Year: 2026

Maya Gebala has been discharged from hospital after 262 days following a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Her father, David, shared updates on her recovery, highlighting significant milestones, including her first breaths unassisted and her recent 13th birthday celebration.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his role as the Pentagon’s top military planner following allegations of misconduct involving classified information leaks related to the Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts. Sylvia reportedly failed three polygraph tests; the matter has been referred to the Department of Justice.

Mark Neville, 65, pleaded guilty to attempted arson and weapons possession following a Molotov cocktail attack at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, which housed asylum seekers. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred on 25 September 2025, causing no injuries. He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.

An eight-year-old girl has been seriously injured in a wolf attack at Johannismühle wildlife park in Brandenburg, Germany, prompting an investigation into the incident.

ISRAEL ELECTION DEADLOCK
Netanyahu’s coalition struggles to form government as results loom; division within electorate heightens political tensions across the nation.

What’s going on?
Israel’s election vote counting continues as no party secures a definitive majority. Results show a fragmented landscape, with coalition talks anticipated among various factions.

The Associated Press headline reads, “Israelis await final election results as claim of foreign interference emerges”, suggesting potential external influence. In contrast, The Guardian states, “Israel election results live: count of absentee ballots under way as coalition talks set to begin”, focusing on the procedural aspects and impending negotiations among parties.

Coverage analysed: AP News | The Guardian

The newly elected municipal council of Okanagan Falls is undergoing training ahead of its first meeting on 6 November. Mayor-elect Matt Taylor is leading sessions to prepare the council for managing local services, following the area’s transition to municipal status after a 2025 referendum.

Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador on Wednesday following Iran’s denial of involvement by an Iranian citizen in a plot to assassinate Deputy Prime Minister Fahad al-Yousef. Three Shia men, including Abdulredha Haydar Dahqani, were sentenced to death for the conspiracy and ties to Hezbollah.

Billy Allison, 36, faces murder charges after allegedly delivering a fatal punch to 44-year-old Matthew O’Gara at the Ricco and Loren bar in Lichfield on 24 May. Allison, a pub owner, denies murder but admits to manslaughter. The trial continues as evidence of his behaviour on the night emerges.

Authorities in Mexico mistakenly identified a woman found in Tijuana as Shayna Feinman, a missing American, but US investigators confirmed it was not her.