Today's News Digest
Voting is underway in Israel's national election, with more than seven million eligible voters expected at the polls, as the outcome is seen as shaping the country's direction for years. Accountability for the government's handling of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks is a central issue.
World
Lula Wins Brazil's Presidential Runoff
Incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the second round, winning a fourth term. Bolsonaro's party has accepted the result, but Bolsonaro has not conceded.
Defeated Candidate Barred From Leaving Brazil
Flávio Bolsonaro reportedly left Brazil for the United States after missing a deadline to surrender his passport. Brazilian authorities have cancelled his passports, and he is under investigation for alleged money laundering.
Israel Holds Election Over Oct. 7 Accountability
Voting has begun in Israel, with over seven million eligible voters expected to cast ballots. Questions of accountability for government failures in the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023 loom over the election, while Arab parties accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of inciting hatred to scare voters.
Protesters Storm Pro-Government TV Station in Serbia
Supporters of the opposition movement that won Sunday's election stormed the offices of a pro-government tabloid in Serbia. President Vucic called the incident an attack on free speech and the freedom of journalism.
Egyptian Court Orders Independent Outlet Closed
A judge in Egypt ordered the news site Mada Masr closed for operating without a license and detained its editor in chief, Lina Attalah. Amnesty International called the verdict a crushing blow to press freedom.
South Africa Deploys Soldiers Over Anti-Immigrant Violence
South Africa has deployed 500 soldiers to quell anti-immigration violence. The deployment follows the beating death of a foreign national by a mob during an anti-immigrant protest last week.
Norway and Finland Leaders Call Putin on Ukraine
The leaders of Norway and Finland held a rare call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Finland's President Alexander Stubb said an end to the conflict in Ukraine "will not be achieved through silence."
Ceasefire in Oleshky to Allow Aid and Evacuations
A truce has begun in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, where residents had eaten weeds to survive. The ceasefire, which the White House said was secured by US First Lady Melania Trump, is intended to let aid reach the city and civilians leave.
Spain Deports Migrants From Ceuta
Spain deported migrants from the Spanish territory of Ceuta, the first such deportation since a mass border crossing from Morocco in July. Rights groups criticised the move.
US Strikes Alleged Drug Vessel in Eastern Pacific
The US military said an airstrike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific killed five people. The strike was one of more than 70 such attacks since the campaign began.
Fire Forces Evacuation of Seoul's Last Shanty Town
A fire tore through Guryong Village, the last shanty town in Seoul. More than 100 people were evacuated.
Technology
Ford's $30K Fathom Pickup Powers Homes Without Extra Inverter
Ford's Fathom electric pickup, priced at $30,000, can output 10 kW to a home without a wall-mounted inverter. The design simplifies using an EV as a home battery.
Apple Reports Some iPhone Duo Screens Failing
Apple says a "small number" of iPhone Duo screens are failing, with the foldable phone's hinge apparently damaging some displays. The company's first foldable phone is priced at around $2,000, according to a review.
DeepMind Unveils Genie 4 World Model
Google DeepMind unveiled Genie 4, a world model promising more realistic physics and humans. It will roll out to developers and Google AI Ultra subscribers soon.
Science & Environment
Scotland's Recycling Rate Hits Five-Year Low
Scottish households recycled 42.8% of waste in 2025, down from 44.3% the previous year, according to environmental regulator Sepa. It is the lowest level in five years.
Northern Ireland Protected Sites Fall Short on Nature
About 40% of plants and animals in protected sites across Northern Ireland fall short of the standard for "favourable condition." A new strategy aims to address the shortfall.
Nairobi's Green Army Prepares for El Niño Floods
In Nairobi, a city prone to floods, workers in the "Green Army" are preparing to prevent disaster as El Niño arrives.
Nanotyrannus Skeleton Sells for $47.3 Million
A rare Nanotyrannus skeleton sold for $47.3 million at a New York auction. The sale has renewed debate in the scientific community over whether dinosaur remains should end up in private hands or public view.
NASA's Artemis III Tests Systems for 2028 Moon Landing
NASA's Artemis III mission will test systems needed for the planned Artemis IV Moon landing in 2028.
Notable quotes
will not be achieved through silence — Alexander Stubb, President of Finland
a crushing blow to press freedom — Amnesty International