12: Intense fighting has resumed between Ethiopian forces and combatants in the northern Tigray region for the first time in 12 months. Addis Ababa says it has launched a “large-scale offensive” in response to regrouping efforts by the Tigray People's Liberation Front – a further blow for ongoing mediation efforts led by the African Union.
25: At least 25 people were killed, and dozens injured, on Wednesday in a Russian attack on a train station in central Ukraine. Prior to the attack, which took place on Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia might try “something particularly cruel” this week.
8: Brazilian police launched raids on eight premises linked to prominent supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro after leaked messages revealed their alleged support for a coup if the incumbent loses elections this fall. Many fear Jan. 6-style violence after the vote.
56: With primary races well underway ahead of US midterm elections this November, abortion access has significantly increased in significance for Americans, with 56% of registered voters saying it is “very important” to their vote. That’s up from 43% in March, before the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
55: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Albo) got a cheer when concertgoers in Sydney realized he was sitting amongst them at an indie-rock concert and chugging a beer. Three months into Albo’s new gig, Aussies don’t begrudge him the downtime: Albanese is polling at 55% as preferred PM, 38 points ahead of Liberal Party leader, Peter Dutton.1,170: The number of high-rise buildings in Kyiv that were left without heating following a barrage of Russian attacks last night on Ukraine’s capital and its energy facilities, per Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hold up signed documents regarding securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, at a bilateral meeting at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, October 28, 2025.
Representatives from the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, and others will meet in Washington this week to discuss a strategic alliance on critical minerals.
80,000: The number of people estimated to be in the streets of Czechia on Sunday to show their support for President Petr Pavel after he blocked the nomination of an environmental minister who performed the Nazi salute and posted Nazi memorabilia.
The US has started handing $1,000 to the bank accounts of newborn babies. But can policies like this one help boost sagging birthrates in advanced democracies?