Paraguay's Senate removed President Santiago Peña and he was placed under house arrest after the collapse of Ueno Bank. In Washington, Trump named Stephen Miller as chief of staff after his party lost Congress. Attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz continued, and the US offered a $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear program. A Kenyan court sentenced cult leader Paul Mackenzie to 200 years for the deaths of 190 children.
World mood: Uneasy · 104 stories from 878 headlines
Paraguay's Senate removed President Santiago Peña on Friday over the collapse of Ueno Bank. Vice President Pedro Alliana was sworn in soon after. Prosecutors ordered Peña held at home on suspicion of breach of trust and influence peddling. The vote was unanimous in the Senate. Reports say the bank's failure left about 60% of people unable to reach their accounts. Alliana promised to compensate savers. Brazil's President Lula wished him full success.
Why it matters: Millions of Paraguayans cannot reach their savings, and the country has changed its leader in the middle of a banking crisis.
Ueno was a digital bank that grew fast and counted about half of Paraguayans as customers. Authorities took control of it earlier this week. Peña had offered to resign, but lawmakers pressed ahead with impeachment.
President Trump announced that Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff. Wiles will move to a political role. Miller is a longtime adviser known for his hardline immigration policies. Democrats criticized the choice, and Senator Chuck Schumer said Trump learned nothing from the election. Marjorie Taylor Greene warned the shake-up would hurt Republicans in 2028.
Why it matters: The top White House staff job shapes how the administration deals with a Congress now controlled by Democrats.
Democrats won both houses of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections. Miller has been a close Trump aide since 2016. Wiles was the first woman to hold the chief of staff job.
Attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz continued. UKMTO, a maritime monitor, reported 11 ships attacked in the week to Nov 4. A sailor was killed when the Greek-owned tanker Velos Sapphire was hit. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said two tankers caught fire. Iranian media said two missiles hit Qeshm Island, and Iran's army said it shot down a US MQ-9 drone. Oil prices rebounded slightly.
Why it matters: Disrupted shipping through Hormuz raises freight and fuel costs worldwide.
The US and Iran have been at war since late February. A ceasefire was agreed earlier but has frayed. The strait normally carries a large share of the world's oil.
US Central Command offered $20 million and possible relocation for information on Iran's nuclear program. Qatar denied reports that talks had failed and said they continue. Trump said talks were going very well and that a decision on new strikes would come soon. Iran is reviewing proposals for a bridge deal, officials said. Axios reported Vice President Vance has led indirect talks.
Why it matters: A deal or new strikes would decide oil prices and security across the Gulf.
The US and Iran have been in conflict since February. Qatar has acted as a mediator. Nuclear inspections are a main sticking point.
Tech shares fell sharply worldwide after Democrats won Congress. Investors fear tougher scrutiny of data centers and AI. The S&P 500 fell 4.4% on Thursday, its worst day since April 2025. Japan's Nikkei dropped almost 6% on the day shown. US tech shares recovered somewhat on Friday, and the Nasdaq rose more than 1%.
Why it matters: Falling tech shares hit retirement savings and could slow spending on AI and data centers.
AI companies have driven much of the stock market's gains. Their shares were already under pressure from high interest rates and heavy spending.
Russia launched missiles at Kyiv early Saturday, damaging a residential building, the mayor said. The air force counted at least six ballistic missiles. Ukrainian, Russian and US delegations are due to meet in Abu Dhabi on Nov 10-11. Trump said progress is being made. European leaders insist Putin end the war before discussing Russia's concerns.
Why it matters: Talks and attacks continue together, affecting Ukraine's civilians and European security.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The last three-way talks were in February.
Democrats won the House and Senate in Tuesday's midterms. Republicans are disputing who is responsible. Houston's mayor limited police cooperation with ICE after Texas Governor Abbott lost. Several senior Justice Department officials resigned.
Why it matters: A Democratic Congress can check President Trump's policies from January.
The midterms elect all House seats and a third of the Senate.
The attack on an aid center in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region has now killed 50 people. Rescue teams are still searching the rubble for about 30 missing people.
Why it matters: Strikes on civilian aid sites make it harder to deliver help to people near the front line.
Russia's war on Ukraine is in its fifth year. Zaporizhzhia region is partly occupied.
A Kenyan court sentenced Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for the murder of 190 children and one adult. He ordered followers to starve themselves to meet Jesus. More than 20 co-accused were also sentenced. Reactions were mixed, with some calling the term fair and others saying it was not enough.
Why it matters: The sentence ends one of Kenya's worst mass-death cases.
Mackenzie led the Good News International Church. Bodies were found in the Shakahola forest from 2023.
More hoax bomb threats disrupted flights across Europe and forced some Irish media outlets to evacuate. At least 18 to 20 flights were affected in a day. Spain and Ireland call it a coordinated campaign. No explosives were found and no group is confirmed. A Russian extremist group denied sending the threats.
Why it matters: Repeated diversions disrupt travel and strain airports ahead of two European summits in Dublin.
Hoax threats have targeted airlines for about a week. Investigators have not publicly named those behind them.
Trump said he may need to destroy the rest of Iran, though he would prefer not to. He said a decision on new strikes is coming. Some advisers told him his chances of resuming combat are shrinking, NBC reported. Iraq's government reportedly authorized commanders to respond to militia violations.
Why it matters: New strikes could send oil prices higher and widen the war.
The war began Feb 28. Trump had predicted it would end after the election.
President Isaac Herzog is expected to name a candidate to form a government on Sunday. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is seen as the frontrunner. Arab-led parties hold 19 seats and their backing is key. Avigdor Liberman said the opposition should compromise on the ultra-Orthodox draft to avoid new elections.
Why it matters: The outcome decides whether Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power after the Oct 27 election.
Neither bloc won a clear majority on Oct 27. Netanyahu has led Israel for most of the past two decades.
The Bank of England raised interest rates to 4%, its first rise since 2023. Mortgages, credit cards and loans may cost more for millions. One homeowner told the BBC her mortgage would rise by £200.
Why it matters: Higher rates raise borrowing costs for UK households and businesses.
The bank sets rates to control inflation. Energy prices have risen since the Gulf war began.
India's Sensex rose 4.82% while markets heavy in AI stocks fell. Investors see India as a hedge against an AI sell-off. India's Nifty 50 has gained nearly 9% in a month.
Why it matters: Money moving to India shows how investors are shifting away from AI-linked markets.
Indian markets have less exposure to AI companies than the US, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Oil prices fell sharply over the week as investors weighed a possible diplomatic deal against attack risks. US crude lost about 11% from its opening level. Rapidan Energy said renewed tension could push prices above $100.
Why it matters: Lower oil prices ease fuel costs, but the gains could reverse quickly.
Traders are pricing in peace even though attacks on ships continue.
Elon Musk said Tesla will wind down Cybertruck production in Texas by mid-2027. The factory space will go to the Cybercab, a driverless taxi. Tesla and SpaceX together lost more than $420 billion in market value after the midterms.
Why it matters: Tesla is shifting from a niche pickup to autonomous taxis.
The Cybertruck drew a following but never reached mass sales.
Pope Leo XIV began a 12-day trip in Uruguay, weeks after lung cancer surgery. He told about 30,000 people that healthcare should be accessible to everyone. He praised Mercosur and spoke on abortion and euthanasia. He will also visit Argentina and Peru.
Why it matters: The trip is closely watched as the pope returns to the region where he served as a missionary.
Leo XIV spent two decades as a missionary in Peru. Uruguay is the least Catholic country in the region.
The CDC reported more than 5,000 measles cases this year. This is the highest number since 1991. Children and teenagers are almost 60% of cases. Nearly all infected people were unvaccinated.
Why it matters: Falling vaccination leaves communities exposed to preventable disease.
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000.
Partial results showed South Africa's ANC on about 32% of the national vote. That is almost 14 points below 2021. It would be the party's worst result.
Why it matters: It signals shifting support in Africa's most industrialized economy.
A Tanzanian court cleared Tundu Lissu of treason but sentenced him to four years for inciting unrest. He has been detained since April last year. He says the charges are politically motivated.
Why it matters: The verdict removes a leading opposition figure from politics.
A Nigerian court ruled that Atiku Abubakar cannot stand as the ADC candidate. It found the party's leadership was improperly formed. The decision comes months before the election.
Why it matters: The ruling leaves Nigeria's opposition unsettled before the vote.
Somalia's Supreme Court ruled the one-year term extension unlawful. It said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term expired on May 15. It ordered elections within 90 days.
Why it matters: The ruling puts the country's planned elections in doubt.
Armed men killed at least 33 people in villages in North Kivu, an area hit by Ebola. Locals blame the ADF group, which pledged allegiance to ISIL in 2019.
Why it matters: Violence hampers health work in an Ebola-affected region.
The ADF has attacked villages in eastern Congo for years.
Hundreds of thousands joined strikes over wages and school funding. More demonstrations are announced for Saturday. About ten injured protesters plan to sue the interior minister over police brutality.
Why it matters: The unrest raises pressure on France's finances.
Unions, students and teachers have protested for weeks.
The European Commission preliminarily found TikTok's For You feed can be harmful. It said the algorithm leads users into rabbit holes. TikTok faces fines if it does not change.
Why it matters: It could change how social apps are designed for young users in Europe.
The EU's Digital Services Act regulates large platforms.
The EU prosecutor's office is investigating possible subsidy fraud tied to EU funds for upgrading the rail line. The crash killed 69 people. Probes cover the rail administrator, safety agency and state auditors.
Why it matters: It examines whether EU money meant for safety was misused.
A London jury found Russell Brand guilty of rape and three sexual assaults. Police believe he may have attacked at least 10 other women. He faces sentencing on Nov 9.
Why it matters: More victims may come forward.
The case followed investigations by the Sunday Times.
Au Kam San, a former Macau lawmaker, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in the city's first national security case. Hong Kong added 10 years to Joshua Wong's sentence. Canada and nine other countries called for an end to unjust prosecutions.
Why it matters: It marks further limits on political dissent in Macau and Hong Kong.
Relations remain tense a year after Prime Minister Takaichi's Taiwan remarks. Japan's business community is trying to ease tensions. Beijing reportedly asked Japan to follow Shinzo Abe's conciliatory line; Takaichi did not accept.
Why it matters: Trade and diplomatic ties between Asia's two largest economies remain strained.
A wiretapping case involving senior government members has spread. Thousands of military personnel were mobilized this week, fueling speculation of a rift between Prabowo and Joko Widodo.
Why it matters: It points to tensions at the top of Southeast Asia's largest economy.
A strike on a market in Taiz killed about 30 people. The Houthis and the Yemeni government blame each other. Houthis are also issuing Red Sea passage permits by email, reports say.
Why it matters: Civilians are killed while the Red Sea route stays unsafe.
Settlers beat a Palestinian man unconscious in an overnight attack. Israel closed Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinians for a Jewish holiday. Rights monitors counted 20 attacks on olive harvesters in a day.
Why it matters: Violence continues in occupied territory.
Israeli settlements are widely seen as illegal under international law; Israel disputes this.
The UN said about 15.4 million displaced people need emergency shelter and household items. Funding is scarce. The UN also warned of drone strikes in Abyei.
Parliament approved searches of homes of people with expulsion orders. Critics compare it to US ICE tactics. The king also refused the prime minister's resignation.
Why it matters: It widens enforcement powers in Belgium.
The UN refugee agency for Palestinians, Unrwa, said 18 of its emergency shelters need urgent attention before winter. Displaced Gazans are building seawalls from old cooking pots and wind turbines from rubble. Israeli strikes killed three people at a refugee camp.
Why it matters: Hundreds of thousands of displaced people face cold and flooding without secure shelter.
Much of Gaza has been destroyed in the war with Israel, and most residents are displaced.
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two Houthi missiles fired at Najran. The Houthi-run authorities said Saudi attacks across Yemen killed nine civilians, including three children. Yemen's government sacked ministers and officers after Houthi gains.
Why it matters: Renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis threatens civilians and flights across the region.
Yemen's civil war has divided the country between the Houthis and a UN-recognized government.
Turkey's parliament approved the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on Thursday. It joins Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in a military alliance. The opposition objected. Ratification clears the way for military support to Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters: The pact creates a three-nation defense alliance across the Middle East and South Asia.
The agreement was signed in Mecca by the three governments earlier this year.
A Turkish court jailed Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, a former minister and deputy chair of the ruling AK Party, in a probe into stock price manipulation. She is accused of profiting from shares just before a market fall. Reports say about half a million small investors lost money. President Erdoğan said people he did not expect were involved.
Why it matters: The scandal has hit small investors and put pressure on Turkey's governing party.
Prosecutors have charged her with breaking capital markets law and belonging to a criminal group.
Rescuers recovered six more bodies from a collapsed building in Eastleigh, Nairobi. In Mombasa, the High Court is due to sentence preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 others over 191 deaths at Shakahola.
Why it matters: The cases test Kenya's building safety rules and its handling of deadly religious groups.
Shakahola victims were followers who starved themselves, according to prosecutors.
Deadly fighting between armed forces in southern Ethiopia has driven tens of thousands of people into Kenya. They do not know when they can return home.
Why it matters: The influx strains aid supplies in northern Kenya.
Ethiopia has faced several armed conflicts in recent years.
Drone strikes killed at least 30 people in the disputed Abyei area last month, the UN peacekeeping chief said. He called it a new and concerning dimension for security there.
Why it matters: Drones extend the reach of Sudan's war to areas where UN peacekeepers operate.
The National Assembly passed a bill creating a special counsel for alleged fabricated indictments. The ruling Democratic Party led the vote. The opposition said it amounts to canceling the president's prosecution. A review committee also approved a nuclear-powered submarine plan, and Seoul stocks fell for a second day.
Why it matters: The vote deepens a political divide in a country that also faces a market slump.
South Korea's parties have clashed over past prosecutions of political leaders.
Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan analysts say the oil market is moving back toward oversupply. High prices are cutting demand. Brent and WTI have lost about 12% this week. Rapidan Energy warned renewed US-Iran tension could still push prices above $100.
Why it matters: Lower oil prices would ease fuel costs, but war risk keeps prices volatile.
Oil climbed after the Iran war disrupted shipping.
Turkey's energy minister said imports of Turkmenistan gas through Iran have stopped under US pressure. Adnoc signed a new LNG supply deal with India's Gujarat Energy.
Why it matters: The halt removes one gas supply route and adds to pressure on Iran.
The US has pressed countries to cut energy trade with Iran.
Ronaldo, 41, announced he is retiring from the Portugal team after 23 years. He scored 146 goals for his country and won a European title. His announcement video passed half a billion views in under a day.
Why it matters: It ends the national career of the men's all-time top international scorer.
Federal agents arrested Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, near Tampa on a charge of possessing child sexual abuse material. A judge released him on house arrest.
Why it matters: A federal criminal case now involves a member of the royal family's extended circle.
A police officer was killed and another injured in a stabbing outside the Sri Lankan embassy. The suspect was arrested. The event is described as a terrorist attack.
Why it matters: It raises security concerns for diplomatic sites in Jordan.
Protesters broke into a construction site for a Microsoft data center in Amsterdam. Greenpeace unfurled a banner at a Swiss site. Groups cite power and water use.
Why it matters: Backlash could slow AI build-out in Europe.
Researchers reported evidence of an extremely rare particle decay. Separately, scientists said Chinese space station experiments hit record low temperatures.
Why it matters: Such results test physics theories.
NASA's Swift Observatory re-entered the atmosphere over Indonesia after nearly 22 years. Scientists also reported traces of blood in 115-million-year-old dinosaur bones.
Why it matters: Swift studied violent cosmic explosions for two decades.
Andy Burnham announced employers will have to put pay on job adverts. Campaigners say it will help young people and women get equal pay. An energy minister also told suppliers to do more on unpaid bills this winter.
Why it matters: Pay transparency can narrow pay gaps between men and women.
Captain Ajay Pant was jailed in the UK after British soldiers seized a tanker described as part of a shadow fleet. He was in international waters at the time. Analysts say the case creates a perfect storm for relations.
Why it matters: The case shows the personal risk crews face in sanctions enforcement.
Shadow fleet tankers move Russian oil around sanctions.
Ethiopia moved to fifth place among African economies after revising its GDP figures to include sectors such as digital services. Dangote also launched a pipeline project in Namibia promising cheaper fuel.
Why it matters: Revised data change how investors rank Ethiopia.
Rebasing updates the weights of an economy's sectors.
Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points to beat Taylor Fritz in the Paris Masters quarter-finals. The win helped Spain's Rafael Jodar qualify for the ATP Finals.
Laser technology has revealed large ancient structures beneath the Amazon rainforest canopy. The findings suggest a large civilization lived there thousands of years ago.
Australia has hired Michael Hussey as a long-term batting consultant. He will help prepare the team for the 2027 Ashes and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
LSU beat Texas Southern 131-22, the largest winning margin ever between Division I teams. The Tigers scored 40 unanswered points in the second quarter.
Light Year Explorer, a Chinese commercial space firm, built a rocket fairing with a wooden outer skin. The company hopes the lower-cost design will help it launch more often.
Geologists say tests suggest the Stonehenge altar stone did not come from northeast Scotland. They say it may have come from elsewhere in Scotland, northern England or Ireland.
Nvidia has finished paying $1 billion for a stake of more than 4% in South Korean internet company Naver. The deal gives Nvidia a larger role in the company.
Fear that a Democratic Congress will curb AI and data centers drove markets. Japan's Nikkei fell 5.96% and Europe's Euro Stoxx 50 fell 0.98%. India's Sensex rose 4.82% as investors looked for places with less AI exposure. Oil stayed near $98 a barrel while the Iran standoff continued.
AI selloff
Tech shares fell on fears of tougher rules for data centers. Japan's Nikkei is down 18.7% over the month. The S&P 500 rose 0.31% on the day after a steep fall.
India stands out
Indian stocks jumped as investors looked beyond AI-heavy markets. The rupee weakened 0.6% on the day.
Oil and the Iran talks
Peace hopes pushed oil down, but ship attacks kept it volatile. Brent fell 0.54% on the day. Lower oil eases fuel costs.
Rates and jobs
US hiring was stronger than expected, while the Bank of England raised rates to 4%. The 10-year US yield is 4.859%. Borrowing stays costly.
One Turn
