Nvidia CEO scandal, Brooklyn collapse, Iran tension
A three-story building collapsed in Brooklyn, killing at least two people and injuring more than a dozen. Nvidia's board met to decide the future of CEO Jensen Huang, and its shares fell about 8% after hours. Iran said it hit navigation equipment on an Omani island in the Strait of Hormuz. Democrat Scott Colom won Mississippi's Senate seat, the first Black senator elected there since 1874.
World mood: Uneasy · 118 stories from 916 headlines
Iran said it would expand the war with 'asymmetric operations' after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump chose to 'strangle' Iran. Security chief Mohsen Rezaei warned US bases, including in Europe, would be targets if used for attacks. Iran said it will not hand over enriched uranium. Trump said he wants 'total victory'. Israel's security cabinet ordered the army to prepare for a possible attack on Iran.
Why it matters: The standoff threatens oil shipping and raises the risk of attacks on US forces and allies.
The US and Iran have been at war for months. Talks have stalled over Iran's enriched uranium and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Nvidia's board met Wednesday to decide the future of CEO Jensen Huang, according to US media reports. Huang has admitted an affair with a woman US intelligence is said to suspect of working for China. The New York Times reported a second affair, with a company vice president. Nvidia shares fell more than 8% after hours. The company hired an outside firm to identify possible successors, and a law firm to investigate. Elon Musk said hiring Huang would be an honor. Taiwan revoked the woman's entry permit.
Why it matters: Nvidia is the world's largest AI chipmaker, so its leadership and China ties affect investors and US export policy.
Nvidia makes most of the chips used to train AI systems. Huang co-founded it and has argued against strict limits on chip sales to China. The scandal also raises security questions in Washington.
Russia and Ukraine agreed a large prisoner exchange as US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi ended. Little else was announced. Reports said Russia refused to discuss ceasefire or territory and spoke of Europe's security order instead. US envoys were to meet Putin and Zelensky on Thursday. Zelensky said a window for progress exists before year end.
Why it matters: A swap brings some prisoners home, but there is no sign of a deal to end the war.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. These were the first direct talks in nine months.
October consumer prices rose more than expected. Fed official Austan Goolsbee called the report 'borderline disturbing'. Mortgage rates jumped after four weeks of easing. Retail sales grew at their slowest pace in nearly a year.
Why it matters: Higher inflation could mean more rate hikes and costlier loans for households.
The Fed sets US interest rates. The 10-year Treasury yield is near 5%.
Congo reported 11,042 cases and 5,387 deaths across eight of 26 provinces. It is the country's deadliest outbreak. Kenya discharged its last patient and began a 42-day countdown to being declared Ebola-free.
Why it matters: The outbreak threatens neighboring countries and strains aid.
President Trump said the war with Iran will end soon and that he wants total victory. Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei said Iran will not let any enriched uranium leave the country. He also said Iran would strike US bases in Europe if they were used to attack it. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran does not want the war to continue. Oil prices rose.
Why it matters: The standoff keeps oil prices and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz uncertain for importers worldwide.
The United States and Israel struck Iran this year. Iran has restricted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and talks have stalled.
A three-story building in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn collapsed Wednesday afternoon. At least two people died and about a dozen were injured, with four in critical condition. Firefighters kept digging through rubble for people who may be trapped. The building stood at the edge of a lot where a one-story building had been torn down for construction. Some reports said a worker was missing. The cause was not yet known.
Why it matters: The collapse raises questions about construction safety next to demolition sites in a dense city.
Flatbush is a residential area of Brooklyn. Officials had not announced a cause. Building collapses near construction sites are usually investigated by city inspectors.
Democrat Scott Colom beat Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith after counting ended eight days after the midterms. Hyde-Smith conceded. Colom's lead grew past 4,400 votes once provisional and mail ballots were counted. He is the first Black senator elected from Mississippi since 1874. He is also the first Democrat to win a Senate seat there since 1982. It was an eighth Senate seat flipped by Democrats in these elections.
Why it matters: The result adds to Democratic gains that change the balance of power in Washington.
Mississippi has long voted Republican. Democrats won both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterms.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it hit ship navigation systems on Oman's Didamar Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said the site was used by the US for military operations and to guide merchant ships. Omani officials disputed that there was damage.
Why it matters: Attacks on navigation aids add risk for ships crossing a key oil route.
The Strait of Hormuz carries a large share of the world's oil. Shipping has been disrupted by the Iran war.
The US Justice Department charged three men it says are Iran-backed operatives. It says they were involved in nearly 20 plots against Jewish communities in Europe and the US. One was a major incident near RAF Fairford, a UK base used by US forces. Iran accuses the US of spreading disinformation.
Why it matters: The case ties the Iran conflict to alleged attacks on Western soil.
Iran denies backing attacks abroad. US forces use Fairford for aircraft operations.
British police arrested a senior US Army soldier near Gloucester under the National Security Act. A US official said he is based at Imjin Barracks, which hosts NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. The FBI said the case is of the utmost concern.
Why it matters: An alleged insider spy at a NATO base worries US and allied security officials.
The suspect is 41 and held in London. No charges had been described in the headlines.
Russia and Ukraine hit each other's capitals early Thursday, a day after the talks ended. Explosions were reported in Kyiv from ballistic missiles. Ukraine also flew drones at Omsk for eight hours. A drone strike killed a worker at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Why it matters: The attacks show fighting continues even as US envoys head to Moscow.
Both sides regularly strike each other's cities and energy sites.
Millions of workers across Spain stopped work Wednesday over housing costs and wages. About 120,000 marched in Madrid, per authorities. Protests in Barcelona turned violent afterward, with fireworks thrown at police and bins set alight. A snap general election is less than three weeks away.
Why it matters: Housing costs are a political flashpoint ahead of an election in Europe's fourth-largest economy.
Main unions called the strike, which followed tenant-led organizing. Parties disagree on how large the turnout was.
Gaza's civil defense said an Israeli strike on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis killed at least six people. More than 20 were hurt. At least nine were killed across Gaza. UN officials appealed for aid as heavy rain hit displaced families.
Why it matters: Strikes near medical sites and floods deepen a humanitarian crisis for about 940,000 displaced people.
Israel says Hamas is trying to regroup. Hamas has refused to disarm, per Netanyahu.
Saudi air defenses destroyed three cruise missiles and two drones fired toward Riyadh and Mecca-region areas. Debris from two ballistic missiles fell in the Mecca region. Houthis said they hit a Saudi command center. Pakistan said it is ready to defend Saudi Arabia under their defense pact.
Why it matters: Attacks on Saudi Arabia add to the regional war's risk to oil supply.
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have fought in Yemen for years.
Israel's new parliament was sworn in. Gadi Eisenkot's bloc introduced bills to reverse Netanyahu's policies. Eisenkot canceled talks with Likud after calling Netanyahu's speech 'delusional'. He said Israel should not return to war for now.
Why it matters: Who forms the government will shape Israel's choices on Iran and Gaza.
Netanyahu is the outgoing prime minister after the recent election.
World leaders gathered in Antalya for COP31. UN chief António Guterres urged a windfall tax on oil and gas firms, saying fossil fuels 'must go the way of the dinosaurs'. Leaders from the US, China and India skipped. The Marshall Islands president warned of worsening floods. Turkey is pushing an electrification goal.
Why it matters: The talks decide how fast countries cut fossil fuel use, with costs for energy and vulnerable islands.
COP is the annual UN climate summit. Turkey and Australia co-chair this one.
Saudi Arabia told OPEC it raised October output to 10.563 million barrels a day. That is near pre-war levels and above its quota. Gulf crude exports are at about 80% of pre-war levels, but refined products lag at 35%. Brent crude fell to $92.
Why it matters: More Saudi oil eases supply worries and pressure on fuel prices.
Shipping through Hormuz has been disrupted by the Iran war.
German utility RWE and investor KKR agreed a $16 billion UK offshore wind deal. Britain also weighs North Sea drilling, with Rosebank decision looming and Labour MPs opposed.
Why it matters: Large wind investment and drilling choices shape UK power bills and climate goals.
Fuel price spikes have changed UK energy politics.
CoreWeave shares soared more than 24% after it beat revenue forecasts and raised its outlook. Its CEO canceled a planned share sale. Alibaba plans to list its chip unit T-Head in Hong Kong. Meta's infrastructure head will leave in 2027.
Why it matters: AI infrastructure demand looks strong despite worries about the AI trade.
Bessent said the US and China should harbor no illusions as they cooperate and compete on AI. Rubio and Wang Yi spoke by phone. Trump heads to Asia next week for ASEAN and APEC after midterm losses. China extended a pause on rare earth export limits to Jan. 10.
Why it matters: Trade and chip rules between the two largest economies affect prices and technology worldwide.
The two sides agreed in September to open an AI communications channel.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigned amid a dispute over his educational qualifications. 120 lawmakers had filed to begin impeachment steps. The move comes as the alliance between President Prabowo and ex-president Widodo shows strain. Police detained 154 protesters in Yogyakarta.
Why it matters: It adds political uncertainty in Southeast Asia's largest economy.
Militants ambushed police vehicles in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during an operation against illegal gold mining. At least 10 officers died, including a DSP. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility.
Why it matters: It shows continuing militant violence against police in northwest Pakistan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa borders Afghanistan and has seen repeated attacks.
More than 6,000 Italian schools got threats by email, and hundreds were evacuated. Schools in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland were hit too. Authorities found no explosives. Meloni said there was no concrete danger.
Why it matters: Mass hoaxes disrupt schooling and worry officials about hybrid threats.
At least 20 European flights also got hoax threats last week.
A military court in Goma sentenced 66 soldiers to death for cowardice and mutiny. Separately, ADF rebels killed at least 22 in Ituri. Tshisekedi signed a law easing referendum rules, raising third-term fears.
Why it matters: Instability and political change deepen Congo's crisis.
El Salvador said a joint operation with Haitian police killed 20 and destroyed a house linked to 400 Mawozo leader Wilson Joseph. Four Salvadoran personnel are reported missing. Haiti's PM praised the cooperation.
Why it matters: Foreign troops are increasingly fighting gangs that control Haiti.
El Salvador has deployed thousands of troops to Haiti.
Pope Leo XIV closed his Argentina trip with a Mass at Luján drawing 2 to 3 million people. Milei cried at the farewell. The pope landed in Peru, where he lived for two decades.
Why it matters: The visit drew some of the biggest crowds of his papacy.
Paraguay's central bank partly repaid more than 1.8 million Ueno Bank savers. Prosecutors say ex-president Peña risks up to 15 years in prison. New president Pedro Alliana vowed to recover pension funds.
Why it matters: The bank collapse toppled a president and hit savers.
Ueno Bank was placed under judicial administration.
The UK Privy Council, the nation's top court, ruled the ban on same-sex activity between adults unconstitutional after a challenge by activist Jason Jones.
Why it matters: It ends criminal penalties for same-sex relations there.
A sandbank collapse in Deir el-Balah buried families, survivors said. Charities warn that tens of thousands lack shelter, with more than 940,000 displaced people in flood-prone areas awaiting 150,000 tents. UN aid chief criticized delays in relief.
Why it matters: Cold, wet weather puts hundreds of thousands of displaced people at risk.
Much of Gaza's population lives in tents after the war.
Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina says she plans to return from exile in India. She faces a death sentence. Analysts warn her return could fuel renewed unrest and test Dhaka's ability to keep order.
Why it matters: Her return could destabilize a country that is a major garment exporter.
Researchers found trace volcanic gases on Mars that could be a smoking gun in the search for life. Professor Daniel Mège compared it to looking for a needle in a haystack. NASA's CHAPEA Mars simulation crew also finished its stay.
Why it matters: Volcanic gases could point to places where life might exist.
A new report suggests fossil fuel carbon emissions may have begun trending down this year, partly because of the oil shock from the Iran war. Scientists caution the finding should be taken with caution.
Why it matters: A first decline would mark a turning point in the climate fight.
Emissions have risen for most of the past century.
Portugal canceled more than 200 flights and closed schools, government offices and shops as Storm Charles hit. Madeira had flooded streets. The Web Summit in Lisbon canceled its second day.
Why it matters: The storm disrupted travel and business across the country.
Officials prepared heavily after criticism of January's Storm Kristin.
The European Commission proposed a law making addictive app features easier to switch off and requiring influencers to label ads. Fines could reach 6% of global turnover. Problematic digital practices cost individuals €10.3 billion a year.
Why it matters: It could change how apps and games are designed.
UNICEF said drones and drought are closing in on Sudan's children in an assault unlike any in the country's history. Drone attacks have moved from suicide drones to long-range strikes. In Rabak, White Nile state, residents have lacked power for 14 days after a drone strike, and prices have soared.
Why it matters: Millions of children face hunger and violence in one of the world's worst crises.
Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces have fought since April 2023.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent moved from his Washington-area home to a US military base over threats linked to Iran. The New York Times reported his role leading economic pressure on Iran made him a target. He is one of several administration officials living on bases for safety.
Why it matters: It shows the Iran conflict is raising security risks for US officials at home.
The US has used sanctions and other economic pressure on Iran during the war.
The House voted 211 to 204 to refer a Republican-led impeachment bid against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee, effectively ending it. Democrats can try again next year. Separately, a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded Hegseth's group for noise on Wednesday. Trump defended Hegseth.
Why it matters: The vote leaves the Pentagon chief in office as the Iran war continues.
Thomas Massie, a Republican, pushed the measure over operations in Yemen, Iran and against drug boats.
European gas prices rebounded as uncertainty over the Iran war returned. Germany's cabinet approved a strategic gas reserve of 24 terawatt-hours. Germany's first capacity auction went entirely to gas plants.
Why it matters: Gas reserves and supply deals shape winter heating and power costs in Europe.
Europe lost Russian gas supplies after 2022 and relies on LNG.
Nissan cut its annual sales forecast to at most 3 million vehicles from 3.15 million, citing tougher competition in China. Japanese automakers posted strong half-year profits helped by a weak yen. Sales of electric vehicles lag.
Why it matters: Weak China sales hit a major Japanese employer and its suppliers.
The yen trades near 160 per dollar, which boosts exporters' profits.
Poundland filed notice to appoint administrators, shielding it from creditors until Thursday. It is set to get more time to find a buyer. MPs said its owner took millions out while the chain was struggling.
Why it matters: Thousands of retail jobs and shops depend on a buyer being found.
Leonardo Bertulazzi, 74, climbed down from a fifth-floor balcony before extradition to Italy. He faces a 27-year sentence. Argentina offered a 20 million peso reward.
Why it matters: Italy's extradition request is now stalled.
A UN-backed report says more than one million people in Lebanon, almost a quarter of the population, face acute food insecurity. It is severe among recently displaced Lebanese and among Syrian and Palestinian refugees. The UN warned it could worsen without urgent action.
Why it matters: Hunger is spreading among displaced families in a country hit by war.
Fighting in southern Lebanon has destroyed farmland.
Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, convicted of corruption, moved from prison to house arrest. He was also fined about 1.9 billion yen in the report's terms.
Why it matters: The move changes the terms of a high-profile corruption sentence.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg heard Argentina seek provisional measures to halt the Sea Lion project. The UK disputes jurisdiction. It says Falkland Islanders face devastating consequences if Argentina blocks the project.
Why it matters: The ruling could affect a long-running sovereignty dispute.
Argentina claims the Falklands, administered by the UK.
A Japanese research team identified the main receptor the rubella virus uses to enter cells. Vaccines exist, but the finding may help develop antiviral drugs.
Why it matters: It could lead to drugs against rubella.
A bid to restore rare Atlantic rainforest secured a £6 million lottery grant. Hubs offering training in conservation work will be set up in Torridon, Morvern and mid-Argyll.
Why it matters: It protects a rare habitat and creates training for conservation jobs.
Atlantic rainforest is a scarce habitat in Britain.
Forecasters warn this year's El Niño could be one of the strongest on record, bringing heavy rain and flooding to Kenya. Liberia's lawmakers also summoned agencies over El Niño heat.
Why it matters: Floods and drought threaten food and homes across Africa.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia joined families at Toledo Cathedral for the funeral of 69 people killed in a train collision. Twenty-eight people remain in hospital. It is Spain's second major rail disaster in a year.
Why it matters: The crash has raised rail safety questions in Spain.
The collision happened near Toledo about two weeks ago.
Hong Kong will be the first Asian city to run clinical trials of a non-invasive sound-wave treatment for kidney tumors, extending technology used on liver tumors.
Why it matters: It may offer cancer patients surgery-free options.
Japan's government is considering naming study of nuclear-powered submarines in its security documents due for revision this year. The wording is not final.
Why it matters: Shows Japan reshaping its defense posture.
Japan revises its three security documents periodically.
Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers and Cam Schlittler of the New York Yankees each won their league's Cy Young Award. Both won all 30 first-place votes.
Researchers found microplastics in the blood of wild mammals more than 40 miles from human infrastructure. Plastic particles are now found in animals across remote areas.
Levels of toxic forever chemicals in England's rivers have dropped significantly. The decline is linked to tight limits on how the substances are used.
A new independent technique confirmed the 2019 Event Horizon Telescope image of the M87 black hole. The image was the first direct view of a black hole's shadow.
Private investors have poured money into fusion power projects. The race now centers on factories that make superconducting tape, not only plasma physics.
A film version of the Japanese spy drama Vivant has been announced. It follows a second season that drew controversy in China over its portrayal of a fictional spy agency.
The Houston Astros hired Brad Ausmus, the New York Yankees bench coach, as their manager. Ausmus has a 386-422 record as a Major League Baseball manager.
Carey Price, 39, became the 62nd member of the Montreal Canadiens organization in the Hall of Fame. Fans gave him a warm ovation at the club's ring of honor ceremony.
Markets bounced as investors weighed a hot US inflation report against easing oil prices. The S&P 500 rose 1.31% and the Euro Stoxx 50 gained 1.04%. Brent crude fell 0.82% to $92 as Saudi output neared pre-war levels. Nvidia's CEO turmoil weighed on tech sentiment, and Hong Kong fell 1.14%.
Hot inflation and rates
US October prices rose more than expected. Fed officials discussed more rate hikes, and mortgage rates jumped. The 10-year yield sits near 5%.
Oil eases as Saudi output recovers
Saudi Arabia's output returned near pre-war levels. Brent slipped to $92 though Iran tensions persist. Gas prices in Europe rebounded.
Nvidia scandal and AI trade
Nvidia shares fell about 8% after hours on CEO reports. CoreWeave jumped more than 24% on strong results. Investors are checking how durable AI demand is.
Carmakers and retail strain
Nissan cut its sales forecast on China competition. Poundland sought more time to avoid administration. US retail sales grew slowest in nearly a year.
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