The World Brief for Thursday, November 5, 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
Democrats Win Control of Congress in Midterm Elections
Democrats win control of both US House and Senate in midterm elections, a sweeping rejection of President Trump over costs and the Iran war, per NBC News and DW.
Tehran Crowds Burn Banner Showing Trump, Vance and Netanyahu
Demonstrators in Tehran burned a giant banner of Trump, Vance, Netanyahu and Witkoff at a rally marking the 1979 US embassy takeover.
Investigators Probe Florida Learjet Crash That Killed Nine
NTSB investigators are probing a Florida Learjet crash that killed all nine aboard after a thunderstorm encounter, with plane parts found miles from the site.
Indiana Executes Jeffrey Weisheit for 2010 Children’s Deaths
Indiana executed Jeffrey Weisheit early Thursday for the 2010 house-fire deaths of two children, one of three U.S. lethal injections set for the same day.
Spokane County Shooting Leaves Four Dead, Including a Deputy
Four dead, including a Spokane County deputy and the suspect, after a domestic shooting and firefight with SWAT deputies in Washington state. Investigation ongoing.
NASA’s Swift Telescope Burns Up Over Indonesia After Rescue Fails
NASA’s Swift telescope fell from orbit and burned up over Indonesia on Nov 4, after a failed rescue mission. No damage was reported on the ground.
Judge Temporarily Blocks US Deportations of Afghans via Pakistan
A US judge temporarily blocked plans to deport Afghan immigrants to Afghanistan or Pakistan as advocates and lawmakers warned of danger.
Two Russian Diesel Tankers Divert From U.S. Amid Trump Deal Doubts
Two Russian diesel tankers bound for the U.S. changed course, the FT reported, raising doubts about Trump’s energy deal with Moscow.
Federal Panel to Weigh Final Approval of Trump Arch Thursday
A federal panel meets Thursday on final approval of Trump’s arch. Construction could start the same day unless a judge steps in.
Around the world
Herzog Accepts Israel Election Results and Opens Coalition Talks
Israel’s president accepted certified election results and began consultations. Neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot has a majority, and Arab-led parties made record gains.
Hong Kong Court Jails Joshua Wong for 10 More Years
Hong Kong court jails pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong for 10 more years under the national security law. US, Taiwan and rights groups condemn the sentence.
Bomb threats divert at least a dozen flights across Europe
Bomb threats diverted or delayed at least a dozen European flights on Thursday. No dangerous materials found so far, authorities say.
Hackers Target French Blood Cold Stores; Attack Thwarted
Hackers reportedly tried to heat three French blood and plasma cold stores to 110 C. EFS says the attack was thwarted, with no health impact or lost blood products.
Suspected grizzly attack kills mother and daughter in B.C.
A mother and daughter were killed in a suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola, B.C. Officers are checking whether more than one bear was involved.
South Korea seeks parliament nod to expand Hormuz patrols
South Korea plans to widen its Cheonghae anti-piracy unit’s mission toward the Strait of Hormuz, seeking parliamentary approval after US pressure over the Iran war.
South Africans Vote in Municipal Elections Testing ANC
South Africans vote in municipal elections as the ANC faces anger over corruption, crime and failing services. Results are due November 8, 2026.
Paraguay Senate Passes Ueno Bank Savings Advance Bill
Paraguay’s Senate approves early payouts for savers at collapsed Ueno Bank as lawmakers push to impeach President Peña.
Ukrainian Drones Hit Ryazan Refinery, Sparking Fires in Russia
Ukrainian drones hit industrial sites in Russia’s Ryazan region, including a refinery, sparking fires and power cuts, Governor Malkov says.
World Brief is written with AI assistance from published reporting and narrated with an AI-generated voice.