Latest News
- Norway and Finland engage in rare call with Putin to discuss Ukraine conflict
- Israeli right-wing leaders make inflammatory remarks as election votes are counted
- Lumby to hold mayoral byelection following recent elections
- U.S. to grant visas to Flávio Bolsonaro and family following election loss
- Capybara Samba spotted on camera months after escaping from Marwell Zoo
- Cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey ends journey in Cambodia due to fuel shortages
- Arab parties expected to secure 18 seats in Israel’s parliamentary election
- Mayoral candidates support increased policing as Winnipeg civic election approaches
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
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Global Reaction to DE Elections
Norway and Finland engage in rare call with Putin to discuss Ukraine conflict
11:01 am
Norway and Finland engage in rare call with Putin to discuss Ukraine conflict
Tensions in Europe are escalating as Norway and Finland conducted an unprecedented telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. This engagement marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations, drawing criticism from other European nations wary of legitimising Putin amid his military actions. The leaders’ conference signals a potential realignment of dialogue dynamics in the region as they navigate their security interests amid rising threats from Moscow.
In economic news, the fallout from escalating geopolitical tensions continues to influence global markets, with investors closely monitoring energy prices amidst fears of supply disruptions. The next significant event will be the upcoming G20 summit, where leaders will address coordinated responses to these pressures, including energy security discussions.
Key developments across the world
Serbia: Knife attacker shot dead by police outside Israeli embassy in Belgrade
GLOBAL SECURITY — A knife attacker has been shot dead by police outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade.
The assailant was reported to be screaming during the attack and was subsequently killed by police forces. This incident has raised security concerns in the region, particularly regarding attacks on diplomatic locations.
Norway and Finland hold rare call with Putin to discuss ending war
DIPLOMACY — Norway and Finland held a rare conversation with President Vladimir Putin aimed at discussing the conclusion of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This significant diplomatic engagement demonstrates a potential shift in regional dynamics as both countries seek to influence the peace process. It underscores the growing recognition among Nordic nations of their role in addressing the conflict.
Spain train crash latest: At least 39 dead after two high-speed trains collide
GLOBAL SECURITY — A tragic collision between two high-speed trains in Spain has resulted in at least 39 fatalities.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which has shocked the nation and raised serious questions about railway safety. The incident occurred near Toledo, prompting emergency services to address the large number of casualties.
Trump says he approves of Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro coming to US
GLOBAL MIGRATION — Donald Trump has expressed approval for Flavio Bolsonaro to come and live in the United States following his defeat in Brazil’s elections.
This approval comes amid questions about Bolsonaro’s current status and future in Brazil, as he reportedly faces several legal challenges. Trump’s endorsement has also raised eyebrows concerning the interplay between US and Brazilian politics.
Russia-Ukraine war: Europe furious after Finland and Norway break convention by speaking directly to Putin
DIPLOMACY — Finland and Norway’s direct communication with President Putin regarding the Ukraine war has sparked outrage among European leaders.
This unprecedented move has led to criticisms that the two nations are undermining a unified European front against Russia. The situation highlights tensions within Europe regarding approaches to diplomatic negotiations with Moscow.
What to watch — The implications of the Spain train crash could have lasting effects on railway safety protocols across Europe.
Further reading from global news sources
The Guardian
Spain train crash: at least 10 feared dead after collision in Toledo province
BBC News
At least 10 dead after two trains collide south of Madrid, regional official says
Financial Times
At least 10 killed in collision of high-speed trains in Spain
Reuters
Trump says he approves of Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro coming to US
Al Jazeera
Norway and Finland hold rare phone call with Putin: What that means
Israeli right-wing leaders make inflammatory remarks as election votes are counted
10:00 am
Get you up to speed: Israeli right makes provocative statements as election votes are counted
During the Israeli election, senior right-wing figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, made provocative statements regarding Arab voters and alleged election theft. Police confirmed the arrest of three individuals on suspicion of voter bribery, but no evidence indicated they held senior positions in the Ra’am party.
Police have arrested three individuals on suspicion of voter bribery, although they are not believed to hold senior positions within Ra’am. With approximately 55 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu’s coalition is projected to win 56 seats, falling short of the 61 seats required for a majority in Israel‘s 120-seat parliament.
Arab political leaders have denounced Netanyahu’s rhetoric as “racist and inflammatory,” while analysts expect him to amplify claims regarding the legitimacy of a coalition including Arab parties. As voter turnout surged in Arab communities, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reaffirmed his commitment to expanding Jewish settlements, pledging that “Jewish settlements will be established in Gaza.”
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how different political coalitions will negotiate power following the election results.
Israeli right-wing leaders make inflammatory remarks as election votes are counted
News|Israel Election 2026Israeli right makes provocative statements as election votes are counted
Netanyahu and Smotrich incite against Arab voters as rival political camps face an uncertain path to power.
Published On 28 Oct 202628 Oct 2026
Published On 28 Oct 202628 Oct 2026Senior figures on Israel’s right have made a series of provocative statements about Arab voters, alleged attempts to steal the election and plans to establish Jewish settlements in Gaza.
The remarks came during Tuesday’s election and after exit polls suggested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing alliance had suffered a setback.
With neither major political camp securing a clear majority, Arab-led parties could play an important role in deciding who forms the next government.
Speaking early on Wednesday at his far-right Religious Zionism party’s election headquarters in Jerusalem, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed opposition celebrations and promised to preserve the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.
He said his political opponents would not reverse the government’s settlement “revolution”, declaring: “Jewish settlements will be established in Gaza.”
Israel dismantled its settlements in Gaza in 2005.
Earlier on Tuesday, Smotrich warned on Facebook that voter turnout was unusually high in Arab communities and left-wing strongholds, without providing supporting figures.
He claimed that failing to mobilise right-wing voters could allow “terror supporters” to enter government.
Netanyahu, who leads the right-wing Likud party, made similar appeals during voting, warning that Arab voters were rushing to polling stations and that an opposition victory would threaten Israel’s Jewish character.
He also accused three senior figures from Ra’am, an Arab-majority party, of attempting to steal the election.
Police confirmed they arrested three people on suspicion of voter bribery, but there was no indication they held senior positions in Ra’am.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev, also from Likud, echoed the unsubstantiated election theft allegations in a post on X on Tuesday. “They’re trying to steal the elections and the country from us,” she said. “It’s either the right or Palestine.”
British-American political scientist Dov Waxman told WTX News that Netanyahu’s plan after the inconclusive election result will likely be to “hammer home the message” to the Israeli public that a governing coalition that consists of Arab parties is “illegitimate”.
Arab political leaders condemned Netanyahu’s election-day messages as racist and inflammatory.
WTX News correspondent Nida Ibrahim, reporting from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, said Netanyahu’s bloc of right-wing and religious parties was projected to win 56 seats, with about 55 percent of ballots counted, short of the 61 seats needed for a majority in Israel’s 120-seat parliament.
She said Mansour Abbas, the leader of Ra’am, claimed he had received approaches from both Netanyahu’s Likud and the opposition camp led by Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief who heads the Yashar party.
Lumby to hold mayoral byelection following recent elections
9:00 am
What’s the Latest: Lumby to hold mayoral byelection after two back-to-back elections
Kevin Acton won the mayoral election in Lumby on October 17 and shortly after secured a seat in the legislature as the Conservative MLA for Vernon-Lumby on October 24. His departure will lead to a mayoral byelection in Lumby, with voting expected in early 2024.
The byelection to replace Kevin Acton as Lumby’s mayor is projected for late January to early February of next year, with an estimated cost of between £5,000 and £10,000. Until a new mayor is elected, Lumby will operate under an acting mayor system with existing councillors rotating in the role.
Kevin Acton has announced he will personally cover the expected cost of the upcoming mayoral byelection in Lumby, estimated at between £5,000 and £10,000, stating, “I don’t want to put that responsibility on the taxpayer of Lumby.” The byelection is anticipated to take place in late January or early February, resulting in several months without an elected mayor.
What remains unclear — It is not specified when exactly the byelection for Lumby’s mayor will be held beyond the indication of late January to early February.
Lumby to hold mayoral byelection following recent elections
Lumby residents will face another election as Kevin Acton, recently re-elected as mayor, is set to take on a new role as the Conservative MLA for Vernon-Lumby. Acton won the mayoral race on October 17 and secured his provincial seat just a week later, on October 24. He indicated that he had planned to run in provincial politics but did not anticipate such a quick transition. “All along, the plan was to run provincially… We just expected it to be two years from now, not a week after the election,” he said.
With Acton’s move to the provincial legislature, Lumby will hold a byelection to fill the mayoral position. Chief financial officer Bobbe Koenig stated that the byelection is expected to occur “at the end of January, early February.” In the interim, an acting mayor system will be implemented, with current councillors rotating responsibilities similar to arrangements made during the mayor’s absences.
The byelection is projected to cost between £5,000 and £10,000. Acton has committed to covering these expenses personally, stating, “I don’t want to put that responsibility on the taxpayer of Lumby.” He explained that the situation was not anticipated: “It was the situation I was put in.”
Local residents have reacted to the news of yet another election with mixed feelings. Ann Verhage acknowledged a sense of fatigue, answering, “Sort of, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.” However, Paul Gilfillan expressed a lack of concern about returning to the polls. Irene Yaremcio joked about her weariness with the voting process, hoping it would be the last time in the near future.
Acton is expected to be sworn in as an MLA in mid-November, marking his transition from local to provincial politics. He expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying, “I feel really excited… I’m really excited to get to work.”
U.S. to grant visas to Flávio Bolsonaro and family following election loss
7:00 am
Get you up to speed: U.S. issuing visas to Brazil’s Flávio Bolsonaro and family after he lost presidential election, official says
Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has departed for the U.S. after losing the presidential election to incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and he and his family will receive U.S. visas. His decision to leave followed an order to surrender his passports, although it remains unclear if he complied with this directive.
Bolsonaro’s departure from Brazil occurred just after a deadline to surrender his passports, with uncertainties surrounding his compliance with the order. The Supreme Court’s sealed order, issued on the day of his election loss, has been met with his refusal to concede and claims of electoral fraud.
Brazil’s presidential incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned Bolsonaro’s departure as “shameful,” questioning what he might be trying to hide. Meanwhile, political analyst Eduardo Bolsonaro, brother of Flávio Bolsonaro, previously encouraged him to leave Brazil in the event of a loss, reflecting the family’s ongoing ties to the United States amid legal pressures at home.
What remains unclear — It is not clear whether Bolsonaro complied with the order to surrender his passports before the deadline.
U.S. to grant visas to Flávio Bolsonaro and family following election loss
Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and his family will receive U.S. visas after Bolsonaro lost Brazil’s presidential election over the weekend, a senior State Department official told WTX US News on Tuesday.
Bolsonaro, an ally of President Trump, and his family will be allowed entry into the U.S., the official said.
Bolsonaro departed Brazil for the U.S. following his loss to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Sunday’s election, according to multiple Brazilian media reports.
A spokesperson for Bolsonaro did not respond to a request for comment. His campaign manager Rogério Marinho also refused to comment.
Silva said Tuesday it was “shameful” that Bolsonaro had fled Brazil.
“A person who sneaks out of their country must have something to hide,” Silva said, per Agence France-Presse. “The act of leaving Brazil is shameful.”
Bolsonaro’s brother, Eduardo Bolsonaro, who lives in Texas, had publicly encouraged him to leave Brazil if he lost the election.
Bolsonaro has touted his relationship with Mr. Trump and visited the White House in May. The family connections go deeper: Brother Eduardo Bolsonaro was convicted in absentia in June of illegally lobbying the Trump administration and sentenced to four years in prison. A warrant was recently issued for his arrest.
Mr. Trump did not offer a full-throated endorsement of Bolsonaro in the runoff against Lula, as he has with some other right-of-center candidates in Latin America. But he suggested on Monday, without providing evidence, that Brazil’s election was “rigged.”
But he told reporters Wednesday that said he approves of Bolsonaro coming to the U.S.
“It would be OK with me,” Mr. Trump said.
Arthur Menescal / Bloomberg via Getty Images 
Bolsonaro’s decision to leave Brazil came as a deadline for him to surrender his regular and diplomatic passports expired at noon Tuesday. It remained unclear whether he had complied.
“This is what the Bolsonaro family is like: Brazil is their second nation, the U.S. is the first,” Lula said Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Bolsonaro was served with the order to surrender his passports Monday, a day after his stunning loss. Bolsonaro said he received it outside the home where his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, is serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest for attempting a coup following his 2022 election loss to Lula. After his 2022 defeat, Jair Bolsonaro fled Brazil for Florida. He returned three months later.
The sealed Supreme Court order, viewed by The Associated Press, was issued Sunday. Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat and has made unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud.
Lula, who turned 81 on Tuesday, received more than 64 million votes, compared with fewer than 60 million for Bolsonaro, a margin of nearly 4%.
Capybara Samba spotted on camera months after escaping from Marwell Zoo
6:00 am
Get you up to speed: Samba the runaway Capybara caught on camera after months on the lam | News UK
Samba, a 6-year-old Capybara, was spotted on camera at Marwell Zoo months after escaping, feeding on treats left by zookeepers. Authorities confirmed she is currently on private land, and efforts are underway to recover her while minimising her stress.
Marwell Zoo staff are using additional wildlife cameras and establishing a feeding area to encourage Samba to return. Authorities have not disclosed details regarding her precise location, as it is situated on private land to minimise disruption to the ongoing recovery efforts.
Marwell Zoo staff are working “tirelessly” to encourage Samba the Capybara to return to her enclosure, employing various strategies including establishing a feeding area. The zoo emphasised the importance of minimising stress during the recovery process and stated that her exact location will remain confidential to avoid disturbances.
What remains unclear — Zoo officials have not disclosed the exact location of Samba to the public.
Capybara Samba spotted on camera months after escaping from Marwell Zoo
A fugitive Capybara appears to be living her best life after being spotted on camera months after escaping a zoo.
Samba, 6, was spotted on a trap camera munching down on treats left for her by staff at Marwell Zoo as they try to entice her back to her enclosure.
As winter closes in, staff at the zoo said they were working ‘tirelessly’ to get the runaway rodent back.
A zoo spokesman said: ‘Recovering Samba is a gradual and carefully managed process. Although we know the area she is in, it isn’t simply a case of being able to approach and collect her.
‘It’s vital that we keep any stress to an absolute minimum, as frightening or disturbing her could cause her to move away from the area and make her safe recovery more difficult.’
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‘We have also been establishing a feeding area, encouraging her to become familiar with the location and return regularly. This is an important step in our plans to safely recover her.
‘As Samba is currently on private land, and to avoid disturbing her or disrupting our ongoing efforts, we are keeping details of her exact location confidential.’
It came seven months after dogwalker Claudie Paddick last spotted the missing capybara resting in the March sunshine on the banks of the River Itchen.
The mother-of-two was out for a dog walk with her black labrador Growler, and her sausage dog, Patsy, when Growler began barking spooking the giant rodent.
Samba jumped into the river and swam off, but not before Paddick sent a photo to her neighbour, who called the zoo.
Mrs Paddick, a family lawyer, said: ‘It then jumped in the river and it didn’t come back out, and I was like, what the hell is that?
‘A capybara is something I have never seen or even heard of before, but now I’m a bit of an expert. We see lots of animals when we go walking down the river, but never a rodent from the Amazon.’
Samba had arrived at the zoo from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park with her sister, Tango.
Tango was quickly found but Samba has proved trickier to find despite thermal drones and sniffer dogs closing in.
Cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey ends journey in Cambodia due to fuel shortages
5:00 am
Get you up to speed: ‘Never-ending’ cruise ends journey in Cambodia due to fuel shortages | News World
The Villa Vie Odyssey, a cruise ship that allowed passengers to purchase long-term suites, has ceased operations in Cambodia due to fuel shortages. Passengers were ordered to disembark by 2pm, with crew remaining onboard to maintain the vessel.
Passengers were instructed to disembark by 2pm today, with arrangements available for those needing assistance with their belongings. It remains unclear if Villa Vie is providing accommodation support or refunds for the affected residents.
A spokesperson for Villa Vie stated that the company has “taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption” but remains unable to continue operations due to increased costs. Passengers were informed they must disembark by 2pm today, with arrangements for managing their belongings in place.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether passengers will receive assistance with accommodation or refunds after the abrupt stop in operations.
Cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey ends journey in Cambodia due to fuel shortages
A cruise ship which allowed passengers to purchase suites to remain onboard for years has ended operations early due to fuel shortages.
The Villa Vie Odyssey, which was stranded in Northern Ireland for months in 2024 as repairs were carried out, has now ended its journey in Cambodia.
Passengers – mostly from North America – were able to rent their suites for 35 to 120 days or buy them for around £90,000 to £260,000 for a ‘never-ending’ (three year) cruise.
Some planned to stay onboard for years, with one couple, Melody and John Hennessee, from Palm Beach, Florida, hoping to live out the rest of their lives onboard.
But this week, passengers were told: ‘Unfortunately, we were unable to secure the fuel necessary to continue operations. As a result, the Odyssey will enter a temporary layup this afternoon, with crew remaining onboard to maintain the vessel and its essential systems.
Residents were told to disembark by 2pm today (Picture: PA)
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‘All residents must disembark by 2pm today. For those who are unable to collect all their belongings before disembarking, please coordinate with Guest Services to arrange an orderly return using the shuttles.’
Passengers paid around £70 each day for rent, utilities and food, meaning the increase in fuel prices because of the war in Iran made the model unsustainable.
A spokesperson for Villa Vie said: ‘Since the conflict began in late February, we have taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port.’
‘We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses. Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution.’
It remains unclear if the company is helping passengers with accommodation or refunds.
Passengers already ran into issues two years ago when they were stranded in Belfast for months (Picture: Marc Giddings)
The cruise has stopped operations in Cambodia – and parts of Asia have seen the price of fuel triple since Trump began the war in Iran.
In the UK, petrol has soared 41p higher than it was seven months ago, before the war in Iran began.
In September, it was reported that emergency fuel shortage plans were unveiled and could soon be brought in.
They included ‘diesel rationing’, reducing speed limits to 50mph, and priority filling for emergency services and public transport.
Despite widespread worries of further price hikes, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told WTX that supplies are not an issue.
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