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News Briefing
Media Lens: Protests erupt in Iran against government’s handling of public health crisis: reporting varies UK government announces plans to tackle food prices. The…
What’s going on?
Israeli settlers attacked journalist Heidi Levine in the West Bank, injuring her and burning olive trees. The specific circumstances surrounding the assault are not detailed in the reports. The attack has drawn immediate condemnation from various human rights organisations.
NPR reports, “‘Washington Post’ photographer recounts Israeli settler attack,” highlighting the personal experience of the journalist involved. In contrast, The New York Times states, “Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians and Washington Post Journalist in West Bank,” emphasising the broader context of violence against Palestinians. This difference in focus shapes perceptions of the narrative, shifting from individual experience to collective repercussions.
Coverage analysed: NPR | The New York Times
The story shaping today
The US military has restricted Ukraine’s use of Starlink internet on the battlefield, causing frontline disruptions as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. President Zelensky has pledged to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries in response, raising tensions ahead of the US midterm elections. Markets remain unsettled as inflation bites and campaign spending surges.
What matters most
US restricts Starlink for Ukraine’s military operations
The US military has imposed new limits on Starlink’s use in Ukraine, disrupting operations and costing Kyiv a key battlefield advantage just as Russian missile strikes escalate and winter approaches.
Zelensky pledges to restart strikes on Russian oil refineries
In an interview with the Financial Times, President Zelensky signalled Ukraine will resume drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, defying pressure from Washington to halt such strikes.
Republicans ramp up ad spending ahead of midterms
GOP candidates have surged political ad spending, including in previously uncompetitive races, as the party seeks to seize momentum before the midterm elections.
Pope Leo XIV undergoes lung cancer surgery, recovery under way
Pope Leo XIV has had part of his right lung removed following a recent cancer diagnosis. Doctors expect a week’s hospitalisation, but his prognosis remains optimistic.
Commercial vessels targeted in Strait of Hormuz attacks
Two ships were hit by projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz, one sinking after a fire. Iran has warned vessels to seek approval before transiting the high-risk waterway.
Power & Politics
President Zelensky’s relaunch of long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries marks a return to tactics that directly target Moscow’s wartime revenue. The US is reportedly proposing that European nations transfer some frozen Russian assets to a vehicle under Washington’s oversight, aiming to revive peace talks.
Republican campaign spending now extends into former Democratic strongholds. Trump faces bipartisan criticism for relaxing sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a move described by some senators as “a gift to our adversary.”
Markets & Money
US chip stocks plunged as investors sought safety in Treasuries, rattled by persistent inflation and concerns over AI sector debt. London’s gold market has seen renewed momentum, with global instability and uncertainty over US economic policy driving physical trades in the City. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced the company has caught up with major rivals in AI and pledged further large-scale investment.
Conflict & Security
In Ukraine, the sudden Starlink restrictions—now confirmed by Musk to be under US government control—have interrupted logistics and drone strike capabilities at a critical time. Russia launched a fresh barrage of missiles at Kyiv, cutting power to hundreds of thousands as the capital braces for another brutal winter. In the Middle East, maritime tensions remain high following Iranian warnings and a series of attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.
Beyond the headlines
The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV is recovering well from surgery to remove part of his lung. The health scare has led some to raise questions about his long-term ability to travel and serve, but doctors are optimistic about his short-term recovery.
In Hong Kong, Vincent van Gogh’s Chestnut Trees in Blossom—unseen for more than six decades—was put on display ahead of its expected record-breaking auction in New York.
What happens next
The US and European discussions about unlocking Russian financial assets for Ukraine remain at an early stage. Political focus now turns to the midterm elections, with inflation and energy prices set to dominate campaign messaging. It is not yet clear whether Starlink limitations for Ukrainian forces will be lifted.
Climate & Weather
No current US weather alerts or warnings were supplied for this period.
Worth knowing
- Zelensky has directly accused Trump of betraying Ukraine over Starlink restrictions and the recent US-Russia diesel deal.
- The Spectator reports the Green Party in the UK is facing a discrimination lawsuit from Jewish members following its new anti-Zionism policy.
- Bestselling author Sally Rooney’s books have been pulled from UK sale after her support for Palestine Action.
People & Power
- Donald Trump: Facing pressure to address high fuel prices and bipartisan criticism after suspending US sanctions on Russian diesel exports. Trump has urged Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian refineries and maintains intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, according to the Defense Department.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Announced in multiple interviews that Ukraine will resume drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, criticising both Trump and US-imposed restrictions on Starlink and intelligence sharing. Zelensky described the situation as a loss of a “strong partner.”
- Elon Musk: Confirmed on X that the US government controls speed and usage limits on Starlink’s military network (Starshield) in Ukraine, with the Pentagon and President ultimately responsible.
Media Lens
- Foreign Policy led with the US military’s Starlink restrictions and detailed the operational consequences for Ukraine.
- Financial Times interviewed President Zelensky about Ukraine resuming strikes on Russian oil and US efforts to use Russian assets to incentivise peace talks.
- The Spectator highlighted Zelensky’s sharp criticism of Trump over both Starlink and the US-Russia diesel deal, quoting his statement on lost partnership and expected casualties.
Dates & decisions
- 18 November: Sotheby’s New York auction of van Gogh’s Chestnut Trees in Blossom.
- Next month: US midterm elections, with energy and Ukraine policy central campaign issues.
‘The film is so far from what the job actually is.’
Cindy Beale’s return to EastEnders is at the centre of an action-packed week in soap, as Corrie’s Ryan and Emmerdale’s Victor face new challenges (Picture: ITV / BBC)
She’s back!
Cindy Beale has staged her long-awaited EastEnders comeback and this week she’s set to take things one step further, revealing to the world that she is alive and well as she’s confronted by ghosts from her past.
Those ghosts include former nemesis Kathy Beale, in addition to lover George Knight, and her own daughters Anna and Gina Knight, who want answers aboutwhy she walked out on them all those years ago.
It’s a week that is absolutely not to be missed, and Metro.co.uk has a little taste of what’s in store below to whet your appetite ahead of the unmissable shenanigans.
Elsewhere in soap, Emmerdale’s Victor is accused of theft after a necklace that doesn’t belong to him winds up in his possession and, speaking of theft, Hollyoaks’ teens unmask the mysterious phone thief.
Coronation Street, meanwhile, sees new developments for Stephen Reid, and Ryan Connor makes a vow to his online followers as he prepares to take the next steps in setting up his O-Vidz account.
For all this and more, Metro.co.uk has selected a handful of spoilers for the game-changing week ahead.
Cindy returns to Walford in EastEnders
Cindy returns home after two decades (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
Cindy heads to the Square in search of Kathy, all the while trying to keep out sight to avoid those who may recognise her from decades ago. After an intense search, she finally comes face-to-face with her former mum-in-law at No. 45, and all hell breaks loose, with Ian determined to break things up.
Sarah puts two and two together regarding Stephen in Coronation Street
Sarah is on to her uncle Stephen! (Picture: ITV)
Sarah is taken aback when Tim warms her that Stephen is a liar who claimed he was coercively controlled by Gabrielle, who he tried to pass off as a business consultant for the factory.
Sarah decides to give Gabrielle a call and, later in the week, she threatens to call the police, believing Stephen is pulling a fast one on their deal. Stephen, meanwhile, grows closer to Jenny, who suggests they book a holiday together, but Tim is soon on hand to burst the killer’s bubble once more!
Charity tries to move on from Mack in Emmerdale – by going on a date with Liam!
Charity tries to move on from Mackenzie – with Liam! (Picture: ITV)
Charity does her best to stick to her plan of having nothing to do with Mackenzie, despite still harbouring strong feelings for him, with the landlady accepting Gail’s dare to proposition the next person who walks through the doors of the Woolpack.
The person is question is none other than Liam, with the two subsequently organising a date. Liam is slightly intoxicated by Charity’s charm, but will Charity find the whole thing as enjoyable as she’d hoped?
Felix blackmails Sharon over a huge secret in Hollyoaks
Sharon and Felix have a huge secret – but what is it? (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Felix takes part in another fight, much to Sharon’s dismay, while Mercedes finds out what her beau is up to after finding him unconscious. Despite Mercedes’ pleas, Felix refuses to stop fighting, with the mechanic subsequently threatening to reveal a 20-year-old secret if Sharon doesn’t leave well enough alone.
George and Cindy come face-to-face after nine years in EastEnders
Georges sees a ghost from his past (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
Anna’s 21st birthday arrives, with George, Elaine and Linda determined to make it one to remember as they plan a Spanish fiesta at the pub. George, however, is overwhelmed, annoyed that Rose will miss yet another milestone in his daughter’s life, as he takes himself outside to get some fresh air before the celebrations kick off.
Little does he know, however, that he’s about to get the biggest shock of all as he spots Cindy – aka ‘Rose’ – in the Square!
More: TrendingMajor Emmerdale character ‘set to die’ in clifftop car stunt as tragedy is confirmedRaging Phil determines to get rid of an EastEnders legendCoronation Street spoiler videos reveal dying Paul’s request, Debbie bombshell and more
Ryan makes a promise to his followers in Coronation Street
Ryan chats to Daisy (Picture: ITV)
Ryan receives a message from Guy, who reminds him about the video, and he assures him that it’s work in progress. Daisy calls round with a ring light for him and later he posts a message for his O-Vidz followers, promising them a personalised video very soon.
Victor is accused of a crime as Charles confronts him in Emmerdale
Charles takes shocking action as Victor is suspected of theft (Picture: ITV)
Charles is angry over Victor having fully wormed his way back into Claudette’s heart, confronting his dad in a physical showdown, which ends with Claudette giving him a slap!
Manpreet, meanwhile, agrees to return the necklace to Jai, but it’s gone missing, leaving the GP certain that Victor had something to do with it. Claudette is appalled to find the necklace in Victor’s pocket, with the criminal making a hurried escape as Manpreet telephones the police. Charles is horrified to find out what happened and sets off to find his father.
The mysterious phone thief is exposed in Hollyoaks
The phone thief strikes again (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Rafe tasks Tony with overseeing the final week of the Earl Of Dee Awards, but the teens refuse to participate until they get their phones back – believing Rafe took them!
Beau’s power of persuasion ultimately results in the teens agreeing to take part, but the campsite is later destroyed on the day of the finale!
Cindy’s comeback sends shockwaves through EastEnders
Cindy’s comeback sends shockwaves through the Square (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron / Matt Burlem)
George’s world crumbles as he realises that Cindy isn’t back for the girls, with her having had no idea that the Knights resided in Walford. Cindy wants to know about her daughters’ whereabouts but George lies, claiming they’re in Spain, taking his ex to the barrel store for a catch-up.
Linda, however, stumbles upon the two former flames and rails at George’s selfishness, referencing all the hard work that Elaine has put into the party for Anna.
Realising her daughters are just inches away, Cindy make her way into the bar, coming face-to-face with Anna and Gina, not to mention the residents of Walford who all thought she was dead! The fallout of her return, in addition to Ian’s, sends shockwaves through the Square, with Cindy determined to explain everything to Anna and Gina.
Ed dealt a devastating blow in Coronation Street
Ed is in for a big shock! (Picture: ITV)
When Ed reveals he’s put in a bid for a plot of land, Ronnie’s forced to explain there’s no money because he blew it all on Newton & Ridley shares which are now worthless, how will Ed react?
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBCOne. Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV. Emmerdale airs Mondays to Fridays at 7:30pm on ITV. Hollyoaks airs Mondays to Fridays at 7pm on E4, with first look episodes daily on All4.
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MORE : 25 Coronation Street pictures for next week reveal Stephen caught by four people as his next target is confirmed
MORE : Why did Peter Beale leave EastEnders and what happened between he, Kathy and Ben?
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Cindy’s got a lot on her plate as she finally returns to Albert Square.
This isn’t good!
He’s had enough.
Linda says she became ‘fiercely protective’ of her daughters after they lost their dad.
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