US strikes Iran's Qeshm Island as midterm voting begins
On Monday, U.S. officials said the United States carried out limited, defensive strikes on Iranian targets on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. One official said the action responded to an Iranian attack on a U.S. aircraft, and officials described the operation as limited with no immediate plans to escalate. The strikes occurred a day before the U.S. midterm elections began.
The strikes came hours after Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump had voiced optimism about diplomatic efforts to end the eight-month conflict with Tehran. The unpopular war and its effect on US gasoline prices and the wider economy have been a political liability for Republicans trying to retain control of Congress.
Across the United States, voters went to the polls Tuesday in midterm elections widely seen as a referendum on Donald Trump's second presidency. Control of the Senate and House of Representatives, both currently held by Republicans, is at stake for the final two years of his term.
Trump says US will halt $4 billion in military aid to Israel
President Donald Trump announced on Election Day that the United States will stop $4 billion in military aid to Israel after the end of the year, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had approached him about the idea and that the two had discussed it for a couple of years. Trump said the agreement was reached months ago and told Fox News that Israel no longer needs the assistance, accusing some politicians of using the funding to attack Republicans. The announcement underscored how rapidly the politics surrounding Israel have shifted.
Democratic Representative Stevens endorses Republican in Michigan Senate race
Representative Haley Stevens, who lost Michigan's Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in the final days of the campaign. Stevens had been scheduled to appear at a unity event with El-Sayed but instead backed his opponent, a significant blow to the Democratic nominee in a tight race.
The endorsement escalated a public feud that included a dispute over a campaign ad Stevens called anti-Semitic. The rupture was also driven by personal tensions that had built for months, according to people close to the campaign.
Judge dismisses false-statements case against two ex-FBI agents
A federal judge has dismissed criminal charges against former FBI officials Nicole Floris and Bradley Benavides, who were accused of lying to Congress about their involvement in the investigation into Hunter Biden, the son of former president Joe Biden. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui criticized the Justice Department's handling of the case, citing 'weaponization,' and prosecutors may still seek a grand jury indictment.
North Korea denies role in record Binance hack
North Korea has rejected US allegations that it was behind the theft of more than $6 billion from the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, calling the claims 'absurd rhetoric' and a provocation. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, accused Washington of trying to portray Pyongyang as a cybercriminal state and warned that US hostility could affect future diplomatic engagement. US government agencies and cyber analysts have blamed North Korea for the record heist, while Binance has begun reopening withdrawals on more networks.
Asian Cup postponed in Saudi Arabia over regional conflict
The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed from January to late December because of regional security concerns. The Asian Football Confederation cited 'exceptional circumstances' and travel disruptions after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia forced the Dakar Rally and the WTA Finals to be cancelled or relocated.
FIFA council to view World Cup sell-off documents
FIFA has told members of its ruling council that they may inspect documents related to President Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Access will be granted only in person in Zurich, marking a partial release of the records.
British adventurer completes 28-year walk around the world
Former British paratrooper Karl Bushby has completed a 28-year, 50,000-kilometre journey on foot, arriving in his hometown of Hull. Bushby was 29 when he set out from Punta Arenas, Chile, on 1 November 1998; now 57, he crossed the Americas, the frozen Bering Strait, Russia, Central Asia and Europe, and swam the English Channel before an emotional reunion with his mother. Crowds gathered in Hull city centre to welcome him home.
Australia's under-16 social media ban faces High Court challenge
Reddit and a digital-rights group have challenged Australia's landmark ban on social media use by under-16s in the High Court. Reddit's lawyers argued the rushed 2024 legislation is 'ill-thought-out' and over-broad, infringing the implied freedom of political communication and creating privacy problems. The rights group says the policy deprives under-16s of their right to free communication. The government has since narrowed the legislation after Reddit sued.
Reform UK councillor charged with 35 offences including rape
Reform UK has suspended Hampshire county councillor George Madgwick, the party's leader on the council, after the Crown Prosecution Service charged him with 35 offences. The charges include 12 counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and making and possessing indecent images of children.
Jury retires to consider verdicts in Russell Brand trial
The jury in Russell Brand's rape and sexual assault trial has retired to consider verdicts after a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to seven offences, including rape and sexual assault. Prosecutors described him as a ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator, while the judge told jurors he will accept only unanimous decisions.