1. US Midterm Early Voting Breaks Record
Over 51 million Americans voted early by Saturday, surpassing the entire 2022 early vote total. Texas alone passed 7 million. Control of Congress is at stake Tuesday with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats contested, as Republicans face a tighter race than expected.
2. Iran Threatens Unrestricted Retaliation
Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered an immediate, geographically unlimited response to any new US or Israeli attack. Donald Trump said the US could strike nuclear sites near Natanz in minutes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says no decision made yet as talks continue via Qatar.
3. Deadly Ebola Outbreak in DRC
Over 5,000 people have died and over 10,000 infected in the Democratic Republic of Congo's deadliest Ebola epidemic. Government data confirms the scale. An Ebola treatment center was reportedly set on fire, complicating response efforts amid insecurity and distrust.
4. Civilians Evacuated from Occupied Oleshky
At least 700 residents of Oleshky, a southern Ukrainian city occupied by Russia, were evacuated via Russia and Belarus and reunited with families. They had been deprived of food, water and electricity for years, ending long isolation on the front line.
5. Youth Cost-of-Living Protests Sweep Europe
Over 320,000 marched in France for a third day against living costs and public service cuts, with clashes reported. In Germany, tens of thousands protested in 30 cities under the 'Gen Z regelt' movement. Frankfurt saw looting, over 200 arrests, and shop damage.
6. FBI: North Korea Behind $6.3B Binance Hack
The FBI says North Korean hacker group TraderTraitor stole $6.3 billion from Binance, the largest crypto theft ever. Binance says it covered 90% of losses. The heist highlights state-backed cybercrime risks as crypto security remains vulnerable.
7. Judge Blocks Threats Against Election Workers
A federal judge in California blocked the Justice Department and Homeland Security from threatening election officials over voter eligibility claims. The restraining order by Judge Trina L. Thompson runs until Nov 16, requiring agencies to retract threat letters sent to states.
8. Health Insurance Premiums Soar Again
Open enrollment for 2027 HealthCare.gov plans opened Nov 1 with benchmark silver premiums up 13% on average after a 26% rise last year, per KFF. Shoppers have until Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage and must check individual prices, not averages.
9. Senegal Makes History with Youth Olympics
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games opened Oct 31 at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, the first Olympic event ever held on African soil. About 2,650 athletes from 204 nations plus the Refugee Team will compete until Nov 13 across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
10. UN Staff Dies in Houthi Detention in Yemen
The UN called for an investigation after a staff member died after over two years in Houthi detention in Yemen. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the death. The case raises alarm over treatment of detained humanitarian workers and aid operations in Houthi-controlled areas.
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