Top stories
1. US tech stocks see sharp falls as AI spending nears $1tn
US tech stocks fell sharply, with the Nasdaq opening at its lowest level in more than two months and Intel shares continuing to decline. The selloff comes as AI-related spending approaches $1 trillion, drawing investor scrutiny.
Source: BBC World
2. Binance seeks to shore up confidence after record $6.3 billion heist - Reuters
Binance is moving to restore user and investor confidence after a record $6.3 billion heist, one of the largest thefts in crypto history. The incident has renewed scrutiny of security practices at major exchanges.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
3. World’s oldest bank fights for its future as Italian rival nears takeover - Reuters
The world’s oldest bank is fighting to secure its future as an Italian rival moves closer to a takeover. The potential deal would see the historic lender acquired by a domestic competitor, drawing market attention.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
World news
1. Dockworkers at more than 100 ports worldwide strike against arms shipments - Reuters
Dockworkers at more than 100 ports worldwide have gone on strike against arms shipments, Reuters reported. The action spans multiple countries and could affect related cargo operations.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
2. Severe rainfall and flood warnings issued for central Greece and western Turkey
Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast for central Greece and western Turkey in coming days as a low-pressure system fuels powerful thunderstorms. A tornado during an intense storm in Antalya, Turkey, killed four construction workers, with more heavy rain expected.
Source: The Guardian World
3. El Niño-driven drought in Papua New Guinea a ‘national crisis’ as rivers dry up and local farms fail
An historic El Niño-driven drought is affecting up to 8 million people in Papua New Guinea, causing food and water shortages, power cuts, clinic and school closures. A coalition of churches, unions and business groups calls it a “national crisis” as rivers dry up and farms fail.
Source: The Guardian World
4. Patrick Stewart, Shakespearean actor turned ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men’ star, dies at 86
Patrick Stewart, the classically trained Shakespearean actor who became a global screen star as Captain Picard in ‘Star Trek’ and Professor Xavier in ‘X-Men’, has died at 86, Reuters reported.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
5. US inmate Christa Pike says she woke up ‘confused and in pain’ after failed execution
Christa Pike, a US death row inmate who survived a lethal injection attempt in September, said in her first public statement since the failed execution that she woke up “confused and in pain.”
Source: BBC World
6. Sinkholes, scarred land and scapegoats: the scourge of illegal gold mining in Johannesburg
Illegal gold mining around Johannesburg has intensified as gold prices soar, leaving sinkholes and scarred land. Police action appears ineffective, and illegal miners face blame amid limited alternatives. Residents and animals are increasingly affected.
Source: The Guardian World
7. Former Sydney childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith hit with 202 more abuse charges
New South Wales police have charged former Sydney childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith with 202 more abuse offences, including child rape, relating to 23 alleged victims aged one to five between 2014 and 2017. He was recently extradited from Queensland to NSW.
Source: The Guardian World
8. How heat storms threaten pregnant women around the world - Reuters
Reuters reports that extreme heat and heat storms pose growing risks to pregnant women worldwide, potentially raising the chance of complications and poor birth outcomes. The report highlights an often overlooked intersection of climate change and public health.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
9. Canada stops using ‘avalanche dogs’ for rescues in Rocky Mountains, stirring outrage
Canada has ended a 55-year-old avalanche dog rescue programme in the Rocky Mountains as part of government budget cuts. The programme had helped find missing hikers and children, and the decision has sparked outrage.
Source: BBC World