Latest News
- Saskatoon committee to consider expropriating land for bus rapid transit stations
- U.S. military conducts defensive strikes on Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz
- Lidl launches Christmas advert featuring Shaun Williamson as Barry from EastEnders
- Karl Bushby returns to UK after 28-year walk from South America
- Businesses adapt to new Manitoba Standard Time amid darker mornings
- Trump tells GOP “we gave this a very strong shot” as midterm candidates make final pitches
- Dozens dead after Russian airstrikes target humanitarian shelter in Ukraine
- HRW urges Zambia to end crackdown on opposition following elections
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
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Saskatoon committee to consider expropriating land for bus rapid transit stations
8:00 am
What’s the Latest: Saskatoon committee to weigh expropriating land for BRT stations
Saskatoon’s transportation committee will decide whether to expropriate land needed for six Bus Rapid Transit stations after negotiations with property owners stalled. City administration recommends moving forward with taking over small parcels of land near concrete BRT platforms on 22nd Street West and 8th Street East.
The Saskatoon transportation committee will meet on Tuesday to consider recommendations for expropriating land necessary for six Bus Rapid Transit stations, following stalled negotiations with several property owners. According to city administration, discussions with landowners began in 2024, and while the city has successfully purchased 10 properties for the stations, six remain due to unwillingness from some owners to sell and a lack of response from others.
The City of Saskatoon’s transportation committee is set to decide on expropriating land for Bus Rapid Transit stations amid stalled negotiations with property owners, with a recommendation from city administration to proceed with the acquisition of six parcels of land. Councillor Bev Dubois noted that there may be further meetings with landowners before the matter goes to council at the end of November, indicating the final decision is still uncertain.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed whether additional meetings with landowners will take place before the council decision at the end of November.
Saskatoon committee to consider expropriating land for bus rapid transit stations
Saskatoon’s transportation committee is set to decide on potential expropriation of small parcels of private land for six Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations, following stalled negotiations with property owners. The city administration has recommended the acquisition of land near planned BRT platforms on 22nd Street West and 8th Street East, with each site requiring approximately 30 to 57 square metres.
The city initiated discussions with landowners in 2024 and has already secured ten properties for the project, with plans to acquire five more. However, officials stated that some owners refuse to sell, while others have ceased communication. “There were some that were having some adjustments made already to that piece of land with the city, or discussions about possible adjustments, and then the conversation with the business just stopped,” said Councillor Bev Dubois, chair of the transportation committee.
Karen Kobussen, CEO of the Saskatoon West Business Association, expressed concerns regarding the surprise of property owners. She reported that many were notified just days before the committee meeting, leading to uncertainty and haste among landowners. “The ones I’ve spoken to have received emails on Friday, just basically saying consult your lawyer and here’s the meeting notice,” Kobussen said.
The committee’s report outlines alternative options, including relocating the stations to city-owned land, but the city regards this as “substandard” due to a lack of shelters and information for transit users. A recommendation will be made to city council following the committee meeting to determine the final decision regarding expropriation.
Kobussen emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue with landowners, advocating for smaller platforms as a compromise. “We absolutely agree that BRT and transit in general is very important for Saskatoon,” she stated. “But what can we look at so that both sides can say, yes, I can live with that and this is a great, happy medium.” The session is expected to attract considerable public input before a conclusion is reached.
U.S. military conducts defensive strikes on Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz
6:33 am
Get you up to speed: U.S. launches defensive strikes at Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military conducted limited defensive strikes against Iranian targets on Qeshm Island following an incident where Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired at an American aircraft. Three U.S. officials confirmed the strikes, which occurred near the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz have increased the operational costs of the Iran war to at least $47.1 billion as of mid-October, with $29 billion attributed to replacing used munitions. Reports indicate that the financial implications do not account for the damage inflicted on U.S. military bases in the region, many of which have been targets of Iranian attacks.
President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, indicated that a deal with Iran “could happen” and noted that “Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible.” Meanwhile, as the U.S. military’s costs from the ongoing conflict rise to at least $47.1 billion, lawmakers have been updated on significant expenses related to munitions and equipment replacement.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the U.S. military plans to address the damage to its bases in the Middle East.
U.S. military conducts defensive strikes on Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military has launched limited defensive strikes at Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, three U.S. officials confirmed to WTX US News.
A senior U.S. official said the strikes targeted Iran’s Qeshm Island after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired at an American aircraft.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the strikes on Monday.
The strikes came on the eve of Election Day, as President Trump floats restarting hostilities with Iran after the midterms and as the U.S. and Qatari mediators broker talks on a U.S.-Iran deal.
As the war enters its ninth month, Mr. Trump’s rhetoric has continued to swing back and forth between striking a deal and launching sustained strikes against Iran again.
In a Truth Social post earlier Monday, the president said a deal “could happen” and that “Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible.” Later that night, in an appearance on Fox News, Mr. Trump said “we still have to take care of” several sites in Iran, including Pickaxe Mountain, which houses a suspected nuclear site. During his appearance on Sean Hannity’s program, Mr. Trump said it was “not a big deal” and could be done in “an hour.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a weekend call with Mr. Trump, pushed for further sustained strikes against Iran, according to The Associated Press. Mr. Trump acknowledged the call had taken place, saying he had a “very good talk with him,” but did not elaborate on what he and Netanyahu discussed.
The war has loomed large over both the U.S. midterm and Israeli parliamentary elections. In the U.S., rising costs stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have led to cratering support for Mr. Trump and the Republican Party.
In Israel, Netanyahu’s party lost its majority in the first parliamentary elections since Oct. 7, 2023.
As of mid-October, the Iran war had cost the U.S. military at least $47.1 billion, according to a new estimate from U.S. Central Command obtained by WTX US News.
CENTCOM said the cost of replacing spent munitions alone was about $29 billion, according to the latest estimate, which was provided to lawmakers. Another $6.1 billion was needed to replace lost equipment, and there has been around $11.9 billion spent on incremental costs like support for American service members.
The estimate does not include the cost of damage to U.S. military bases in the Middle East, many of which have been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles.
Lidl launches Christmas advert featuring Shaun Williamson as Barry from EastEnders
6:00 am
Get you up to speed: Lidl’s Christmas advert features Barry from Eastenders singing | News UK
Lidl has launched its Christmas campaign, featuring Shaun Williamson, best known for his role as Barry Evans in EastEnders, in a reworking of Slade’s “Merry Christmas Everybody.” The campaign, titled Lidl Christmas Everybody, includes appearances from Chris Kamara, Kemi Rodgers, and Abi Clarke, and promotes Lidl’s Christmas food range while encouraging donations to its Toy Bank initiative across Great Britain.
Lidl’s Christmas campaign, “Lidl Christmas Everybody,” features a musical advertisement led by Shaun Williamson and runs concurrently with the return of the Toy Bank initiative, which is active from November 5 to December 16. Over the past four years, the Toy Bank has successfully distributed more than 250,000 toys to children through local charities and community groups.
Lidl’s new festive campaign, featuring Shaun Williamson, marks the supermarket’s start to its Christmas celebrations, according to marketing director Joanna Gomer, who noted that more surprises are forthcoming. In addition, Lidl has launched its Toy Bank initiative, encouraging donations of unopened toys from November 5 to December 16, which will benefit local charities and community groups.
What remains unclear — Lidl has not specified what additional surprises are planned for their Christmas campaign.
Lidl launches Christmas advert featuring Shaun Williamson as Barry from EastEnders
Lidl is getting into the Christmas spirit with their festive twist on one of the UK’s best-loved songs, starring none other than Barry from EastEnders.
Actor Shaun Williamson, who is best known for playing Barry Evans in the BBC soap, takes centre stage in the supermarket’s new campaign, titled Lidl Christmas Everybody.
The track is a reworking of Slade’s classic Merry Christmas Everybody, with Williamson leading a festive singalong.
This comes after Emily Atack was spotted falling in love with a Gavin & Stacey star in the first major 2026 Christmas advert.
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He is joined by the likes of former footballer Chris Kamara, Capital FM presenter Kemi Rodgers and comedian Abi Clarke.
Williamson said: ‘Christmas is all about bringing people together, having fun and spreading a little festive cheer, so I jumped at the chance to help Lidl kick off the festive season in style!
‘Putting a fresh spin on such an iconic Christmas classic was brilliant fun, and I hope it gets everyone smiling, singing along and feeling that little bit of Christmas magic!’
Lidl GB marketing director Joanna Gomer said the campaign marked the start of the supermarket’s Christmas celebrations, but more festive surprises were still to come.
The supermarket is also promoting its Christmas food range, which it says has received more than 160 awards and endorsements this year.
The campaign also coincides with the return of Lidl’s Toy Bank, which encourages shoppers to donate unopened toys and gifts in stores across Great Britain.
Running from November 5 to December 16, the initiative is organised with charity network Neighbourly and has distributed more than 250,000 toys over the past four years.
Donations will be passed on to children through local charities, food banks and community groups.
Karl Bushby returns to UK after 28-year walk from South America
5:00 am
Get you up to speed: Adventurer Karl Bushby arrives home in UK after 28-year walk from South America | News World
Karl Bushby, 57, returned to Hull, England, on 2 November 2026, after completing a 28-year walk from South America. He was welcomed by crowds and received congratulations from local officials, including Hull East MP Karl Turner and the Lord Mayor.
Karl Bushby’s journey covered approximately 31,000 miles and included crossings of the Darien Gap and the Bering Strait. He last visited his mother’s home in 1998, marking a significant personal milestone upon his return.
Karl Bushby received a warm welcome upon his return, with Hull’s Lord Mayor, Maria Coward, and Hull East MP Karl Turner praising his extraordinary journey and reading a commendation from Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Following a civic reception, Mr Bushby plans to spend time with his family and reflect on his 28-year adventure.
What remains unclear — The details surrounding Karl Bushby’s final preparations before his homecoming are not specified.
Karl Bushby returns to UK after 28-year walk from South America
Adventurer Karl Bushby arrived back in his home town after his 28-year walk from South America, with his mother asking: “Where have you been?”
Mr Bushby, now 57, was mobbed by well-wishers as he walked into the city centre on Monday, pushing his cart called The Beast.
And there were more emotional scenes when he turned up at his childhood home in the Sutton Park area of the city to be greeted by his mother, Angela, with a hug.
The first thing Mrs Bushby said to her son was: ‘Where have you been?’
Mr Bushby said: ‘Where have I been? Twenty-eight years later. Here we are.’
He then told the well-wishers and reporters: ‘I’m going to get myself a cup of tea.’
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The former paratrooper, now 57, set off from the southern end of Chile in 1998, when he was 28, vowing to walk all the way home without using any form of motorised transport.
He was mobbed and cheered as he walked into Queen Victoria Square wheeling his cart, before telling the crowd: ‘There has never been a welcome home quite like this, I’m sure.
‘This is absolute madness. After 28 years, you couldn’t ask for more than this. This is the last, last few steps.’
After 28 years, he’s finally returned home (Picture: EPA)
Karl was greeted by tonnes of locals cheering him on (Picture: EPA)
Bushby was greeted by the Lord Mayor and Hull East MP Karl Turner, who read out a message of congratulations from Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
He went inside for a civic reception before he embarked on the final leg of his 31,000-mile journey – the three miles to his mother’s house, in the north of the city, which he last visited in 1998.
Throughout his journey, he crossed the notorious Darien Gap in Central America and traversed the Bering Strait between Alaska and Russia on the frozen sea.
Bushby arrived back in England earlier this month, announcing that he had swum the Channel.
He told the crowd: ‘Twenty-eight years… I could not have imagined this. One last enormous thank you, guys. Just an enormous thank you.’
What was life like in 1998 when Karl set off on his epic journey?
Tony Blair was the prime minister of the UK.
Cher’s Believe hit number one on the UK charts on October 25.
France won the World Cup beating Brazil 3-0 in the final in July.
David Beckham was public enemy number one after being sent off against Argentina in the same tournament.
The euro became official currency in 11 countries on December 31.
Geri Halliwell left the Spice Girls in May.
Google was founded on September 8.
He said: ‘I guess I’ll be seeing you around. I’ll be knocking about for a while, I guess. I didn’t do this alone. It was a big team. The biggest team – Earth. That’s what it took to get me back.’
Lord Mayor of Hull Maria Coward told Bushby: ‘For 28 years – 10,229 days – Hull has been waiting for your return. Hull is proud of you. I’m proud of you. Everyone’s proud of you.’
Turner read Burnham’s message of congratulations, which said: ‘To walk around the world from Chile and back again is an achievement of truly remarkable proportions. It speaks of courage, resilience, perseverance and unbreakable spirit.’
The Prime Minister’s statement also thanked Bushby for his service to the country as a soldier.
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Businesses adapt to new Manitoba Standard Time amid darker mornings
1:00 am
What’s the Latest: Businesses adjust to darker mornings and schedules in new Manitoba Standard Time
Manitobans are adapting to a new time zone that eliminates seasonal time changes, impacting IT teams and construction worker scheduling due to darker mornings. The announcement was made by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew during an interview on September 17, with 92 per cent of residents supporting the decision.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced on September 17 that the province will not observe the time change this year. According to the province, 92 per cent of Manitobans supported ending seasonal time changes.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew confirmed on September 17 that the province would not revert to daylight saving time, reflecting the wishes of 92 per cent of residents who favoured ending seasonal time changes. Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, noted, “You woke up and that map of North America was a lot uglier than it was back in October, but business adjusts,” indicating an expectation of adaptation to the new time structure.
What remains unclear — The specific timing and details of how businesses will fully adjust to the new Manitoba Standard Time remain undisclosed.
Businesses adapt to new Manitoba Standard Time amid darker mornings
Manitobans are adjusting to darker mornings following the province’s transition to Manitoba Standard Time. This change has particularly affected IT teams and construction schedules. Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the challenges, stating, “You woke up and that map of North America was a lot uglier than it was back in October, but business adjusts, we will find ways to adapt. But ultimately this is what Manitobans decided.”
Premier Wab Kinew confirmed during an interview with 680 CJOB on 17 September that the province will not revert to seasonal time changes. This decision aligns Manitoba with Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and parts of Northwestern Ontario, which have also opted out of changing their clocks.
The move to abolish daylight saving time resonated with the public, as 92 per cent of Manitobans supported ending seasonal changes, according to provincial statistics. Local businesses are now working to recalibrate their operational schedules in response to the altered timekeeping system.
Remillard underscored the importance of adaptability in the face of new challenges, emphasising that businesses will continue to find solutions that cater to the new circumstances. As the province settles into this permanent time zone, it remains to be seen how these adjustments will unfold.
For more information, view the full story in a video report linked above.
Trump tells GOP “we gave this a very strong shot” as midterm candidates make final pitches
11:00 pm
Get you up to speed: 2026 election live updates as Trump tells GOP “we gave this a very strong shot,” midterm candidates make final pitches
Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers during an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, marking a significant shift following her previous stance against him. Stevens confirmed a prior conversation with Rep. Debbie Dingell, stating, “That’s just where I landed with this,” without detailing what prompted her change of heart.
Investigations into the events leading to Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Mike Rogers are ongoing, with no clear timeline for their conclusion. Stevens emphasised the importance of Democrats retaining the Senate seat in Michigan as pivotal for party control after the upcoming election.
Haley Stevens expressed her support for Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, stating she “woke up…focused on what was in my heart,” despite previous endorsements of a Democratic nominee. Rep. Debbie Dingell described Stevens’ endorsement as “one of the most painful interviews I have ever watched,” expressing concern that the situation has become a distraction for the Democratic Party.
What remains unclear — Stevens did not clarify what specific factors influenced her decision to endorse Mike Rogers after initially refusing to do so.
Trump tells GOP “we gave this a very strong shot” as midterm candidates make final pitches
Haley Stevens gave her first interview since she endorsed Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers on Sunday, telling CNN’s Anderson Cooper she felt like there was a “weight off my shoulders.”
During their 15-minute interview, Cooper repeatedly asked Stevens why she changed her mind after she reportedly told her colleague Rep. Debbie Dingell in a phone conversation Saturday night that she was not going to endorse Rogers.
Stevens confirmed the conversation took place but never gave Cooper a direct answer about what changed her mind. She told him, “That’s just where I landed with this. I woke up this morning clear-eyed, fresh and, you know, focused on what was in my heart, and that’s that.”
Asked again what changed her mind, Stevens replied, “I was there and just, you know, alone with my thoughts. I was writing things out, and look, this level of anger and the things that we are seeing — look, we all want Democrats to win. I’m a really proud Democrat. And by the way, Abdul’s got every other Democrat with him. He just doesn’t have me and a few other people who love this party.”
“Nothing with me changed, Anderson,” said Stevens, who had previously endorsed El-Sayed.
She cited El-Sayed’s alliance with left-wing streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker and a controversial ad from Rebellion PAC that tied the war in Gaza to increased costs at home. It shows a couple in a grocery store shopping for food for their children, and the woman instructs her husband to put the eggs back, saying, “We have to set that $7 aside for killing Palestinians.” El-Sayed said his campaign had nothing to do with the ad.
“That ad was very painful,” Stevens said. “There are so many Democrats who want to vote for our Democratic nominee, and they’re just being told, ‘Hey, this is a party you don’t belong in, or this is a campaign you don’t belong in.'”
Stevens told Cooper she “absolutely” wants Democrats to take control of the Senate after Election Day and that it’s essential for Democrats to retain the seat in Michigan to take control of the Senate.
Cooper pointed out that in August, Stevens had posted on social media that Rogers would be “another rubber stamp for Donald Trump‘s dangerous agenda. We can’t afford to give MAGA another Senate seat in November.” He asked Stevens, “Why is it OK now … why can you afford to give MAGA another Senate seat in November?”
Stevens replied, “Well, why is it OK to have the Democratic Party and a top nominee injecting … this type of anger and lack of kindness?”
Cooper asked if she was referring to being disinvited from a planned joint appearance with El-Sayed Sunday.
“Anderson, I was just trying to help this campaign and stand up for people who feel hurt,” Stevens replied.
Cooper interviewed Dingell immediately following Stevens, and Dingell described Stevens’ appearance as “one of the most painful interviews I have ever watched.”
“I’m very concerned that this has all become a distraction,” Dingell said.
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