01
Must Know
Hong Kong court gives jailed activist Joshua Wong 10 more years for foreign collusion
A Hong Kong court sentenced democracy activist Joshua Wong, 30, to 10 years in prison on Thursday for colluding with foreign entities under the national security law. He pleaded guilty in September. It is his second conviction under the law, and the Financial Times says it pushes his expected release date to 2036.
Why it mattersThe sentence is added to a term Wong is already serving, so a plea of guilty did not spare him a decade more behind bars, which sets a benchmark for others charged under the security law.
How reporting variesSCMP Asia: Frames the case by the charge: Wong's role in a global campaign to instigate sanctions against mainland China and Hong Kong.
6 reports · 6 outlets · 3 left · 3 center
Lean left
- CBC News — Backs: Wong sentenced to 10 more years for foreign collusion; Wong is 30 and pleaded guilty in September; Second conviction under the national security law
- SCMP Asia — Backs: Wong sentenced to 10 more years for foreign collusion; Wong is 30 and pleaded guilty in September
- Al Jazeera — Backs: Wong sentenced to 10 more years for foreign collusion; Wong is 30 and pleaded guilty in September; Second conviction under the national security law; Sentence added to term Wong is already serving
Centre
- France 24 — Backs: Wong sentenced to 10 more years for foreign collusion; Wong is 30 and pleaded guilty in September; Second conviction under the national security law; Sentence added to term Wong is already serving
- Financial Times — Backs: Wong sentenced to 10 more years for foreign collusion; Second conviction under the national security law; FT says release date pushed to 2036; Sentence added to term Wong is already serving
- BBC World — Backs: Wong sentenced to 10 more years for foreign collusion; Wong is 30 and pleaded guilty in September; Second conviction under the national security law; Sentence added to term Wong is already serving
Trump's midterm loss gives China short-term leverage in trade talks, analysts say
Democrats' win of Congress may make Trump more wary of upsetting the trade truce with Beijing, Reuters analysts say, which could strengthen China's hand in talks set to resume later this month. Trump is due to meet Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Shenzhen later this month, and again in Miami in December for the G20. The truce expires in January. Separately, China says US farm purchases hinge on a deal to cut tariffs, and Chinese cleantech stocks rose as investors bet on a US policy shift.
Why it mattersBeijing may read Trump's weakness as a reason to press harder for tariff cuts, but analysts warn that a miscalculation could upset the very stability Xi wants before the truce expires in January.
How reporting variesReuters: Says Beijing is unlikely to revel in Trump's setback, since his successor could be less accommodating, and that a Democratic Congress may push him to unfreeze Taiwan arms sales.
1 report · 2 outlets · 1 center
Centre
- Reuters · wire — Backs: Trump to meet Xi at APEC Shenzhen, then Miami G20 in December; Truce expires in January; China says US farm purchases hinge on tariff-cut deal; Chinese cleantech stocks rose on US policy shift bets; Analysts warn of miscalculation that unsettles stability Xi wants
- Republished by Al-Monitor · Lean left
Herzog starts talks on Israel's next government as Raam backs Eisenkot and UTJ drops Netanyahu
Ongoing · day 11 ↗
President Herzog has begun consultations to decide whether Netanyahu or Gadi Eisenkot gets the first chance to form a governing coalition. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot could receive the mandate to form a government before Netanyahu does, according to reports on the consultations. United Torah Judaism has withdrawn its support from Netanyahu, which had backed him after the previous five elections, as a rival is tipped to form the government.
Why it mattersNetanyahu's religious allies have backed him in every recent election, so losing United Torah Judaism's support removes a bloc he has relied on, while Raam's backing of Eisenkot gives his main rival a possible, though contested, route to forming a government.
How reporting variesBBC World: Stresses Herzog's warning that "not every commitment and promise can be fulfilled" if politicians want to avoid another election.
Globe and Mail: Frames Herzog's acceptance of the certified results as a blow to Netanyahu's effort to discredit the vote.
France 24: Reports Netanyahu's claim of foreign spending to sway the election.
7 reports · 7 outlets · 3 left · 2 center · 2 right
Lean left
- CBC News — Backs: Herzog begins consultations on forming next government; Two days of consultations with party leaders; Herzog accepted certified election results
- Der Spiegel — Backs: Herzog begins consultations on forming next government; Raam backs Eisenkot; Two days of consultations with party leaders; Herzog accepted certified election results; Der Spiegel reports Raam backs ex-military chief Eisenkot; Eisenkot could be tasked before Netanyahu; Raam backing gives Eisenkot contested route to government
- NYT World — Backs: Herzog begins consultations on forming next government; Two days of consultations with party leaders
Centre
- BBC World — Backs: Herzog begins consultations on forming next government; Two days of consultations with party leaders; Herzog accepted certified election results
- France 24 — Backs: Herzog accepted certified election results; Netanyahu cited 'serious suspicions' of foreign spending to sway vote
Lean right
- Globe and Mail — Backs: Herzog begins consultations on forming next government; Two days of consultations with party leaders; Herzog accepted certified election results; UTJ and religious allies have backed Netanyahu in recent elections
- Straits Times — Backs: Herzog begins consultations on forming next government; United Torah Judaism declines to recommend Netanyahu; Two days of consultations with party leaders; Eisenkot could be tasked before Netanyahu; Straits Times: UTJ backed Netanyahu after previous five elections, no longer supports him; UTJ and religious allies have backed Netanyahu in recent elections
02
Should Know
Death toll from Russian bombing of Zaporizhzhia aid centre rises to 42, as Ukraine releases bodycam video
Police said Thursday that 42 people died in Monday's Russian bombing of an aid distribution point in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. Ukraine's national police released bodycam footage it says shows residents heading into a shelter in Kamyshuvakha village after a first strike, then the shelter being hit seconds later. President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 30 people may still be under the rubble, and that nine aerial bombs hit the village. Russia has not publicly commented, according to the BBC.
3 reports · 3 outlets · 2 center · 1 right
Centre
- BBC World — Backs: Bodycam shows residents entering shelter, then shelter hit seconds later; Zelensky: more than 30 under rubble, nine aerial bombs; Russia has not publicly commented, per BBC
- Reuters · wire
Lean right
- Straits Times — Backs: Death toll rises to 42; Bodycam shows residents entering shelter, then shelter hit seconds later; Zelensky: more than 30 under rubble, nine aerial bombs
Bank of England poised to raise interest rates for first time in three years
Ongoing · day 2 ↗
The Bank of England is poised to raise interest rates for the first time in three years, according to Reuters. Doctors in England have launched a primary-care trial of blood tests aimed at spotting cancer early, according to Reuters.
1 report · 1 outlet · 1 center
Centre
- Reuters · wire — Backs: BoE poised to hike rates for first time in 3 years
France strikes and marches under way, with 70,000 police deployed to avoid a repeat of Oct. 17 riots
Ongoing · day 3 ↗
Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to march through French cities on Thursday as public workers strike, in a fresh test for President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of unrest. Hospital workers, air traffic controllers and rail staff are expected to join the Thursday strikes over education and rising living costs. Trade unions are urging the government to support households struggling with rising living costs ahead of Thursday's nationwide protests.
4 reports · 4 outlets · 1 left · 2 center · 1 right
Centre
- Daily Maverick — Backs: 70,000 police deployed; 500,000 to 700,000 marchers outside Paris expected; 17.5% of primary teachers expected to strike; Nuclear output cut by 2.4 gigawatts; Oct. 17 riots caught security forces off guard
- France 24 — Backs: 70,000 police deployed; 500,000 to 700,000 marchers outside Paris expected; 17.5% of primary teachers expected to strike; Oct. 17 riots caught security forces off guard
Lean right
- Straits Times — Backs: 70,000 police deployed; 500,000 to 700,000 marchers outside Paris expected; 17.5% of primary teachers expected to strike; Oct. 17 riots caught security forces off guard
Canada presents budget to cut reliance on US, a day after China extends tariff relief on canola and seafood
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government presents its budget on Nov. 5, built around diversifying trade and backing energy and critical-mineral projects, with aid for workers hit by US tariffs. Ministers said the aim holds despite Republican midterm losses, and trade minister Dominic LeBlanc noted tariff talks will be with Trump's White House, not Congress. On Wednesday Ottawa said China will extend its tariff pause on Canadian canola meal, peas, lobster and crab to the end of 2028; it had been due to lapse at the end of 2026.
3 reports · 3 outlets · 2 left · 1 right
Lean left
- SCMP World — Backs: LeBlanc: tariff talks with White House, not Congress
- CBC News — Backs: China tariff pause extended to end of 2028 on canola meal, peas, lobster, crab; Pause was due to lapse at end of 2026
Lean right
- Straits Times — Backs: Budget presented Nov. 5 to diversify trade; LeBlanc: tariff talks with White House, not Congress
US sanctions Indian network and Turkish firm for aiding Iran, a day after Democrats win Congress
The US Treasury on Wednesday sanctioned India-based Suniel Kumar Sharma, his wife Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, two other Indian citizens and nine linked entities. Treasury says they sold false flags and fake certifications to vessels carrying Iranian oil. It also sanctioned Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc for supporting Iran's aviation sector. The moves are part of "Operation Economic Outcast", which aims to cut Iran's oil income, and came a day after Democrats won both houses of Congress. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US would keep targeting anyone who supports Tehran; India had not commented.
1 report · 3 outlets · 1 center
Centre
- Reuters · wire — Backs: Sharma, wife Shahid, two other Indians and nine entities sanctioned; Fugo Ground Services sanctioned for supporting Iran aviation; Operation Economic Outcast; Bessent said US would keep targeting Iran supporters; India had not commented
- Al-Monitor · Lean left
- Daily Maverick · Centre
- Straits Times · Lean right
China indicts ex-Politburo member Ma Xingrui for bribery
Prosecutors have indicted Ma Xingrui, a former Politburo member and Xinjiang Communist Party chief, on bribery charges, Chinese state media reported on Thursday. The charges reportedly date back to the late 1990s, and the case was filed at the Yichang Intermediate People's Court, according to CCTV. Ma, 67, is the fourth Politburo member to face corruption charges since Xi Jinping came to power in late 2012.
2 reports · 2 outlets · 1 left · 1 center
Lean left
- SCMP China — Backs: Charges date to late 1990s; Yichang Intermediate People's Court per CCTV; Ma, 67, is the fourth Politburo member charged since 2012
Hackers possibly tied to Russian intelligence used patched iOS and Android flaws in website attacks
Researchers said Wednesday that hackers exploited previously patched iOS and Android flaws to infect visitors of multiple websites. They assessed with "moderate to high confidence" that the group was part of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service. Targets included a spoofed site for the America 250 group and a spoofed site for a London luxury hotel near 10 Downing Street, where Ukraine's president reportedly stayed on Oct. 14. Payloads tried to steal browser cookies and, in some cases, Wi-Fi passwords and full device data, according to security firm Sekoia.
1 report · 1 outlet · 1 center
Centre
- Ars Technica — Backs: Moderate to high confidence of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service; Spoofed America 250 site and London luxury hotel site; Zelensky reportedly stayed at the hotel on Oct. 14; Payloads stole cookies, Wi-Fi passwords, device data; Sekoia
Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria show outbreak is unchecked, The Economist says
New Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria show the outbreak is unchecked, according to The Economist, which says it could be the worst ever.
1 report · 1 outlet · 1 center
Centre
- Economist Middle East & Africa — Backs: New Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria show outbreak unchecked; Economist says it could be the worst ever
ANC support falls sharply in early South Africa municipal results
Early results from South Africa's municipal elections on Thursday showed the governing African National Congress with a sharply reduced vote share, according to Reuters. The Financial Times said the early count suggests a huge drop from 2021, and the Globe and Mail said the party is expected to slide deeper into minority status. A record 29.2 million people registered, and Daily Maverick reported that more than 100 municipalities could end up under coalitions.
5 reports · 6 outlets · 1 left · 3 center · 1 right
Lean left
- Al Jazeera — Backs: Record 29.2 million registered
Centre
- Reuters · wire — Backs: Reuters: ANC sharply reduced vote share in early results; FT: huge drop from 2021
- Republished by Straits Times · Lean right
- Financial Times — Backs: Reuters: ANC sharply reduced vote share in early results; FT: huge drop from 2021
- Daily Maverick — Backs: More than 100 municipalities could be under coalitions
Lean right
- Globe and Mail — Backs: Reuters: ANC sharply reduced vote share in early results; FT: huge drop from 2021; Globe and Mail: ANC expected to slide deeper into minority status
New Zealand votes Saturday in a tight election, with minor parties likely to decide the next government
Polls show the governing National Party under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and the opposition Labour Party under Chris Hipkins neck and neck, and neither is on course to win enough seats to govern alone. The election is on November 7 under a proportional system in which a majority usually means 61 of 120 seats. Smaller parties, including the centrist Opportunity party, could be kingmakers as voters show dissatisfaction with the economy.
4 reports · 4 outlets · 3 left · 1 center
Lean left
- Al Jazeera — Backs: Election on November 7; National and Labour neck and neck; Majority usually 61 of 120 seats; Dissatisfaction with the economy
- NYT World — Backs: Dissatisfaction with the economy
- The Guardian — Backs: Election on November 7; National and Labour neck and neck; Opportunity party could be kingmaker
Syria and Saudi Arabia sign defence deal and $403m in loans as Houthi attacks continue
Ongoing · day 2 ↗
Syria and Saudi Arabia signed a defence cooperation deal and agreed $403 million in loans, as Syrian President al-Sharaa visited Riyadh for the second time in less than a month. Saudi Arabia and Syria signed a cooperation agreement between their defence ministries on November 4, according to Saudi state news agency SPA, as Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis continue their attacks. Turkey's parliament is set to ratify a defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan as Houthi attacks mount, according to Reuters.
2 reports · 4 outlets · 1 left · 1 center
Lean left
- Al Jazeera — Backs: Defence agreement signed Wednesday during al-Sharaa's second visit in under a month; No terms disclosed; Over $403m concessional loans covering health, housing, civil defence, power, water; Syria weighing joining Mecca defence pact
Centre
- Reuters · wire — Backs: Defence agreement signed Wednesday during al-Sharaa's second visit in under a month; No terms disclosed; Over $403m concessional loans covering health, housing, civil defence, power, water; Turkey's parliament set to ratify pact
- Republished by Al-Monitor · Lean left
- Republished by Straits Times · Lean right
Bomb threat diverts Dublin-Rome Aer Lingus flight to French airbase as more European flights are targeted
An Airbus A320 flying from Dublin to Rome landed safely at France's Evreux airbase on Thursday after a bomb threat, the French prime minister's office said. It said 151 passengers and six crew were moved to safety and a bomb squad was in place. Other flights were also reported threatened, including a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome and a Wizz Air flight from Milan to Warsaw diverted to Vienna, and three aircraft reportedly sought emergency landings in Bulgaria. No one has claimed responsibility. Earlier threats this week, which turned out to be hoaxes, also forced diversions.
6 reports · 6 outlets · 3 left · 2 center · 1 right
Lean left
- Al Jazeera — Backs: A320 landed safely at Evreux; 151 passengers and six crew moved to safety; Three aircraft sought emergency landings in Bulgaria; No one claimed responsibility
- Deutsche Welle — Backs: A320 landed safely at Evreux; 151 passengers and six crew moved to safety; Finnair Helsinki-Rome and Wizz Air Milan-Warsaw to Vienna threatened; Three aircraft sought emergency landings in Bulgaria; Earlier threats this week were hoaxes
- Le Monde — Backs: A320 landed safely at Evreux; 151 passengers and six crew moved to safety; Finnair Helsinki-Rome and Wizz Air Milan-Warsaw to Vienna threatened
Centre
- France 24 — Backs: A320 landed safely at Evreux; 151 passengers and six crew moved to safety; Finnair Helsinki-Rome and Wizz Air Milan-Warsaw to Vienna threatened; Three aircraft sought emergency landings in Bulgaria; Earlier threats this week were hoaxes
- Financial Times
Lean right
- Straits Times — Backs: A320 landed safely at Evreux; 151 passengers and six crew moved to safety; Finnair Helsinki-Rome and Wizz Air Milan-Warsaw to Vienna threatened; Three aircraft sought emergency landings in Bulgaria