World
The latest world news and analysis from JournalArta Global.
Sisters flexibility pale skin linked to rare condition
Marisa says her sister Alana’s flexibility, translucent skin and easy bruising were later considered possible signs of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Alana died suddenly in 2024, aged 26, but her family cannot confirm the suspected diagnosis because she never had genetic testing.
ANC faces bruising defeat as support falls below a third
South Africa’s African National Congress had 31.8% of the national vote after more than 80% of ballots were counted in Wednesday’s local elections. The result puts the party almost 14 percentage points below its 2021 municipal election showing, while the Democratic Alliance leads in Johannesburg and the uMkhonto weSizwe party is ahead in eThekwini. Coalition talks are expected as counting continues.
EU Plans Ukraine Sanctions Office and Crypto Task Force
The European Union plans to strengthen sanctions coordination through a dedicated office and a cryptocurrency task force. Commissioner Maria Luis Albuquerque announced both measures on Nov. 5, saying the office would speed guidance to member states and improve data sharing. The crypto team is intended to bring together national and EU experts to address loopholes used to evade sanctions.
Europe’s Russia sanctions enter a tougher enforcement phase
EU officials and international partners met in Brussels to examine how Russian money, technology and oil exports move across borders despite restrictions. Talks covered crypto-assets, foreign payment networks, military procurement and maritime infrastructure. The focus is shifting toward tracing the commercial relationships behind prohibited activity, while regulators weigh enforcement against the risk of treating every intermediary as culpable.
Trump’s Arch Wins Panel Approval, but Judge Halts Work
A federal panel approved President Donald Trump’s planned 250-foot triumphal arch at Memorial Circle, but a federal judge halted construction for two weeks while she considers legal challenges. Opponents say the project lacks congressional authorization and could overshadow Arlington National Cemetery; administration officials argue the site would become a monumental gateway. The ruling came shortly after the commission’s approval following more than eight hours of public testimony.
Pete Hegseth Trouble: Trump Defends Him as Impeachment Looms
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces pressure from Republicans and a threatened impeachment vote after the GOP’s midterm losses, which President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have linked to the Iran war. Trump says he intends to keep Hegseth, while the defense secretary has answered critics with a video defending his record.
46% of European Cities Studied Exceed EU Air Pollution Limits
An analysis by ClientEarth and the World Resources Institute found 46% of the European cities examined exceed the EU’s latest air pollution limits. Member states have until 2030 to meet the standards, but the report says cities will need coordinated action across government and industry, from cleaner transport to measures addressing pollution beyond urban boundaries.
Sydney Airport Passengers Searched After Threat to Airport
Armed AFP officers met passengers from an All Nippon Airways flight after it landed in Sydney on Thursday night, following threats sent to an airport. Passengers were held onboard and searched after they disembarked. The incident came as nearly 30 flights across Europe faced disruptions, though authorities have not confirmed any link between the events.
Atiku Abubakar ballot status challenged by Nigeria court ruling
Nigeria’s Federal High Court has invalidated Atiku Abubakar’s presidential nomination and removed the African Democratic Congress leadership. The party says it will appeal, while the electoral commission’s final candidate list still includes Abubakar. The dispute could create uncertainty for hundreds of ADC candidates ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 16.
British Ebola patient evacuated to London for specialist care
A British doctor who tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been flown to the UK and admitted to a specialist isolation unit at the Royal Free Hospital in north London. Health officials say the risk to the wider public remains low, while the outbreak has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases.
Gavin Newsom commutes 548 California death sentences
California Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted 548 death sentences on Thursday, changing every sentence on the state’s death row to life in prison without the possibi...
Washington Farm Visit Builds Bond Through Baseball with Japanese Buyer
A visit to Colin Schultheis’ wheat farm in Washington brought Japanese buyer Takahiro Ishizuka together with the 10-year-old baseball fan for a game of catch. The exchange offered a personal connection during a trade team visit focused on how wheat is grown, harvested and shipped.
France strikes largest day: 600,000 join protests
More than 600,000 people joined rallies and marches across France on Thursday, according to the interior ministry, while the CGT union put the turnout at 1.57 million. The action disrupted schools, hospitals and public transport as unions pressed for higher wages and better public services. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said he would convene unions and employers next Monday.
Yakamys sirindhornae: giant rat weighing 66 pounds
Scientists identified Yakamys sirindhornae from two fossilized teeth found in southern Thailand. The rodent weighed around 30 kilograms and lived 33 to 35 million years ago, offering evidence of early rodent gigantism in Southeast Asia. Researchers say the limited fossils leave its appearance, diet and behavior unknown.
Largely peaceful marches across France draw 600,000
Hundreds of thousands joined demonstrations and a one-day strike across France over living costs, wages and public services. The Interior Ministry put participation at 600,000 by Thursday evening, while police reported clashes in Paris and Lyon and a school fire near Toulouse.
British Man Infected With Ebola Flown to UK for Care
A British health worker who tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been flown to the UK and taken to a specialist infectious diseases unit in north London. UK officials say the risk to the public remains low. The case is the first involving a British national in the current outbreak, which has recorded more than 10,000 cases.
Europe Bomb Alerts Divert 27 Flights to Airports Across Three Countries
Hoax bomb alerts disrupted at least 27 passenger flights across Europe on Thursday, forcing some aircraft to land unexpectedly in France, Bulgaria and Belgiu...
France Protests Draw at Least 600,000 as Unions Oppose Cuts
At least 600,000 people joined demonstrations across France on Thursday, according to the government, as unions protested living costs and public-service cuts. The marches followed the National Assembly’s unanimous rejection of the government’s proposed 2027 budget. Police deployed 70,000 officers, while the CGT union estimated turnout at almost 1.6 million.
Goole Mother Raises Awareness of Newborn Stroke After Maya’s
Zoe Frodsham is speaking publicly about the effects of a stroke her daughter Maya suffered when she was three days old. The family has faced ongoing fatigue, pain and uncertainty, while Zoe says Maya’s ability to walk and talk can lead others to assume she is fine. The family’s experience features in a campaign highlighting the impact of stroke at any age.
Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault in London
Russell Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault at London’s Southwark Crown Court, putting the prominent comedian and actor in custody ahead of senten...
South Australia’s Bandicoots Split Into Two Distinct Groups in New Study
Bandicoots on Kangaroo Island and in the Mount Lofty Ranges are not the same group as South Australia’s southern brown bandicoots, a national study has
Elizabeth Crammond Seeks Maternity Care Changes After Miscarriage Delay
Elizabeth Crammond waited nine days for NHS medics to confirm her miscarriage after reporting pain and bleeding. At Holyrood, she presented a petition with 923 signatures calling for changes to maternity care, including a duty of care for GPs and audits to reduce delays. Scotland’s public health minister said ministers had offered to meet her.
Daisy Dies Within a Month After Rare Immune Condition Develops
Daisy Catterall, 25, died after flu-like symptoms preceded a rare immune condition called HLH. Her mother, Rachel, is sharing the family’s experience to raise awareness of the disease and its rapid progression. Daisy was admitted to hospital after abnormal blood results, then transferred to critical care while her parents were travelling abroad.
America got anti-data-center wave: Texas vote raises costs
Texas and other states could tighten data-center rules after election victories by Democrats who campaigned on restrictions. Goldman Sachs says states with Democratic control may account for 45% of planned U.S. data-center capacity, while Wells Fargo estimates that a 10% cut in Texas plans could reduce Big Tech’s AI infrastructure spending by 1.6%.