Nvidia's board met to decide whether to remove CEO Jensen Huang after reports of two affairs, and the stock fell about 6%. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin after Abu Dhabi talks produced a prisoner exchange. An Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza killed six people. Kenya discharged its last Ebola patient, starting a 42-day countdown to being declared virus-free.
World mood: Uneasy · 61 stories from 879 headlines
Nvidia's board met Wednesday to decide whether to remove CEO Jensen Huang. Reports say he had two extramarital affairs, one with Alice Huang, an executive at a Singapore-based data center firm. US intelligence reportedly believes she was recruited by Beijing. Nvidia shares fell about 6%, and the company is working with an outside firm to identify possible successors. Huang has admitted an affair but has not given details. The board had not announced a decision in the input.
Why it matters: Nvidia supplies most advanced AI chips, so its leadership and any new US export limits affect tech firms and investors worldwide.
Nvidia is the world's largest maker of AI chips, and Huang co-founded it. He has opposed strict US limits on chip sales to China. Washington and Beijing are in a technology rivalry.
Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Moscow on Thursday to meet Putin, then plan to see Zelensky in Dublin. Two days of talks in Abu Dhabi ended with an agreement on a large prisoner exchange. There was no breakthrough on ending the war. Russia reportedly refused to discuss a ceasefire or territory and pushed to discuss Europe's security. A Russian negotiator ruled out a land swap.
Why it matters: The outcome shapes the war in Ukraine and Europe's security arrangements.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The US has been mediating talks between the two sides.
An Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed six people, health authorities said. Reports say the victims included a surgeon, and about 20 people were hurt. Witnesses said a missile hit a building with surgical wards and intensive care units. Israel said it targeted a Hamas commander and militants, and that Hamas used the buildings as a command center.
Why it matters: Attacks on hospitals reduce care for a population already facing a humanitarian emergency.
Israel and Hamas have fought in Gaza for years. Nasser is the largest hospital in southern Gaza.
Trump said the Iran war will be over when the US wants to end it. Iran updated its target list to remove geographic limits on retaliation. A top Iranian official warned bases from West Asia to Europe would be hit if US strikes resume. Iran's chief negotiator said it is open to a deal if the US avoids excessive demands. Treasury Secretary Bessent moved to a military base over threats.
Why it matters: The standoff keeps shipping and oil supplies through the Gulf uncertain.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28. Fighting has since paused, with talks continuing.
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has passed 11,000 cases, with 5,387 deaths. Doctors Without Borders said it remains out of control after six months. Funds are not reaching frontline workers, some of whom are untrained and unpaid. Transmission inside hospitals is rife in some areas.
Why it matters: An uncontrolled outbreak threatens neighboring countries and strains health systems.
The outbreak is among the deadliest Congo has faced. Aid groups say funding and access are the main obstacles.
China on Thursday accused the United States of making up spy stories to justify a technology blockade. Beijing called the claims about spying on Huang groundless speculation and an attempt to smear China. Chinese AI firms are reportedly rushing to secure Nvidia chip capacity abroad. They fear Washington will tighten remote access limits. Taiwan revoked Alice Huang's entry permit, and Beijing said it had no information that she was in the capital.
Why it matters: Tighter US chip rules would affect Chinese AI development and global chip supply chains.
The US limits sales of advanced chips to China. China says these limits are unfair.
Zelensky said Ukrainian units have seen significant disruptions to Starshield satellite connectivity for several days. He called them speed restrictions imposed by the system, not random errors. He said they are helping Russia kill. The statement came as US envoys met Putin. No response from the provider appears in the input.
Why it matters: Military communications on the front line depend on the satellite network.
Ukraine's forces rely on satellite internet for communication and drone operations.
Winter storms brought flooding and deadly landslides to people living in tents in Gaza. Aid groups called on Israel to allow shelters. Charities say more than 940,000 displaced people live in flood-prone areas, and 150,000 tents are awaited. A child died of cold at Nasser hospital. UN relief chief Tom Fletcher urged governments to stop delaying support.
Why it matters: Hundreds of thousands of displaced people face cold and flooding without proper shelter.
Years of war have displaced most of Gaza's population into tents and damaged buildings.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said an accident left two tankers on fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces have announced several such fires in recent weeks on routes Tehran considers off-limits. Separately, Iran claimed a strike on navigation equipment on Oman's Didamar Island, which Omani officials dispute. Hundreds of oil spills since February threaten Gulf wildlife.
Why it matters: Gulf shipping risks affect oil prices and the environment.
The strait carries a large share of the world's oil.
The US Justice Department charged three Iran-backed men over nearly 20 attacks and plots in the US and Europe. These included an incident near RAF Fairford, a UK base used by US forces. Separately, a US soldier was arrested in England on suspicion of spying for Russia. Iran accused the US of spreading disinformation about Iranian terrorism.
Why it matters: The case raises security concerns for US and allied bases in Europe.
Iran and the US are in conflict after the war that began in February.
Millions of Spanish workers shut businesses and transport in a general strike over housing costs. Authorities said about 120,000 marched in Madrid. Clashes broke out in Barcelona, where protesters lit fires and threw fireworks at police. Average rent equals about 98.7% of a young person's monthly pay. The strike comes weeks before a general election.
Why it matters: Housing costs are a main issue ahead of Spain's election.
Unions called the strike over wages and rents. Housing has been a leading political issue in Spain.
Democrat Scott Colom won the Mississippi Senate race, beating Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith by fewer than 5,000 votes. He becomes the state's first Black senator since 1874. The result came about eight days after the midterms. Democrats now control both chambers of Congress. Hyde-Smith conceded.
Why it matters: Democratic control of Congress lets them run investigations and block White House bills.
Mississippi has long voted Republican. Democrats won both chambers in the midterm elections.
White House officials warned Democrats they could face criminal investigation if they pursue oversight probes of the administration. The presidential legal adviser rejected what he called threats from the opposition. Democrats had promised to investigate suspect aspects of the administration. Separately, the House blocked a bid to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Why it matters: The clash sets the tone for how Congress and the White House work together.
Democrats take control of Congress after the November midterms.
A three-story building next to a construction site collapsed in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on Wednesday afternoon. At least two people died and 17 were injured, including seven children. A survivor was pulled alive from the rubble. Firefighters kept searching for others, and the cause is not yet known.
Why it matters: Investigators will examine whether the adjacent construction played a role.
The building stood at the edge of a construction site on Flatbush Avenue.
Kenya discharged its last Ebola patient from a Nairobi hospital. The country had nine confirmed cases. A 42-day countdown to being declared Ebola-free has begun. Kenya will be declared free on December 23 if no one else shows symptoms.
Why it matters: It shows the spread can be contained outside the worst-hit country.
Kenya had cases linked to the outbreak in neighboring Congo.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lima, Peru, for a six-day final leg of his Latin American tour. He spent more than two decades there as a missionary and bishop. President Keiko Fujimori greeted him and large crowds welcomed him. In Argentina, more than three million people attended his final Mass in Luján.
Why it matters: The visit draws millions of Catholics in a region with a large share of the world's Catholics.
Leo XIV is the first pope from the US, and held Peruvian citizenship after years of service there.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka submitted his resignation to the MPR, the national assembly, on Thursday. Courts had questioned documents about his overseas education. He is the 39-year-old son of former president Joko Widodo. The move comes as President Prabowo faces a growing rift with Widodo.
Why it matters: The vacancy tests the ruling alliance in Southeast Asia's largest economy.
Gibran was the youngest vice president in Indonesia's history.
Fighters ambushed police returning from a mine in Kohat district, killing 10 officers. Authorities said 18 fighters also died. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility. Gold mining along rivers in the region has been a source of tension.
Why it matters: Attacks on police show continuing insurgent violence in the northwest.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen repeated militant attacks.
Xi Jinping said Taiwan's reunification with China must happen and that history cannot be stopped. China claims the self-governed island, which Taipei rejects. G7 foreign ministers said Chinese actions east of Taiwan threaten stability. Trump is preparing for an Asian trip, and the US confirmed a possible three-way summit with Russia and China.
Why it matters: Tension over Taiwan affects global trade and chip supply.
China considers Taiwan its territory. Taiwan is governed by its own elected government.
World leaders gathered at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey. UN chief António Guterres urged a tax on oil and gas company windfalls. Marshall Islands' president warned the world we know is over without urgent action. African countries' proposal to triple adaptation finance was left off the agenda, and the US has no official presence.
Why it matters: Climate finance decisions affect vulnerable countries.
The UK economy grew 0.7% in the three months to September. It grew 0.2% in September alone. Analysts credited AI as an extra engine of growth. The figures came despite high oil prices.
Why it matters: Faster growth supports jobs and tax income.
Energy prices have risen since the Iran war began.
Asian buyers are shifting to African and Brazilian oil as tanker rates from the Gulf fall. ASEAN agreed to set up a joint crude stockpiling scheme because of supply disruption from the Iran war. Brent crude fell about 0.4% to $92.39 a barrel. Peace hopes pressed prices down.
Why it matters: Fuel costs for Asian households and businesses depend on how supply recovers.
Japan's government plans to cut sales tax on supermarket food from 8% to 1% for two years starting April. Restaurants are preparing price cuts in response. Japan's producer prices rose 0.7% in October, supporting expectations of another Bank of Japan rate rise.
Why it matters: Lower tax would cut grocery bills for Japanese households.
Europe's Hera spacecraft started close inspections of the asteroid NASA struck in a 2022 planetary defense test. The study will assess the crater and the asteroid's structure.
Why it matters: Results help plan how to deflect asteroids that threaten Earth.
NASA's DART probe hit the moonlet Dimorphos in 2022.
The WHO said more than 320,000 people have been displaced in Yemen fighting since August 1. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca after Saudi Arabia said debris from intercepted ballistic missiles fell in the Mecca region. A drone was intercepted over Riyadh. Dublin-bound US soccer team withdrew from the U-17 World Cup in Qatar over safety.
Why it matters: Escalation puts civilians and holy sites at risk.
The Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition have fought for years.
Amnesty International said South Sudan's authorities and UN peacekeepers knew of a likely raid on Abiemnom but did not protect residents. More than 200 people died in the March 1 attack by rebels. It called for investigations.
Why it matters: The report questions whether UN peacekeeping protects civilians.
South Sudan has had recurring violence since independence.
Allied Democratic Forces rebels, affiliated with Islamic State, killed at least 22 people across eight locations in Mambasa Territory. Separately, Congo's opposition condemned a law that could ease constitutional change, accusing President Tshisekedi of seeking a third term.
Why it matters: Violence and political tension add to the country's crises.
The ADF has long attacked villages in eastern Congo.
Researchers found a molecular signal in blood that helps detect early risk for ovarian cancer, which is often found after it has spread. Separately, experts said combining BMI with other tests could prevent misdiagnosis of obesity in millions.
Why it matters: Earlier detection could improve survival.
France is leaning toward backing Spain's Pablo Hernández de Cos to succeed Christine Lagarde at the European Central Bank. The shift could pave the way for broader understanding with Germany. A poll said Lagarde would rival centrist candidates in the French presidential race.
Why it matters: The ECB sets interest rates for 20 euro countries.
The UAE exports as much oil as before the Iran war, using the port of Fujairah to bypass Hormuz. Tanker rates surged, and Adnoc L&S expects $4 billion full-year profit. Aluminium maker EGA reported lower nine-month profit and revenue because the war disrupted sales.
Why it matters: Alternative routes cut the risk to oil supply.
The German cabinet approved a draft law for a strategic gas reserve of 24 terawatt-hours, about 10% of storage capacity. Gas projects won all 5.16 gigawatts in Germany's first capacity auction. Experts also warned about rising debt.
Why it matters: It aims to protect supplies during emergencies.
Germany has restructured energy supply since losing Russian gas.
More than 6,000 Italian schools received bomb threats, and hundreds were evacuated. Schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland were also hit. Authorities said there was no risk to the public. A bomb alert also affected Eurostar services at Calais.
Why it matters: Hoax threats disrupt schools and travel.
The SS United States was deliberately sunk off Destin, Florida, to become the world's largest artificial reef. The ocean liner set a transatlantic speed record in 1952. Activists had wanted a museum. It is longer than 300 meters.
Why it matters: The reef will create habitat for marine life and attract divers.
Helicopters struck a compound of the 400 Mawozo gang in Haiti, in a joint operation with El Salvador's military. Dozens of gang members fled. Haiti's prime minister praised El Salvador. Four Salvadoran personnel are missing.
Why it matters: Gang violence has displaced many Haitians.
El Salvador has deployed troops to help Haiti fight gangs.
Argentina sent a legal notice threatening a UK oil firm's chief executive with jail over the Sea Lion drilling project. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea will rule on November 28 on Argentina's request to halt it.
Why it matters: The dispute over drilling rights could affect energy investment in the South Atlantic.
Argentina and Britain both claim the Falkland Islands.
Paraguay's central bank returned part of savings to eligible Ueno Bank depositors after the lender's collapse last week. Prosecutors opened a vault at former President Peña's house and found it empty. Peña faces possible prison time, and 27 others are involved.
Kim Jong Un inspected a major naval base under construction on the east coast and ordered timely completion. North Korea also denounced a US-led naval buildup and warned of action. A South Korean official thinks a Kim-Trump meeting at APEC is unlikely.
Why it matters: Naval expansion raises tensions on the Korean peninsula.
North Korea and the US have no active nuclear talks.
Hundreds of thousands joined Poland's Independence Day march in Warsaw, including President Nawrocki, according to reports. Estimates ranged from tens of thousands to 500,000. The march came days after a shooting in Krakow that killed six people, including a Scottish man.
Why it matters: It shows political tension in Poland after the shooting.
Bolivia accused former president Evo Morales of leading a drug cartel and financing unrest with drug money. A former judge was arrested on suspicion of trafficking, part of a US-backed crackdown. Morales has not responded in the input.
Why it matters: The case affects regional security cooperation.
Novaya Gazeta, Russia's last openly critical newspaper, shut its Moscow office after being evicted. It said security services and censors blocked its operations. A Japanese journalist remains detained by Russia a month on.
Why it matters: Press freedom in Russia is shrinking.
Scientists report Earth's water may have been born in the planet's fiery atmosphere, rather than delivered by comets or asteroids. Rocky material may have produced hundreds of oceans' worth. The finding appears in ScienceDaily.
Why it matters: It changes how scientists think life-supporting water arises on planets.
The common theory said comets and asteroids brought water.
Uganda established a Lion and Large Carnivore Conservation Taskforce to coordinate efforts to reverse falling populations of lions and leopards. Separately, Spain's brown bear population has doubled in 20 years to 370.
Why it matters: Conservation steps protect wildlife and tourism.
Singapore opened its national gold vault to foreign central banks to compete with Hong Kong as Asia's gold hub. It also offers vaulting services and tax incentives.
Why it matters: It shifts where Asian gold reserves are stored.
Doctors in the United Arab Emirates performed a corneal transplant described as a first for the country. The patient said the world now seems brighter.
Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points for the San Antonio Spurs. The win was their 10th straight in the NBA, and seven Spurs players scored in double figures.
Jacob Misiorowski won the National League Cy Young Award, and Cam Schlittler won the award for the American League. Misiorowski helped the Milwaukee Brewers win their first World Series title.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe found a pattern in the Sun's turbulent magnetic fields. The fields reverse their direction of rotation in a way that had been hidden.
Scientists found traces of a deadly sheep virus in ancient manuscripts, including the 1,000-year-old York Gospels. The virus's history goes back more than 3,700 years.
A stone tool found at the Kanmuri ruins in Hiroshima Prefecture is likely the oldest such artifact in Japan. The find may change what is known about early human arrival in Japan.
Astronaut Sunita Williams served as grand marshal of the 107th New York City Veterans Day Parade. The parade honored veterans, military families and service members.
Senegal, the host, has won a record nine medals at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Its wins came in taekwondo, beach wrestling, judo and three-a-side basketball.
The organiser of Yuja Wang's Hong Kong concerts has apologized and offered full refunds. A last-minute program change meant the pianist performed only briefly.
US stocks rose even as Nvidia fell on its CEO scandal. The S&P 500 gained 1.31%, while Asian markets slipped, with Hang Seng down 2.23%. Oil eased on peace hopes, with Brent at $92.39. Gold fell 1.37%.
Nvidia shock
Nvidia fell about 6% as its board weighed removing its CEO. Asian markets dropped on the news. Investors worry how much the AI trade depends on one leader.
Oil eases on peace hopes
Oil prices fell as hopes grew for deals on Iran and Ukraine. Brent is down about 12.9% over a month. Asian buyers shift to African and Brazilian oil.
Europe hits record
European shares hit a record on strong earnings and lower energy prices. The UK economy grew 0.7% in the third quarter.
Japan prices and yen
Japan's producer prices rose, backing another rate rise. The yen is near 160 per dollar, raising intervention risk. A grocery tax cut is planned.