Briefing

US President Donald Trump said he expects to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky soon. He said a meeting would be arranged shortly and that “a lot of progress” was being made with Russia and Ukraine.

Donald TrumpVladimir PutinVolodymyr ZelenskyUS-Russia-Ukraine talks

A UN General Assembly session on the US embargo of Cuba was suspended after US Ambassador Michael Waltz and Cuban representatives traded sharp accusations in a tense confrontation on the floor.

United NationsUnited StatesCubadiplomacy

US envoy Mike Waltz repeatedly told Cuba’s UN team, “This is America,” during a heated confrontation at UN headquarters in New York. The clash came during a vote on the US trade embargo on Cuba; Washington has also imposed a fuel blockade on the island since January.

US-Cuba relationsUnited Nationstrade embargofuel blockade

Donald Trump said the Iran war would end “when I want it to.” A report from The Hill says the cost of the conflict has climbed to $47 billion.

United StatesIran warDonald Trumpwar costs

The US military has spent more than $47 billion to wage the war in Iran so far, over 25% above the Defense Department’s estimate in July, according to Pentagon data obtained by Reuters.

United StatesIran warPentagonwar costs

The Hill, citing estimates submitted to Congress by US Central Command, reported that US spending on its military operation against Iran had reached $47 billion as of October 16, up by more than $3 billion since early September.

United StatesIranmilitary spendingarmed conflict

A Russian drone attack late Tuesday in Ukraine’s Kharkiv forced elderly women and children to leave their homes. Firefighters escorted a disabled woman to safety as flames destroyed houses and industrial buildings.

KharkivRussian attackdrone strikeevacuations

Donald Trump said at a rally in Texas that his administration would end Biden-era rules holding oil and gas companies accountable for major methane leaks. He claimed the move would save consumers and energy producers $45bn and unlock 210 million barrels of oil, while critics warned of climate dangers.

Donald Trumpmethane emissionsoil and gasclimate policy

President Donald Trump formally proposed scaling back methane controls on oil and gas companies Tuesday, in his administration’s latest major effort to undo federal rules designed to address human-caused climate change.

Donald Trumpmethane controlsoil and gasclimate policy

Jio Platforms shares jumped 21% on their Mumbai debut on Wednesday, launching India’s biggest-ever IPO on a strong note and marking the first listing in two decades for Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries.

stock marketinitial public offeringJio Platforms

The telecoms business raised $3.2bn at a $108bn valuation in India’s largest IPO, with its shares climbing 21. The listing offered relief to a stock market battered by the war in Iran.

JioIPOIndian stock market

Jio Platforms, backed by Meta and Google, rose more than 21% on its trading debut after a record IPO.

Jio PlatformsIPOtrading debut

Scientists say global warming’s effects on human health have intensified more quickly since the landmark Paris accord than during the preceding decade.

climate changeglobal warminghuman health

The report's authors say many harmful health indicators linked to climate change are worsening.

climate changeglobal healthhealth indicators

Nearly 150 researchers from more than 30 countries are urging that climate change be declared a “global health emergency.” They cite worsening health and economic damage from heat, drought and storms, and propose a WHO mechanism to help countries share information, coordinate responses and monitor threats.

climate changeglobal healthextreme heatdrought

The Tampa Bay Rays stayed in contention for the World Series by narrowly beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in extra innings in Game 4.

baseballTampa Bay RaysMilwaukee Brewers