WorldUS President Donald Trump says a peace deal in Ukraine is nearer than ever, despite little change on the ground. US envoy Steve Witkoff called his meeting with Vladimir Putin “constructive,” while Moscow says it is ready to resume trilateral talks next month. Curtin University associate professor Alexey Muraviev shared his analysis from Perth.
TechOne in four Europeans has been targeted by an online scam, including identity fraud and fake romances. The spread of AI is creating new risks. Entrust Chief Product Officer Minh Nguyen says platforms and governments can help protect consumers and businesses.
WorldUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses reporters.
Reuters
PoliticsVice President JD Vance urged Republicans Wednesday not to split over Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial Ohio campaign ad, telling them to “stop whining.” Donald Trump said he knew nothing about it but had heard “the mother went very rogue on the daughter.” Rep. Nancy Mace sharply criticized the ad in a CNN interview.
CNN
PoliticsGeorge Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley argues that Rep. Ilhan Omar has shown a “lack of transparency” about the allegations against her.
Fox News
SocietyHigh school and university students marched in Paris to demand better school conditions. President Emmanuel Macron said protests he called “illegitimate” would be banned in the coming days, blaming “seditious” ultra-left groups and vandals for last weekend’s riots and looting.
Reuters
PoliticsFrench President Emmanuel Macron told reporters Thursday, after meeting security chiefs, that what he called “illegitimate” protests would be banned in the coming days. Organised groups such as unions would be offered alternative march routes to protect businesses.
PoliticsJD Vance spoke to rally attendees in North Platte, Nebraska.
Fox News
PoliticsDonald Trump has been campaigning around the country for Republican candidates ahead of midterm elections in less than two weeks. Republicans are trying to retain narrow majorities in both chambers. Trump's approval has fallen to 32%, an all-time low, amid anger over living costs and fuel prices.
PoliticsMacron said requests to hold protests by “people who have no legitimacy” would be prohibited. Demonstrations planned in several French cities for Thursday were banned, and further restrictions are expected after weekend clashes and widespread looting. Some viewed the ban as infringing on the right to protest.
The Associated Press
WorldAmsterdam-based sociology assistant professor Laura D. Keesman analysed recent mobilisations in France and the government’s police response. Following a weekend of unrest and riots, the government admitted its security response had fallen short and promised a tougher approach ahead of another wave of protests.
EconomyFiona Jones rounds up the week’s crypto stories, from Washington’s focus on crypto scams to Stablecoin’s major expansion.
Reuters
WorldPeople arrested during the October 17 rallies appeared in Paris’s Judicial Court on Tuesday, facing charges including assaulting police, resisting arrest and handling stolen goods. The courtroom was tense as the justice minister called for the law to respond with “utmost firmness”. France 24 journalist David Rich followed the hearings.
SocietyMore than 4,000 Azerbaijanis have remained missing since the First Karabakh War, and their families are now demanding action.
SocietyPeople took to the streets in Paris despite bans on some demonstrations ordered in multiple French cities after a weekend of clashes and looting.
The Associated Press
CultureThe beloved musical is playing at Paris’s Lido theatre until January 10. British actor Ashley Day, who plays Don Lockwood, discusses taking on the role made famous by Gene Kelly.
Tech8:22Asian governments are rushing to address critical PHP security flaws after vulnerability details leaked online on Tuesday and hacking attempts increased. China urged organizations to check their systems and install the latest secure version, while Japan called for websites to go offline if fixes cannot be installed promptly.
SocietyOn Thursday morning, ABC Australia's Will Murray was covering the season's first major storm in Moreton Bay, Queensland, when a man drove into floodwater and his car began to sink. Murray and another bystander swam out and pulled the driver to safety before the vehicle went under.
BBC News
EconomyTo broaden its economic base, Azerbaijan is looking to develop manufacturing, farming, logistics, tourism and renewable power, while drawing in more international investment.
Politics1:28The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court as a show of support after the United States sanctioned the court. Abstentions by the far-right Patriots for Europe group proved decisive in resolving the deadlock over the final choice.
PoliticsDemocratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson appears with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a town hall in Portland, Maine, ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The Associated Press
WorldAuthor Andrew Doyle discusses riots across France and the possible role of immigration in the civil unrest on “Jesse Watters Primetime.”
Fox News
WorldHeavy rain and strong winds are affecting Japan’s Ishigaki island as Typhoon Champi approaches. The storm is forecast to pass northeastern Taiwan, head north toward China’s coast and eventually move into southern Japan.
Reuters
EconomyU.S. equity futures slide as an AI recovery rally fades. Meta raises its capital-spending plans for the year. Oil gains as the U.S. withdraws some diplomats from Saudi Arabia amid worsening tensions between the Houthis and Iran. MUFG’s George Goncalves discusses bond opportunities amid market volatility.
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