The World Brief for Saturday, October 24, 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
Ukraine Says Starlink Speeds Restored After Week of Throttling
Ukraine says Starlink and Starshield speeds are back to normal after over a week of restrictions that hit drone interception and frontline comms.
Trump administration sues to delay Alaska Senate certification
The Trump administration sued Alaska to block Senate certification if Republican Dan Sullivan loses to a namesake candidate, citing voter confusion ahead of the November 3 vote.
Iran Says US Warships Barred as Strike Threats Mount
Iran says US warships will never enter the Persian Gulf as US and Israeli threats of renewed strikes on Iran grow amid the ongoing war.
US Intelligence Warns Iran Is Plotting Attacks on Americans
US intelligence warns Iran has sharply stepped up plots against Americans in the Middle East and beyond, as Washington reduces embassy staff.
Rubio Urges Cubans to Partner With CIA Amid Oil Blockade
Rubio urged Cubans to form a discreet partnership with the CIA to bring change, as Cuba faces a US oil blockade and fuel shortages.
DOJ Demands California Counties Check Ballots for Noncitizens
DOJ demands California counties verify and set aside ballots of alleged noncitizen voters within 48 hours, or face legal action, according to letters obtained by NBC News and AP.
Trump Revives Cuba Military Threat, Suggests Warships Stop There
Trump told a South Florida rally U.S. warships returning from Iran could stop off Cuba, reviving military intervention talk days before the midterm elections.
Floods Surge Across Southwest US, Prompting Evacuation Requests
Fast-moving floods are surging across the US Southwest, and authorities urge families to evacuate when asked.
Officer who shot 1-year-old Kohen Wiley resigns in Mississippi
Mississippi officer Hunter Foster, who fired the shot that killed 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, has resigned from the Senatobia Police Department, a city official said.
Around the world
France deploys 70,000 police as nationwide protests loom
Hundreds of thousands are expected at protests across France today as 70,000 police and soldiers deploy, with Paris metro stations and museums closed.
Israel Launches West Bank Operation After Soldiers Are Killed
Israel starts multi-day West Bank operation in Hebron after two soldiers die at a checkpoint. Raids, arrests and demolitions reported ahead of Tuesday vote.
Fire Badly Damages Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest; Police Detain Suspect
German police detained a suspect after a fire badly damaged Hitler’s former Alpine retreat, the Eagle’s Nest, in Bavaria. No injuries were reported.
Netanyahu Faces Tight Race Against Eisenkot Before Vote
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving PM, faces Gadi Eisenkot in a tight October 27 vote as polls show the blocs neck and neck and campaigns turn ugly.
Kim Jong Un Reportedly Enters China Via New Yalu River Bridge
Kim Jong Un reportedly entered China via the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge at Dandong, per Yonhap. Neither Beijing nor Pyongyang has confirmed the visit.
Typhoon Champi Kills One and Injures Hundreds in Taiwan
Typhoon Champi killed one person and injured hundreds in Taiwan, cutting power to 280,000 households, while disrupting flights and travel in eastern China.
Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro clash in final debate before runoff
Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro clashed in Brazil’s final TV debate before a tied Sunday runoff, with fights over debt, health, homelessness and social media.
Houthi Siege Strains Taiz Water, Fuel and Medical Supplies
Water, fuel and medicine shortages threaten healthcare and daily life in besieged Taiz, Yemen, as Houthi rebels tighten their encirclement, aid groups warn.
Russia, Ukraine Agree Oleshky Ceasefire, Plan Talks Next Month
Ukraine and Russia agree a ceasefire in occupied Oleshky from Oct. 27 for aid and evacuations, with new peace talks planned for November.
World Brief is written with AI assistance from published reporting and narrated with an AI-generated voice.