United States
🇺🇸 A US appeals court overturned a $1.68B judgment against Iran’s central bank in favor of 1983 Beirut bombing victims’ families, citing unresolved state law issues and denying jurisdictional immunity waivers. This complex decision prolongs decades of unfulfilled judgments for the plaintiffs.
🇺🇦 Ukraine remains “cautiously optimistic” after discussing potential deep strikes in Russia with the U.S., as Kyiv seeks NATO integration amidst fears Trump’s policies could force concessions to Moscow. With pledged aid on track, Ukraine prepares for strategic battlefield actions before Biden exits.
🇮🇱 Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, with the U.S.-imposed deadline to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis approaching. This comes amid setbacks in ceasefire negotiations, as Qatar has paused mediation efforts.
🇺🇸 President-elect Trump has nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Known as a strong Trump ally, Stefanik will likely support his “America First” agenda. Her appointment could signal reduced U.S. engagement at the U.N., raising concerns about China’s influence.
🇦🇺 Unearthed footage shows Aussie Ambassador Kevin Rudd calling President-elect Trump a “village idiot” and “incoherent,” raising questions over his role in Washington. Rudd’s past critiques of Trump, labeling him a “problem” for global stability, now fuel scrutiny as the former PM faces fallout.
🇯🇵 Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba survived a tight parliamentary vote to remain in power after his coalition lost its majority, now reliant on opposition support. Ishiba faces high domestic inflation, a fragile economy, and the return of Trump with potential U.S.-Japan tensions.
🇺🇦 With Trump’s return signaling potential talks on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, Kyiv is scrambling to secure weapons and defend key positions. Officials see the coming months as critical, fearing that a “quick end” under Trump could demand major concessions.
🇷🇺 The Kremlin dismissed claims of a recent Trump-Putin call as “pure fiction,” rebuking reports Trump urged Putin to avoid escalating in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov criticized the media’s accuracy, denying any recent Trump-Putin contact and stating no current plans for future talks exist.
🇺🇸 As Biden pushes Trump to support Ukraine, Trump strikes a controversial tone, speaking to Putin and pledging a “quick end” to the war. With Republicans eyeing budget cuts and Ukraine’s future aid uncertain, this shift signals a potential pivot in U.S. foreign policy toward isolationism.
🇺🇸 A Texas judge has blocked President Biden’s “Keeping Families Together” program, which aimed to provide a citizenship path for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled that the initiative exceeded executive authority.
🇺🇸 Federal and state authorities are investigating racist text messages sent to Black Americans, urging them to “report to plantations.” The NAACP condemned the messages, calling them part of rising racist rhetoric, while TextNow shut down accounts involved. The FBI and FCC are probing the incident.
🇮🇪 Irish PM Simon Harris has launched the general election campaign, setting Nov. 29 as voting day, aiming to capitalize on his coalition’s poll lead and Sinn Fein’s recent decline. Key issues include housing, immigration, and potential trade impacts from Trump’s U.S. presidency.
🇺🇸 The Pentagon will now allow U.S. contractors in Ukraine to repair and maintain advanced American weaponry, a move aimed at speeding up equipment readiness as Kyiv battles a resurgent Russian offensive. Contractors will work away from combat zones, aiding w complex systems like F-16s and Patriots.
🇺🇸 A relentless wildfire near Los Angeles has burned 20,000 acres, destroyed over 130 structures, and forced 10,000 to evacuate. With only 7% containment, firefighters are battling challenging terrain. Scientists point to climate change as dry winters and intense summer heat create conditions.
🇷🇺 Putin is open to discussing Ukraine with President-elect Trump but remains firm on demands: Kyiv must abandon NATO ambitions and relinquish contested regions. While Trump claims he can end the war swiftly, Zelenskiy worries this will mean concessions.
🇺🇸 Elon Musk joined President-elect Trump’s call with Ukraine’s Zelenskiy to reaffirm Starlink support, emphasizing their alignment on future U.S.-Ukraine ties amid Trump’s cautious stance on aid. Musk’s growing political presence and Trump’s endorsement hint at Musk’s role in the administration.
🇺🇸 The U.S. has charged an Iranian man linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards with plotting to assassinate President-elect Trump, alleging he coordinated with former prison contacts in the U.S. to target a pro-democracy critic of Tehran. The man remains at large in Iran.
🇺🇸 With uncertainty looming over U.S. support for Ukraine under Trump, President Biden aims to send $9 billion in military aid before leaving office. The aid package, including Javelins and artillery, is intended to strengthen Ukraine amidst its struggle against Russia’s unlawful invasion.
🇰🇷 South Korean President Yoon and U.S. President-elect Trump discussed enhancing security ties and addressing shared concerns over North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine and missile threats. Trump praised South Korea’s shipbuilding prowess, hinting at collaboration to bolster U.S. industries.