Rotterdam, a Dutch city known for its modern style and diversity, has been printing poetry on its garbage trucks since 1988. This unique practice was recently given official cultural recognition by a Dutch organization that protects national traditions.
Key Facts
Since 1988, poems have been displayed on all waste collection trucks in Rotterdam.
The poetry project began during a local poetry festival to bring art into everyday city life.
The Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage gave the poetry on bin lorries official cultural heritage status.
The initiative makes poetry accessible to everyone, not just those with formal education in culture.
Waste workers feel more connected to the city through the poems, with some even writing their own lines.
The program is seen as part of Rotterdam’s modern identity and cultural uniqueness.
The cultural heritage list documents over 400 Dutch traditions, including other unique customs like Pride Amsterdam and shepherding.
Some Dutch customs from this list have also been recognized internationally by UNESCO.
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Some teachers at a company owned by Euan Blair report high levels of stress because artificial intelligence (AI) is used to evaluate their work. The use of AI surveillance in the workplace is increasing, raising concerns about worker pressure and privacy.
Key Facts
Teachers at a company linked to Euan Blair say AI is used to rate their job performance.
This AI monitoring has caused "horrendous stress" for these employees.
AI surveillance means using computer programs to watch and judge workers automatically.
The use of AI for tracking staff work is growing in different industries.
Some people worry this technology could harm workers’ mental health.
The story is featured in a podcast from The Guardian.
The issue raises questions about privacy and fairness in the workplace.
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A new website called Disappeared in America, supported by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, shares stories of hundreds of immigrants and U.S. citizens affected by immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. It documents cases of detentions, deportations, family separations, and deaths linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, aiming to create a public record and promote accountability.
Key Facts
The website is backed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's administration and the Illinois Accountability Commission.
Disappeared in America features around 500 stories of people impacted by ICE operations, including arrests, deportations, and deaths.
The site covers incidents like Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago and fatal shootings of immigrants and citizens by federal agents.
It includes detailed profiles with photos, videos, and audio for many cases.
The project’s goal is to prevent future abuses and hold officials accountable.
Governor Pritzker described ICE actions during the Trump administration as a “military-style assault” on communities.
More than 605,000 people were reportedly deported under President Trump’s second term, with 33 deaths linked to ICE operations.
The site aims to be a model for other states to document and respond to immigration enforcement impacts.
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Romania is investigating a possible drone attack on a tanker near its Black Sea coast. The incident follows recent suspected Russian drone strikes on ships off Romania and Bulgaria related to the Ukraine conflict.
Key Facts
A tanker near Sulina, Romania, may have been hit by a drone attack.
The tanker, flagged in the Comoros Islands, had a fire that the crew extinguished themselves.
Romanian officials are treating the incident seriously because it happened in their territorial waters.
Several ships off Romania and Bulgaria have been targeted by suspected Russian drones recently.
The drone strikes are linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine and its effects on the Black Sea region.
Russian air strikes in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region killed two people recently.
The UK finance minister called for stricter sanctions on Russian shipping to stop covert activities.
Ukrainian President Zelensky reported targeted Russian strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure, leaving many without power.
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President Donald Trump announced a new weapons-testing facility called the "Super Range" in Montana to develop advanced military technologies. At a rally in Kalispell, he also defended gun rights and supported his tariff policies, linking them to economic benefits and protection of American industries.
Key Facts
President Trump said the Department of War will build a "Super Range" in Montana for testing advanced weapons like autonomous systems, space and electronic warfare tech, supersonic and hypersonic weapons.
The announcement was made at a campaign rally in Kalispell, Montana, where Trump supported Republican candidate Aaron Flint.
Trump emphasized protecting the Second Amendment and warned that Democrats want to take away guns, joking that wild animals would benefit if they succeeded.
He noted that Republican candidates Flint and Kurt Alme had high ratings from the National Rifle Association (NRA), while their Democratic opponents scored poorly.
Trump discussed expanding hunting access on public lands in Montana, mentioning the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge.
He defended tariffs, arguing they do not cause inflation but create wealth and help protect American industries such as sawmills.
The rally took place while inflation was reported at 3.7% over the past year, but Trump claimed he had reduced it to 1.7%.
This event was part of Trump’s campaign efforts to support Republican candidates before the November 3 midterm elections.
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Argentina’s President Javier Milei asked US President Donald Trump to strengthen his position in the upcoming US midterm elections, saying the vote is important for Western countries. Milei spoke at a Hispanic Heritage event in Washington, where he also met investors and planned to address the US Chamber of Commerce.
Key Facts
Milei called the US midterm elections “crucial for the West” at a gala in Washington.
He received an award from a Hispanic association at the event.
Milei arrived in Washington for meetings with investors and to speak at the US Chamber of Commerce.
Trump supported Milei during Argentina’s legislative elections last year, calling him his “favorite president.”
The US Treasury agreed to a $20 billion currency swap with Argentina’s central bank to support Milei’s government.
Trump linked US support to Milei’s electoral success, saying support would end if Milei lost.
US Democratic lawmakers criticized the bailout deal during a US government shutdown.
The Argentina stock market fell after Trump warned about ending support if Milei lost elections.
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A new Fox News poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 36 percent, the lowest for either term. The decline comes as many Americans worry about the economy, inflation, and the cost of living ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating is at 36 percent, while disapproval is 64 percent.
Approval is especially low among voters under 45, people without a college degree, non-white voters, and those earning less than $50,000 a year.
Only 22 percent of independents approve of Trump, while 78 percent disapprove.
Trump’s approval on handling inflation is 22 percent, a new low.
Seventy-four percent of Americans view the economy negatively; 53 percent think it will get worse next year.
Nearly 60 percent of people say the cost of living is their main economic worry.
Seven in 10 voters say they plan to vote to send a message to President Trump in the midterms.
Democrats currently lead Republicans 54 percent to 45 percent in preferred House candidates.
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Hundreds of students protested in Tirana, Albania, asking for changes in education and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The protests come amid growing dissatisfaction with Rama’s leadership after his recent election win.
Key Facts
The protests took place in Tirana, the capital of Albania.
Hundreds of students participated in the demonstrations.
Protesters demanded reforms to the education system.
They also called for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Rama won a fourth term as prime minister in May 2025.
There are ongoing corruption allegations against Rama.
Controversies include issues related to a coastal resort project.
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Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former engineer at OpenAI, was arrested for allegedly placing a hidden listening device in the company’s San Francisco office. Prosecutors said he booked a one-way flight to Saudi Arabia before his arrest, suggesting he might try to flee the U.S.
Key Facts
Alfozan is a Saudi national who worked at OpenAI for about 15 months until he was fired last week.
He was arrested by the FBI on October 9 after OpenAI found a hidden bug in a conference room.
He faces charges of using a device to intercept private conversations, which can lead to up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors revealed he booked a one-way trip to Saudi Arabia on October 12 for himself, his wife, and a family member.
Alfozan’s defense lawyer said they will fight the charges and emphasized his client’s right to fair treatment and due process.
Before OpenAI, Alfozan worked at Meta and interned at Microsoft.
He is also a venture partner at Raed Ventures, a Saudi venture capital firm linked to Saudi royalty.
The case highlights concerns about spying and theft of technology in the competitive field of artificial intelligence.
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An orange haze of thick smog covers the Indonesian city of Palangka Raya and the Kalimantan region, caused by ongoing wildfires. The air pollution level is extremely high, affecting millions in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, with farming practices like "slash and burn" making the haze worse.
Key Facts
A thick orange smog has covered Palangka Raya and the Kalimantan region in Indonesia.
Wildfires are still burning near the area, producing the haze.
The air pollution index reached over 1,200, four times above the hazardous level of 300.
The haze is affecting millions of people in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Authorities say "slash and burn," a farming method where land is cleared by burning trees and plants, is partly responsible.
The haze creates toxic air conditions, which are harmful to health.
The situation is ongoing and being monitored by environmental agencies.
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North Korea tested two submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles off its east coast to check their reliability and improve naval skills. These tests are part of ongoing military developments amid rising tensions with South Korea and stalled diplomatic talks.
Key Facts
North Korea fired two types of strategic cruise missiles from submarines into the sea off its east coast.
One missile was the Pulhwasal-3-31, which was also test-fired from land last week.
The tests aimed to assess missile reliability and train the navy for strategic missions.
North Korea does not yet have a fully operational modern missile submarine but is building one.
Leader Kim Jong Un criticized a U.S.-South Korea nuclear submarine deal as a threat to regional stability.
Recent weeks saw several missile launches by North Korea, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles.
South Korea recently tested its own hypersonic missile with President Lee Jae Myung present.
Inter-Korean relations are strained due to a landmine incident that wounded South Korean soldiers, with Seoul blaming North Korea.
Diplomatic talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been frozen since 2019 despite President Trump’s interest in meeting Kim Jong Un again.
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President Donald Trump said at a rally that he does not know who U.S. officials are negotiating with to end the Iran war. He described Iran’s military as very weak and questioned the leadership's condition.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at a rally in Montana on Wednesday night.
He expressed doubt about the identity of the Iranian negotiators.
He said Iran does not have a navy or an air force.
He described Iran’s army as badly damaged.
He claimed that many Iranian leaders are no longer in power.
The comments were related to efforts to end conflict involving Iran.
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Heavy rain caused severe flooding in Istanbul, Turkey, leading to the death of a 14-year-old boy who was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle. The floods damaged homes, roads, and public places, causing traffic disruptions and forcing school closures.
Key Facts
A 14-year-old boy died from electrocution during heavy rain floods in Istanbul’s Fatih district.
Hundreds of homes and businesses were flooded, and several roads collapsed in the city.
Authorities suspended school classes and banned motorcycles to improve safety.
Emergency teams with about 8,000 personnel and 2,000 vehicles were deployed across Istanbul.
The rain caused over 1,200 floods and 15 landslides, leaving 47 people stranded.
Some neighborhoods had roads underwater, and floodwater entered two hospitals and a metro station.
The heaviest rainfall hit the Omerli area with nearly 194 mm (7.6 inches) in a short time.
Istanbul’s mayor reported traffic was very heavy but flights continued as usual.
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James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, answered questions on hot topics like abortion, foreign aid, and his faith during a CNN town hall. He faces a close race against Republican Ken Paxton, who has avoided the town hall and is dealing with scandals and a divorce.
Key Facts
James Talarico is the Texas Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.
At a CNN town hall, voters questioned Talarico on Israel, abortion, and foreign aid.
Talarico said his comment about God being nonbinary was meant to be thought-provoking and is a common theological idea.
He described abortion as a public health issue and said the Bible does not take a clear stance on it.
Talarico and Paxton are in a tight race for the Texas Senate seat.
Ken Paxton was impeached by the Texas legislature in 2023, but later acquitted, and is currently facing personal and political controversies.
Paxton declined to appear at the CNN town hall.
False rumors targeted Talarico’s health while he was sick with the flu; both Paxton and President Donald Trump helped spread these rumors.
President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton for the Senate race over another Republican incumbent.
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Federal authorities are investigating U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar’s immigration paperwork and financial disclosures. Agents seized her phone and issued subpoenas as part of a criminal investigation, while President Donald Trump has publicly questioned her citizenship.
Key Facts
Federal agents searched Ilhan Omar’s home in the Washington, D.C. area on October 12.
Omar’s phone was seized and more than a dozen subpoenas were issued, including to some of her relatives.
The investigation focuses on possible fraud related to her immigration paperwork.
A separate inquiry examines her financial disclosures, confirmed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
No charges have been filed against Omar at this time.
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Omar’s background and questioned her citizenship.
Omar came to the U.S. as a refugee and became a citizen in 2000.
Accusations of a sham marriage involving Omar and her brother remain unproven and she denies them.
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The White House is defending Katie Zacharia, the new press secretary, after questions arose about her legal qualifications. Zacharia has a law degree but is not licensed to practice law in any U.S. state, and a complaint was filed seeking investigation into whether she falsely presented herself as a licensed attorney.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump announced Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary and referred to her as an attorney.
Zacharia said she practiced international transaction law but cannot show a U.S. state bar license.
When asked where she passed the bar exam, she said "when I moved to China," but she is not registered in any U.S. state.
Zacharia graduated from Pepperdine University law school in California in 2011 but did not pass the California bar exam.
A watchdog group filed a complaint with the California State Bar to investigate if she falsely claimed to practice law without a license.
In China, where she moved after law school, only Chinese citizens can be licensed lawyers; foreign workers have other roles at law firms.
Zacharia worked at a Beijing law firm and said she was outside counsel for the World Bank and International Finance Corporation.
She has also served as general counsel for a conservative non-profit linked to a Trump ally.
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The Trump administration is investigating Congresswoman Ilhan Omar to see if she should lose her US citizenship because of questions about how she became a citizen after coming to the US as a refugee. Federal agents searched her home recently as part of this investigation, which looks at possible changes in her age on immigration papers that could affect her citizenship status.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s administration is investigating Ilhan Omar to possibly revoke her US citizenship.
The inquiry focuses on how Omar, originally from Somalia, became a US citizen after arriving as a refugee.
Authorities are checking if Omar or her late father changed her age to help her gain citizenship through her father.
Omar’s home was searched by federal agents who took items like her passport and electronic devices.
Omar’s office says the investigation has no basis and denies any wrongdoing.
The investigation involves subpoenas and testimony before a grand jury in Minnesota.
Omar has been a US citizen since 2000 after arriving in 1995 from a Kenyan refugee camp.
The Department of Homeland Security said the raid was part of an ongoing federal investigation.
No lawsuit has been filed yet to revoke Omar’s citizenship; investigation alone does not remove citizenship or deport someone.
Omar has faced attacks from Trump and his supporters over her background and immigration status.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating reached a record low during his time in office, according to a new Fox News poll. The survey shows that only 36% of people approve of how he handles the presidency, while 64% disapprove.
Key Facts
The Fox News poll measured President Trump’s overall approval rating.
36% of respondents approved of President Trump’s performance.
64% of respondents disapproved of his performance.
This approval rating is the lowest for either of President Trump’s terms so far.
The poll reflects increasing voter dissatisfaction with how he manages important issues.
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China and North Korea have opened a new road bridge called the New Yalu River Bridge, which links the Chinese city of Dandong with North Korea's city of Sinuiju. The bridge was delayed for many years but is now expected to boost trade and connections between the two countries, which are long-time allies.
Key Facts
The New Yalu River Bridge is 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long and connects Dandong in China with Sinuiju in North Korea.
Construction began over 12 years ago, but North Korea stopped work for many years, delaying the bridge’s opening.
The bridge will become the main land route for trade between China and North Korea, replacing the older Friendship Bridge built during Japan's occupation.
China is North Korea’s largest trading partner, and trade between them reached $2.7 billion last year.
UN sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear program remain in place, limiting sudden large increases in trade.
North Korea has close ties with China, supported by a mutual defense treaty, but their relationship has had tensions, especially over North Korea's nuclear tests.
Recently, China has been improving relations with North Korea, including reopening flights and train services and welcoming North Korea’s leader for a state visit.
North Korea also has a growing relationship with Russia, with military cooperation and a new road bridge opened between the two countries in 2024.
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