Authors like Margaret Atwood and Zadie Smith are auctioning the chance to name characters in their next books to raise money for survivors of torture. The event is part of Freedom from Torture’s 10th anniversary festival, which includes readings, a poetry contest, and other charity activities to support torture survivors and highlight their stories.
Key Facts
Over 75 writers, poets, and artists support the Freedom from Torture festival in London on November 11.
Readers can bid to name characters in new novels by famous authors, including Ian McEwan and Tracy Chevalier.
The festival features a poetry competition judged by Booker Prize winner Alan Hollinghurst and poet Rachael Allen.
Survivors of torture from the Write to Life group will perform their own writing at the festival.
The charity is concerned that changes to asylum laws in Britain and Europe could harm torture survivors by forcing them to return to dangerous countries.
Tracy Chevalier shared how naming characters in auctions has connected her with readers and supports the charity’s work.
The festival aims to give survivors control over their stories and the chance to express themselves through writing.
The event also includes original artwork and prize packages to raise funds.
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A student-led movement in Serbia called “Student List–Students Win” has become a major challenger to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and President Aleksandar Vucic in the upcoming election. The movement grew after a deadly building collapse in 2024, which raised public anger over corruption and poor government oversight.
Key Facts
The movement started with students protesting after a concrete canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station killed 16 people.
Many citizens, teachers, and experts joined the student protests, turning them into a political movement.
The students want major changes to fight corruption, improve education, and strengthen institutions.
President Vucic has led Serbia since 2014, first as prime minister and then as president.
Opposition groups accuse Vucic’s party of voter bribery, media control, violence, and links to organized crime.
The student movement operates without leaders, uses daily assemblies for decisions, and keeps protests peaceful.
For the first time in years, the ruling party might lose popularity to this student-led opposition.
Human rights groups praise the students for peaceful protests despite attempts by authorities to intimidate them.
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Michael Aboud, chair of the El Paso County Republican Party, said he plans to sue comedian Sacha Baron Cohen after footage of him appeared in the satirical film *Ali G: Who Iz I?*. Aboud claims he was misled about the film’s purpose and was unaware it was a comedy, while the film shows him participating in a staged training and mission involving exaggerated and fictional scenes.
Key Facts
Michael Aboud is the chair of the El Paso County Republican Party.
He appeared in Sacha Baron Cohen’s satirical film *Ali G: Who Iz I?* without knowing it was a comedy.
The film features Aboud in a fake training program with a character who teaches self-defense using protective plastic buttocks and other absurd elements.
The storyline includes a fictional mission to stop a baby from being born on US soil.
Aboud called Baron Cohen and his team liars and said he plans to sue them.
Another participant, Joshua Loudermilk, seems more aware and supportive of the film.
The film repeatedly states that Aboud and Loudermilk were not aware of the full context of the project.
The film is a satire that uses exaggerated and fictional scenes to make its points.
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A man in France became the first known human to be infected with the Shamonda virus, which usually affects farm animals and is spread by biting midges (small flying insects). Researchers are investigating if the virus caused or contributed to his death, but it is unclear if the virus poses a big risk to people in general.
Key Facts
The Shamonda virus is a bunyavirus, spread by bites from infected midges.
It affects animals like cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and alpacas, causing symptoms like diarrhea and neurological problems.
The first detection of Shamonda virus in European livestock was in summer 2023.
The French patient had a weakened immune system, making it unclear if the virus caused his death.
This is the first confirmed case of human infection by the Shamonda virus.
Experts say human infections are very rare and the risk to the general public is low.
There is no current evidence of the virus spreading directly between people.
Scientists are continuing investigations to understand how people might get infected and the symptoms it causes.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new Canada-Turkiye Strategic Partnership with a three-year plan focusing on trade, security, energy, and people-to-people ties. The two countries aim to start free trade agreement talks by the end of the year and increase their trade volume from about $3 billion to $10 billion.
Key Facts
Canada and Turkiye launched a Strategic Partnership supported by a three-year action plan.
The plan focuses on four areas: trade and investment, defence and security, energy, and people-to-people connections.
Both leaders agreed to work toward a Canada-Turkiye Free Trade Agreement.
Priority sectors include energy supply, defence production, aerospace, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
They plan to deepen cooperation on peace and security in regions like Ukraine, South Caucasus, and the Middle East, including Gaza.
Energy cooperation will cover LNG (liquefied natural gas), nuclear power, and critical minerals.
The goal is to increase trade from $3 billion to $10 billion.
This is the first bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkiye, aiming to reduce Canada’s reliance on the US amid trade tensions with President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Alberta held a referendum to decide if it should restrict temporary migrants' access to healthcare, education, and social support. While the province needs migrant workers for jobs, the government wants to limit services for some newcomers, blaming population growth for strained public systems.
Key Facts
Alberta recently asked residents whether to restrict healthcare, education, and social support for some migrants.
The province relies on migrant workers for jobs in agriculture, food services, and tourism.
The governing United Conservative Party links rapid population growth to crowded hospitals and schools.
The referendum proposed limiting access to services only to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or migrants with Alberta-approved status.
Newcomers would need to live in Alberta for 12 months before qualifying for some social supports.
The Alberta premier blamed federal immigration policies for pressure on public services.
Canada’s federal government has reduced immigration targets and restricted temporary foreign worker programs.
Critics worry restricting migrant rights could increase their vulnerability and hurt essential services.
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Russia launched a series of missile attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, causing deaths and injuries. At the same time, Russia said its air defenses shot down over 800 drones sent by Ukraine toward Russian cities. This violence came just after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in principle to restart peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
Key Facts
Russia fired at least 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv, hitting homes, energy facilities, and public places.
At least four people were killed and many others wounded in the missile barrages across different parts of Ukraine.
Russia's military claimed it intercepted more than 800 Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and other cities.
President Putin agreed "in principle" to resume talks with Ukraine and the U.S. to try to end the war.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin and discussed peace efforts, but no date is set for the talks.
Ukraine has suffered 170 attacks on critical energy infrastructure since October 2023, damaging heat and power systems ahead of winter.
President Zelenskyy has asked the U.S. for more air defense supplies and tougher sanctions on Russia.
Despite peace talks, fighting and attacks continue, with Russia reportedly stockpiling missiles.
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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that removing Iran’s government is Israel’s main goal. While Israel can attack Iran with air strikes, experts say it would need a bigger effort, like ground troops, to actually change Iran’s leadership. The United States has not agreed to join any new military campaign against Iran.
Key Facts
Netanyahu called regime change in Iran Israel’s “primary objective.”
His statement came before Israel’s national elections and after talks with President Trump.
Israel has strong air power and can attack Iranian targets effectively.
Experts say air strikes alone won’t remove Iran’s government; a ground invasion would be needed.
Iran has survived previous attacks and can still respond to new ones.
U.S. support for another offensive against Iran is uncertain.
Covert operations and cyberattacks may help but are unlikely to cause regime change.
Overthrowing the Iranian government would require a large, long-term military presence.
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Country singer Cody Johnson talked about his music career and his new album called "Banks of the Trinity." He shared why he left Nashville early in his career before returning to pursue music again.
Key Facts
Cody Johnson is a country music singer.
He recently released a new album named "Banks of the Trinity."
Johnson sat down for an interview with Jan Crawford.
He explained why he left Nashville early in his career.
The interview was featured on CBS News.
Johnson discussed his journey as a musician and his current work.
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The wreckage of a Soviet World War II fighter plane was found about 17 feet underground in a Hungarian village. Archaeologists also discovered personal items from the pilot, including a signed book, and traced the crash to a 1944 aerial battle.
Key Facts
The aircraft found is a Soviet Yakovlev Yak-1 fighter from World War II.
The discovery was made in the village of Törtel, about 50 miles southeast of Budapest, Hungary.
Excavations started in September and uncovered parts of the plane and the pilot’s belongings.
The red star insignia and the airplane’s side number were recovered in good condition.
A signed book belonging to the pilot was found and is being restored by museum experts.
The wreckage is linked to a fight in November 1944 between German Lt. Peter Düttmann and Soviet Lt. Alexander Semyonovich Andrianov.
Düttmann shot down the Soviet plane, but Andrianov survived by parachuting out and later became a prisoner of war.
The recovered items will be displayed in Hungary’s Military History Museum after restoration and documentation.
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The U.S. military is quietly reducing the number of troops at some bases in the Middle East. This move is happening because of ongoing threats from Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebel group.
Key Facts
The U.S. is moving some military personnel away from certain Middle East posts.
This change is not widely publicized and is happening quietly.
Iran and the Houthi rebels in Yemen are cited as the main security threats.
The decision is part of a broader military strategy to respond to these threats.
The exact number of troops being moved or bases affected was not specified.
Officials provided this information to CBS News.
The adjustments aim to manage risks while maintaining U.S. presence in the region.
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The TV show *Glee*, known for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters and optimistic messages about equality, is being revived by Disney+ and Hulu. The original show aired from 2009 to 2015 and was praised for its diverse cast and impact on LGBTQ+ rights visibility, but today's social and political climate is more divided and challenging.
Key Facts
Ryan Murphy, the creator of *Glee*, has written a pilot for the show's reboot.
Disney+ and Hulu have officially ordered the revival of *Glee*.
The original *Glee* ran for six seasons and won several major TV awards.
The show featured a high school choir and was famous for its musical performances of popular songs.
*Glee* was notable for featuring many LGBTQ+ characters and promoting acceptance during the Obama era.
The show helped change how people saw LGBTQ+ individuals on TV and supported marriage equality.
Despite its hopeful message, recent political changes and social divisions have made the world less like the idealistic future portrayed in *Glee*.
*Glee* remains popular with new generations, especially on social media and streaming platforms.
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Tension is rising again between North and South Korea, with North Korea warning of increased military actions near the border. North Korea's leader's sister, Kim Yo Jung, has threatened South Korea and visited military sites, while South Korea responded with warning shots. Experts urge talks to avoid conflict.
Key Facts
North Korea plans to activate loudspeakers broadcasting anti-South Korea messages along the 160-mile border.
Kim Yo Jung visited North Korean border military positions and warned of possible attacks if South Korea continues what North Korea calls interference.
South Korea fired warning shots near the border and says it acted in self-defense.
Experts say North Korea’s mention of "tactical units" could mean more heavy weapons like artillery are being moved closer to the border.
Rumors of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s death were denied by state media showing him in public.
Kim Yo Jung is increasing her public role and authority inside North Korea.
The demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea remains heavily fortified by both sides, with 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.
Experts recommend dialogue between North and South Korea to prevent accidental military conflict.
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German authorities arrested a Ukrainian man suspected of spying for Russia. He is accused of gathering military information about NATO’s eastern defenses and communicating with the Russian secret service.
Key Facts
The arrested man, Vadym Y, was caught in Brandenburg, Germany, about 85 km west of Berlin.
Prosecutors said he had contacts with the Russian secret service since at least July 2025.
He reportedly collected information on military equipment, ammunition, explosives, personnel, and defense bases.
German officials recently increased the threat level of Russian sabotage against their military to a high warning.
Several incidents involved drones with explosives near German military sites, believed to be linked to Russia.
Germany’s spy agency head warned that Russia’s secret conflict against Germany and its allies is becoming more dangerous.
Russian government denies involvement in attacks or sabotage in Europe.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was “not surprised” by the suspected spy arrest amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
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Congresswoman Ilhan Omar moved out of her Washington, DC home after federal agents raided it during a criminal investigation related to her immigration paperwork. This raid happened amid increasing threats and violent attacks targeting politicians in the U.S. and Australia.
Key Facts
Federal agents searched Ilhan Omar’s home with a court-approved warrant as part of a criminal investigation.
Possible charges against Omar include conspiracy and making false statements in immigration paperwork.
Omar denies false claims about her immigration status and has faced ongoing threats.
President Donald Trump has criticized Omar and threatened to deport her.
After the raid, Omar said she can no longer safely live in her Washington home due to death threats.
Violence against politicians has risen recently, including physical attacks like the January assault on Omar.
Australian MP Helen Haines was seriously injured in a deliberate car attack outside her office.
Experts note online abuse often precedes physical violence, especially against women and women of color in politics.
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Serbia is holding a snap election after two years of student protests challenging President Aleksandar Vučić’s 12 years in power. The protests started after a deadly accident at Novi Sad train station, leading to widespread criticism of government corruption and negligence.
Key Facts
The student movement began after the collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad train station on November 1, 2024, which killed 16 people.
The incident highlighted concerns about corruption and poor government oversight in Serbia.
The student-led movement, called "Student List-Students Win," has grown into a national protest involving many segments of society.
Prime Minister Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) faces a strong challenge in Sunday’s parliamentary election.
Vučić has served as president for two terms and now aims to return to the prime minister position.
The student movement rejects mainstream opposition parties and organizes itself through local student assemblies.
Vučić continues to balance relations with the EU while refusing to sanction Russia over the Ukraine war.
Some Serbian government ministers’ attendance at the funeral of war criminal Ratko Mladić has caused tension with the EU.
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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has not announced whether it will support Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president. AFC members’ votes could be important in the upcoming election, as Asia is seen as a key region with mixed opinions on Infantino.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino is seeking a fourth term as FIFA president in an election in March.
The AFC has 47 members whose votes could influence the election outcome.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa did not say if the confederation supports or opposes Infantino.
Asia is divided on Infantino, with Qatar supporting him and Jordan opposing him.
Infantino apologized for mistakes related to a canceled $4.2 billion World Cup sale plan.
About 87 of FIFA’s 211 national federations have shown public support for Infantino.
Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are affecting football in the region.
The 2024 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia will proceed despite security concerns from regional attacks.
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This article shares experiences of interracial couples who face ongoing assumptions and subtle discrimination from strangers and their own communities. Despite more mixed-race relationships today, these couples still encounter microaggressions and prejudice in everyday life.
Key Facts
Nikki Patel, a 26-year-old woman in England, and her white partner have faced comments that reduce their relationship to race or express surprise about their pairing.
Such remarks are often subtle and not openly hostile but still reveal ongoing biases.
Patel has received criticism from both white people and members of her own community, showing prejudice can come from multiple sides.
Another woman, Madi from Canada with Afghan heritage, married an Australian man and has experienced stigma and stereotypes, including being called "whitewashed."
Madi notes that marrying outside her culture is seen as taboo and can lead to negative gossip.
A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that many Americans believe racial and immigrant groups face discrimination.
FBI data showed over 10,000 hate crime incidents in the U.S. in 2025.
The article highlights that even as interracial couples become more common, social attitudes still include prejudice and assumptions.
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A clinical trial called EVITA phase 2 studied the effects of taking daily vitamin C on people with precancerous blood disorders. The trial found that vitamin C raised blood vitamin levels to normal and was linked to better survival after three years, but it did not clearly stop abnormal blood cells from growing or prove it prevents leukemia.
Key Facts
The study involved 109 patients with precancerous blood conditions or early blood cancers.
Participants took either 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily or a placebo without vitamin C for 12 months.
Neither the patients nor the researchers knew who had the vitamin C until the study ended (this is called a blinded trial).
Most patients started with low vitamin C levels, which improved in those taking supplements.
Patients receiving vitamin C had fewer negative health events during the study.
Changes in immune signals were seen that might help explain better health outcomes.
Participants who took vitamin C were more likely to be alive after about three years than those who took placebo.
The trial did not prove vitamin C prevents leukemia or fully explains the survival benefits seen.
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France reported its first known human case of the Shamonda virus in a patient who had a weakened immune system and later died. The virus, previously thought unable to infect humans, was found in a person in Lyon and is spread to animals by biting insects called midges.
Key Facts
The Shamonda virus was detected in a severely immunocompromised patient in France who died in early October.
Until now, the virus was not known to infect humans.
The patient likely caught the virus from a midge bite in eastern France.
Shamonda virus is mainly spread to animals by biting midges.
It was first found in Nigeria in the 1960s and has been detected in cattle in parts of Africa and Japan before appearing in Europe this year.
French health officials say there is currently no risk to the general public.
The case has been reported to international health organizations like the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
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