The Duchess of Sussex said she is very upset about claims that her father, Thomas Markle Sr, is linked to child sexual abuse images. The Metropolitan police had informed her in 2018 about troubling allegations they were investigating. Her father denies the accusations, calling them false.
Key Facts
The Duchess of Sussex learned about disturbing allegations against her father in 2018 from the Met police.
The allegations involve child sexual abuse images, which her half-brother Thomas Markle Jr claims to have found at their father’s former home in the Philippines.
Thomas Markle Sr denies all accusations, calling them “sick lies.”
Meghan stated she kept her children away from her father to protect them.
The 2018 letter with allegations was shared with Meghan by the Royalty and Specialist Protection unit of the Met police.
Markle Sr has not seen his grandchildren and has been estranged from Meghan since her wedding in 2018.
Markle Jr told police in the Philippines he found “hundreds, if not thousands” of these images and contacted the FBI.
Thomas Markle Sr is recovering in a Florida rehab center after leg amputation and says the computers in question were not in his possession for many months.
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The UK government plans to allow households earning up to £110,000 to use a new loan scheme called Your First Home to buy new-build houses in England. In London, the earnings limit may be higher, up to £140,000, to help more people, including middle earners like teachers and nurses, buy homes with small deposits.
Key Facts
Your First Home offers government-backed equity loans covering 20% of new-build home prices from certain developers.
Loans include an initial period with no interest to make buying easier.
The scheme aims to help buyers put down deposits as low as 2.5%.
Income limits are set around £110,000 outside London and up to £140,000 in London to widen access.
Previous Help to Buy schemes did not limit income but were criticized for increasing house prices.
The new scheme is expected to support housebuilding, as the government is behind on a goal to build 1.5 million homes by the next election.
Developers participating will contribute to the running costs of the scheme.
Details on funding and potential spending cuts in other areas will be announced next week’s Budget.
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French authorities have asked the public to share videos of looting that happened during recent protests. They want to use these videos to identify people involved in violent acts across France.
Key Facts
The request for videos is aimed at helping police identify rioters from last weekend.
This is a new and unusual approach by French authorities.
The protests have included looting and unrest in different parts of France.
Public sharing of videos is expected to assist the ongoing investigation.
The situation has caused public debate about privacy and security.
French officials, including President Macron, are responding to the unrest with meetings and possible measures.
Curfews and other restrictions have been put in place in some areas, including parts of Paris.
The protests involve students and other groups who are unhappy about issues like education and inflation.
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A painting called "Iris" by the artist Claude Monet sold for 50 million euros (about 56 million dollars) at an auction in Paris. This sale is the highest price ever for an artwork sold in France at an auction.
Key Facts
The painting is titled "Iris" and was made by Claude Monet, a famous Impressionist artist.
It was sold in Paris, France, on a Thursday.
The final price was 50 million euros, including buyer fees.
The price equals approximately 56 million US dollars.
This is the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction in France.
Impressionism is an art style known for visible brush strokes and light effects.
The auction took place in 2026.
Monet is known for nature scenes and flowers, like the irises in this painting.
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Antonio Guterres’s term as United Nations Secretary-General is ending soon. The UN is searching for a new Secretary-General, but top candidates are finding it hard to get enough support from member countries.
Key Facts
Antonio Guterres currently serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations.
His term will end soon, requiring a new leader to be chosen.
The United Nations is made up of 193 member countries.
Choosing a new Secretary-General involves getting approval from many different nations.
Leading candidates for the role have difficulty gaining enough backing.
The Secretary-General is responsible for guiding the UN and managing competing interests between countries.
The selection process reflects the complexity of international diplomacy.
The new appointment will shape the direction of the UN in coming years.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a closure of the West Bank after an attack injured Israeli citizens. This security move comes just before Israel’s upcoming election.
Key Facts
An attack in the West Bank wounded some Israelis.
In response, Netanyahu ordered the West Bank to be closed.
The closure aims to increase security ahead of Israel’s election.
The West Bank is a disputed region between Israel and Palestinians.
This situation is part of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Netanyahu faces a crucial vote shortly after these events.
Similar regional security concerns are also affecting neighboring countries.
The timing of the closure links to both internal Israeli politics and broader security issues.
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French mayors Emmanuel Gregoire and Benoit Payan discussed the political crisis in France following recent unrest and riots. The government has imposed curfews in several cities to try to prevent violence during upcoming protests.
Key Facts
French mayors Emmanuel Gregoire (Paris) and Benoit Payan (Marseille) spoke about the current political crisis.
The government set curfews in some cities as a measure to stop violence.
Recent weekends have seen protests, unrest, and riots in France.
Shopkeepers and local leaders are worried about more violence and looting.
French authorities are considering banning protests to maintain order.
President Macron plans to meet students amid the tension.
The unrest involves concerns over education, inflation, and political grievances.
Some foreign groups have amplified anger on social media, increasing tensions.
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President Donald Trump said Elon Musk restored Ukraine’s full access to the military version of Starlink internet services after drone pilots noticed restrictions that limited their operations against Russia. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed that all limits were lifted, and Musk said the U.S. government controls the Starshield system and sets any usage limits.
Key Facts
Elon Musk’s SpaceX runs the Starlink internet service, used by Ukraine’s military.
Ukrainian drone pilots recently faced speed limits that reduced their ability to strike Russian targets.
President Trump said Musk restored full Starlink access but didn’t confirm if he asked Musk to do so.
Ukrainian officials say they still experience some speed limits on the Starshield network.
Musk stated the U.S. government owns and controls Starshield and sets limits on its use.
Ukraine depends heavily on Starlink for military communications and operations.
The Trump administration denies ordering the initial restrictions on Starlink.
Talks about a possible peace deal between Russia and Ukraine are planned with U.S. involvement, amid ongoing conflict.
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Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika has been staying in South Africa for a long time during a period when Malawi faces fuel shortages, power outages, and economic problems. The opposition is asking for clear information about who is leading the country while the president is away, but government officials say the president remains in control.
Key Facts
President Peter Mutharika left Malawi on October 6 for a private visit to South Africa.
This is his fifth trip to South Africa in 2024.
Malawi is experiencing fuel shortages, electricity blackouts, and shortages of medicines.
The opposition party, Malawi Congress Party, requests the Vice-President to update the public on how the country’s problems are being managed.
The government says the president is still in charge even while abroad.
Rumors about the president’s health and travel to India were denied by officials.
Mutharika became president again in October last year after winning the election.
The government blames past administrations for Malawi’s current difficulties.
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Many companies spend a lot of money on the newest and most complex AI technology, even when simpler AI tools could do the job better and at lower cost. Experts say using AI that matches the actual needs of a task, rather than just aiming for the most advanced AI, leads to better results and protects investments.
Key Facts
AI-related stocks make up 45% of the S&P 500’s total market value, up 20 percentage points since late 2022.
A pension fund in Los Angeles County estimates that 8-19% of its investments are linked to AI companies.
An MIT study found that 95% of organizations saw no clear benefit from generative AI despite spending $30-$40 billion.
Many companies buy AI to look advanced instead of solving real problems.
The most complex AI models can be more expensive, harder to control, and less reliable than simpler alternatives.
AI includes a wide range of methods, from simple rule-based systems to advanced neural networks.
Involving actual users when building AI helps ensure it is useful and trusted.
Using AI that fits the job well can save money, improve results, and protect people’s savings from investment bubbles.
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Cédric Kouamé, a music fan from Ivory Coast, is working to save and share old African vinyl records from the 20th century. The show also covers ongoing justice efforts by families after a 2016 railway disaster in Cameroon, and explores how São Tomé and Príncipe uses its volcanic soil to grow unique vanilla.
Key Facts
Cédric Kouamé collects and restores African vinyl records from the 20th century.
His goal is to bring older African music back to modern playlists.
In Cameroon, families continue to seek justice 10 years after a deadly railway accident that killed 79 people.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s volcanic soil helps produce vanilla with a distinct flavor.
The article is part of the "Across Africa" program by France 24.
The story highlights cultural heritage, disaster impact, and agriculture in different African countries.
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Rapper Macklemore started his "Free Palestine" tour in Colorado and spoke out in support of Palestine and other countries. He also criticized the U.S. immigration agency ICE for creating fear among people in America.
Key Facts
Macklemore returned to performing after being dropped as Ed Sheeran's opening act because of his pro-Palestinian statements.
He began his "Free Palestine" tour on Thursday night in Colorado.
During the concert, Macklemore said, "I say free Palestine," and also named countries like Sudan, Congo, Lebanon, and Haiti.
He mentioned ICE, the U.S. immigration agency, saying it causes fear in many people living in America.
The tour includes four shows, with upcoming concerts in Dublin, Paris, and London.
Other artists supporting the Palestinian cause will join him on this tour.
Videos of his statements at the concert were shared online by fans.
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Catherine Breed swam the entire California coast, covering nearly 900 miles in 111 days. This achievement marks a new record for swimming this long route along the coast.
Key Facts
Catherine Breed swam the California coast.
The distance she covered was about 900 miles.
She completed the swim in 111 days.
This feat is considered a historic achievement.
The California coast swim is a long and difficult route.
The story was reported by ABC News.
The event took place in 2026.
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A Finnish TV show streams 24 hours a day, showing a dog and her six newborn puppies growing up. The show has become very popular in Finland and other countries, offering viewers a calm way to watch the puppies’ early weeks live.
Key Facts
The show is called Pentulive (Puppy Live) and features a mother dog with six puppies.
It broadcasts 24/7 and includes live chats, podcasts, and updates on the puppies’ growth for eight weeks.
This is the sixth season of the show, produced by Finnish broadcaster Yle.
The show is part of a Nordic trend called “slow TV,” which shows simple, real-life events in real-time.
This season, the show is also airing in Sweden and has been sold to a Dutch broadcaster.
Viewers participate by voting to name the puppies at two weeks old.
The puppies will leave their mother in mid-December to join new families.
The show provides viewers with a relaxing and comforting experience during stressful times.
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South Korea has invited North Korea to hold military talks to reduce tensions along their shared border. The talks would focus on restoring communication and preventing accidental clashes. It is not clear if North Korea will agree to the meeting.
Key Facts
South Korea proposed military talks with North Korea to calm border tensions.
The talks aim to confirm border lines and restore military communication.
South Korea suggested discussing details at Panmunjom, the border truce village.
South Korea is open to involving the U.S.-led United Nations Command in talks.
North Korea has increased military activity near the border, including new units and fortifications.
Last month, three South Korean soldiers were injured by explosions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), blamed on North Korean landmines.
North Korea denies responsibility for the explosions and has rejected dialogue proposals.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung encourages dialogue, but North Korean leader Kim Yo Jong dismisses the idea.
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Police in Cyprus have started an investigation into Roman Abramovich’s financial activities after reports that documents were falsified to hide his wealth and avoid taxes. The investigation will look at whether any crimes were committed, including the possible involvement of the accountancy firm Deloitte.
Key Facts
Cyprus police opened an investigation into Roman Abramovich’s financial affairs following a BBC report.
The report claims Deloitte helped create false documents to conceal Abramovich’s assets and avoid tax.
Deloitte Cyprus says it follows the law and cannot comment on old documents.
The investigation is led by Cyprus’s Financial Intelligence Unit and will last several months.
The reports are based on leaked files showing how Abramovich’s expensive assets vanished from company accounts.
Abramovich’s lawyers deny he hid money or avoided tax and say he relied on professional advice.
Two former company directors face trial in Cyprus for unpaid VAT related to Abramovich’s yacht expenses.
The investigation will examine all companies and people involved, including Deloitte.
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Five people were hurt in a shooting at an Israeli military checkpoint in the West Bank. Israeli forces killed two Palestinian gunmen, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu closed the West Bank and started a counterterrorism operation after the attack.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a military checkpoint in Hebron, West Bank.
Five people were injured; two were in critical condition.
Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinian gunmen involved in the attack.
The attackers’ vehicle had many weapons and ammunition.
Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the closure of the entire West Bank after the incident.
The Israeli military launched a counterterrorism operation in Hebron and nearby villages.
Hamas did not claim responsibility but praised the attack and encouraged more attacks on Israeli soldiers and settlers.
The situation is still developing and may change with new information.
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President Donald Trump criticized NBA player LeBron James for stretching during the national anthem before a Philadelphia 76ers game, saying it showed disrespect to the country. Trump called on James to apologize and repeated past criticisms of the player. LeBron James has not responded to the latest comments.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a video showing LeBron James stretching during the national anthem, accusing him of disrespect.
Trump said James should apologize to American veterans and heroes.
The video showed James doing arm stretches and a basketball shooting motion.
Trump has previously criticized James, including questioning his intelligence and calling him potentially racist.
LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2026 and recently played against the New York Knicks.
James has publicly spoken out against Trump’s actions in the past, including Trump’s decision to rescind a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors.
James scored 14 points in the Sixers’ win over the Knicks in his debut game.
James has not yet responded to the recent criticism from President Trump.
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The U.S. State Department has updated the visa cut-off dates for some employment-based green card categories in the November 2026 Visa Bulletin. These changes mean some applicants from certain countries are now closer to being eligible for permanent residence.
Key Facts
The Visa Bulletin shows cut-off date advances for EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card categories.
For EB-2, most countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, see a three-month advance to April 1, 2025.
For India and China in EB-2, dates remain much earlier: November 1, 2013 for India and October 1, 2021 for China.
In EB-3, most countries and Mexico advance one month to June 15, 2024; India moves to January 22, 2014.
The EB-3 Other Workers category advances five months for most countries and Mexico to June 1, 2022; India advances slightly to January 22, 2014.
The EB-1 category is current for most countries, with China's date moving one month forward to August 1, 2023, and India’s remaining at February 1, 2023.
Backlogs remain significant for applicants from India and China despite the progress.
The Visa Bulletin is regularly updated to reflect changes in green card application eligibility.
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President Donald Trump wants to make a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine on Russia's terms, excluding Ukraine's leader from talks. He blames Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy for the ongoing conflict and inflation in the U.S., while showing continued support for Putin.
Key Facts
Putin proposed a meeting with Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping to decide the future of Ukraine without Ukraine's involvement.
President Trump has criticized Zelenskyy and blamed him for extending the war and causing economic problems in the U.S.
Trump has admired Putin for many years and has sought business deals in Russia since the late 1980s.
Trump waived U.S. sanctions against Russia under a law named after Senator Lindsey Graham.
Senator Lindsey Graham was a strong supporter of Ukraine and passed the sanctions bill with bipartisan support before his death.
Trump’s actions and statements caused political tensions within the U.S. Republican Party.
The article compares Trump’s approach to appeasement before World War II but focuses on current events in Ukraine.
Putin’s financial official celebrated the U.S.-Russia cooperation against western allies on social media.
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