The World Brief for Monday, October 26, 2026. Listen to today’s episode, or read each of today’s 18 stories below. Every story has an article with links to its sources.
United States
Trump Calls Abdul El-Sayed a ‘Jihadist’ at Michigan Rally
Trump called Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed a ‘jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member’ at a Michigan rally. El-Sayed denies any Muslim Brotherhood ties.
Blanche Defends DOJ Suit to Block Alaska Senate Certification
US Justice Department sues to block Alaska Senate certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. AG Todd Blanche defends the move, citing voter confusion from two Sullivans.
Trump Says ‘Decision Time’ Nears on Iran Deal or Strikes
Trump says ‘decision time’ is near on Iran: a deal or renewed strikes, as Iranian and Houthi threats grow and US forces and staffing shift in the Middle East.
Kimi Antonelli Wins US Grand Prix, Edges Closer to F1 Title
Kimi Antonelli won the US Grand Prix in Austin and moved to the brink of his first F1 title, with five races left and a 123-point lead over George Russell.
Nicki Minaj Backs Trump at Michigan Rally Before Midterms
Nicki Minaj endorsed Trump at a Michigan Republican rally on 25 October as Trump renewed attacks on Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Audi Plans $4bn SUV Plant in Georgia Despite German Job Cuts
Audi plans a $4bn US factory in Macon, Georgia, creating about 4,500 jobs, as Volkswagen faces tariffs and German job cuts. Details and reaction.
Ukraine Disputes Musk’s Starlink Claims Amid US Questions
Ukraine disputes Elon Musk’s claim it broke Starlink terms, as officials in Kyiv and Washington debate who ordered the service disruptions hitting Ukraine’s drone operations.
Floods Force Evacuations and Rescues Across Four Corners
Floods and storms force evacuations and water rescues across the Four Corners region of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, with more rain forecast.
Trump Says Canada Trade Deal Coming ‘Pretty Soon’
Trump says a US-Canada trade deal will come "pretty soon" as tariffs stay in place before the Nov 3 midterms. Canada has not yet responded.
Around the world
Lula Wins Fourth Term as Bolsonaro Refuses to Concede
Lula won Brazil’s runoff against Flavio Bolsonaro, who refuses to concede and seeks to annul the vote. Global leaders have congratulated Lula.
Israelis Vote Tuesday as Netanyahu Faces Eisenkot Challenge
Israelis vote Tuesday amid Gaza war and Iran tensions, with Netanyahu facing criticism and a challenge from Gadi Eisenkot. Reports of an army rift are disputed.
Student List Ousts Vučić’s Party in Serbia Election
Serbia’s Student List wins snap election, ousting Vučić’s ruling party after nearly two years of student-led protests. EU leaders welcome the result.
Houthis Claim Attacks on Riyadh Airport and Saudi Oil Sites
Houthis claim attacks on Riyadh airport and Saudi oil pumping stations; the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a missile fired toward Riyadh.
María Corina Machado Returns to Venezuela to Huge Crowds
María Corina Machado returned to Venezuela on Sunday after more than 10 months in exile, greeted by large crowds in Caracas and Lara state.
Le Pen Launches France Presidential Bid in Orléans Amid Protests
Marine Le Pen launched her French presidential campaign in Orléans on October 25, 2026, as cost-of-living protests and unrest continued across the country.
Uganda Orders 21-Day Quarantine for Returning Citizens from Congo
Uganda orders 21-day quarantine for citizens returning from DR Congo as Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria raise questions over Uganda travel and screening.
Flash Floods and Mudslides Hit Phuket After Heavy Rain
Flash floods and mudslides hit Thailand’s Phuket island after heavy overnight rain, with about 100 households affected and no casualties reported.
Former Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda Dies at 90
Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda, who sought closer China ties, has died at 90, according to Nikkei. Details on the death are limited so far.
World Brief is written with AI assistance from published reporting and narrated with an AI-generated voice.