Israel's President Hands Opposition Leader the Mandate to Govern

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has asked Gadi Eisenkot, a career general and the main rival of Benjamin Netanyahu, to form the next government. Neither side won enough support to command a majority, and Eisenkot has up to six weeks to build a coalition. Eisenkot has warned of a 'point of no return' for democracy.

Houthi Missile Strike Damages Saudi Aramco Tower in Riyadh

Saudi authorities said falling shrapnel from an attack by Yemen's Houthis damaged the Saudi Aramco tower in Riyadh's financial district. No one was reported hurt. Separately, the Houthis said at least 33 people were killed in a Saudi air strike, a claim Saudi Arabia has not commented on.

Iran Executes Three Men Over Early-Year Protests

Iran executed Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh on charges of armed unrest. Authorities allege the men took part in anti-government protests earlier this year.

Gunman Kills Nine in Shootings in Krakow and Another Town

Police say at least nine people were killed and at least 16 injured in shootings in Krakow, Poland, and a second town. The motive remains unclear. Two police officers have been hailed for preventing further deaths, and a colleague said a surgeon having lunch nearby undoubtedly saved one officer's life.

Hundreds of Thousands March in Amsterdam Against Israel

Hundreds of thousands of protesters joined Amsterdam's 'Red Line' demonstration. They are calling for stricter trade restrictions on Israel and a halt to all arms sales to the country.

Pope Leo Begins Latin America Tour in Uruguay and Argentina

Pope Leo drew tens of thousands to the main square in Florida, Uruguay, before travelling to Argentina. His visit comes three weeks after lung cancer surgery, and he is reported to be in 'pretty good health.' In Argentina, the Church is at odds with libertarian President Javier Milei, who holds opposing views on many issues.

Paraguay's President Removed After Bank Collapse

The Senate voted to impeach Paraguayan President Santiago Peña after the collapse of a state-affiliated bank left millions of people unable to access their money. Peña was removed from office and placed under house arrest, and he has since appeared before prosecutors. He has been charged.

Two Passenger Trains Collide Near Cairo

Two trains collided in al-Ayyat, Giza province, about 30 miles south of Cairo, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 100, officials said. The Egyptian president has ordered a prompt investigation. The crash is part of a long history of deadly rail accidents in Egypt despite billions of dollars spent modernizing the network.

South Africa's ANC Suffers Heavy Losses in Local Elections

The African National Congress lost ground heavily in local elections. The party, which is credited with overturning apartheid, is no longer the dominant force it once was in the country.

Delhi Turns to 'Green' Fireworks for Diwali Amid Pollution Concerns

India's top court ruled that only more environmentally friendly fireworks may be set off this weekend, citing air quality concerns in Delhi. Environmental activists, however, describe the approach as a 'green wash.' Millions across India are marking Diwali with lamps, fireworks and sweets.

India's 'Cockroach' Youth Movement Demands Accountability

The Cockroach Janta Party, a youth movement in India, is pressing for political accountability, employment and fair elections. The movement seeks to restore what it describes as a culture of accountability.

New Zealand Election Produces No Clear Winner

New Zealand's election has yielded no clear winner, and coalition talks are expected to take weeks. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will lead a caretaker government during the negotiations. The result follows a gloomy national mood, with voters deserting the major parties.

Chile's Atacama Desert Erupts in Its Biggest Floral Display in Decades

El Niño rains have transformed Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, into a sea of color. The bloom awakens a short-lived ecosystem of flowers and wildlife.

Latin American Banana Producers Seek Better Pay Amid Climate Shocks

Banana producers in Latin America are calling for better pay as extreme weather during this year's super El Niño event cuts production. High winds in parts of Colombia, one of the largest suppliers, are among the disruptions cited.

Physicists Use Electrical Noise to Probe a Superconductor Mystery

Researchers listened to electronic noise in a superconductor to determine whether electrons have paired up. The technique offers a way to test the pairing behavior that underpins superconductivity.

Genetics and Archaeology Trace the Bantu Expansion

Scientists are using genes and archaeology to reconstruct how Bantu speakers spread across much of Africa. The migration reshaped the continent's languages and populations.