finds First Natural Gas in Over a Decade
Tanzania announced its first natural gas discovery in more than 10 years. The energy minister called it a 'major milestone' for the East African nation.
Americas
Bolsonaro Leaves Brazil After Election Loss
Flávio Bolsonaro, who lost Sunday's presidential runoff, fled Brazil via Argentina after police canceled his passport in connection with an investigation. He landed in Miami, where he left the airport under police escort without speaking to the press.
Mexico Battles Record Sargassum Seaweed Bloom
Mexico's Navy is fighting a massive sargassum bloom that dumps thousands of tons of seaweed daily onto Caribbean beaches. The government aims to protect the tourism-reliant economy.
Business and Economy
Bank of Canada Raises Rates for First Time in Three Years
The Bank of Canada raised its key rate by a quarter point as soaring energy prices pushed up inflation. It is the first increase since the central bank's last hike three years ago.
Cruise Voyage Halted by Fuel Costs
Rising fuel costs forced the Villa Vie Odyssey to suspend its round-the-world voyage in Cambodia, leaving passengers in temporary living arrangements. The ship set sail two years ago on a planned three-year journey to the seven continents.
Science and Environment
Sea Ice Loss Alters Antarctic Ocean Circulation
Antarctic waters are becoming saltier as sea-ice loss reshapes ocean circulation, a change that could have global consequences.
Technology
Apple Launches Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro
Apple announced a touchscreen MacBook Pro with an OLED display, the main feature of the new model. Its price has drawn attention.
Risks to Pacific Undersea Cables Grow
US-owned trans-Pacific undersea cables face growing risks from sabotage and from Chinese snooping around cable routes, according to reporting on the threat to Big Tech infrastructure.
Law and Human Rights
Tommy Robinson Found Guilty of Harassing Journalists
A UK court found anti-immigrant campaigner Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, guilty of harassing two journalists. He will be sentenced in December.
Kenya Protests Delay in Extradition Hearing
Kenyans expressed anger after the extradition hearing for an ex-British soldier accused of murdering a woman was postponed to May 2027. No official reason has been given, according to the family.
King Charles to Address Slavery Legacy at Commonwealth Summit
King Charles confirmed he will discuss the legacy of slavery with Commonwealth leaders during his Caribbean tour. A poll suggests a majority of younger Britons support dialogue on slavery reparations.