Federative Republic of Brazil — largest in South America, a populous federation.
Instagram is testing long-form video through Features, allowing up to 90 minutes, and is exploring monetization paths as it competes with YouTube. The move follows a broader overhaul of video formats and signals a shift to keep creators on Instagram as revenue questions loom.
The Guardian, New York Times and BBC report that Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for a third time, becoming the only player to achieve the feat and the first from a Women’s Super League club. Barcelona’s dominance is highlighted, with Pajor as runner-up and Shaw in third. The ceremony also notes Spain’s continued dominance in the women’s game and the broader debate on equality in the awards process.
President Trump has voiced support for Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro’s entry to the United States after Lula da Silva’s victory. Bolsonaro is in the U.S. with visas reportedly set for his family, following a Brazilian Supreme Court order to surrender passports amid investigations. The Brazilian election saw Lula win decisively amid controversy over voting extensions and post‑election tensions.
A synthesis of recent reviews shows high-street fragrance launches are delivering credible, budget-friendly alternatives to luxury perfumes. Independent and Business Insider UK highlight fall scents and Prime Day style deals, while Scotsman coverage spotlights vanilla amber blends and whisky notes. Collectively, the coverage suggests consumers are expanding their fragrance palettes without sacrificing quality or distinctiveness.
The euro has fallen to near 17-month lows after investors have pushed up French borrowing costs and bond spreads. France has faced rising yields, mass protests and a political stalemate over deficit cuts ahead of the presidential election. Markets are pricing greater contagion risk across the eurozone and the ECB is under pressure to act.
Polls have shown a neck-and-neck race between Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of Brazil’s Oct. 25 runoff. Bolsonaro led the Oct. 4 first round and has consolidated some endorsements; Lula has pushed social reforms such as a shorter workweek and emphasised his record on jobs, poverty and the Amazon.
Napoli's Scott McTominay has been pivotal in their title-winning run and is amid contract talks; Real Madrid are monitoring his situation as questions over his future intensify. The club aims to extend his stay, with talks ongoing and a potential January market move considered.
President Trump has announced that Russia will immediately release 300,000 tonnes of diesel to global markets, followed by further shipments in November and beyond. The White House has temporarily licensed Russian diesel exports and suspended related sanctions until April, triggering bipartisan criticism, questions about legal conflicts with recent sanctions and doubts from analysts about the deal's ability to lower U.S. pump prices before the midterms.
Fires across the Brazilian Amazon have tripled since Oct. 4, with authorities citing deliberate patterns in protected areas. Manaus faces smoke impact as elections near a runoff between Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva. The government has deployed resources to firefighting and investigations into arson, while political discourse intensifies around environmental policy.
Colombia has opened its embassy in Jerusalem, restoring diplomatic ties with Israel after severing them in 2024 over Gaza. The move is welcomed by Colombian and Israeli officials as a step to rebuild dialogue and security and trade cooperation. Protests in Bogota contest the decision amid ongoing Gaza war coverage.
Vinicius Jr. has been suspended for four La Liga matches after a red card for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair in Real Madrid’s win over Villarreal. The ban rules him out of El Clasico against Barcelona and other fixtures while Mourinho defends his player’s conduct.
Brazil's electoral court has ordered Meta to apply identical rules to posts and advertising for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and challenger Flávio Bolsonaro after Lula's campaign alleged the company limited his reach and biased AI tools. Meta has denied political favouritism, said it fixed technical problems and faces potential daily fines if it does not comply before Sunday’s runoff.
The Asian Cup is under review amid security concerns following a deadly attack on Riyadh’s airport. Organisers say preparations are ongoing while some events have been postponed or relocated; a final decision on dates awaits regional developments.
Citizen Lab has published a report showing Israeli ad‑tech firm Discover‑Tech has sold targeted ads that routed millions of devices to mercenary spyware operators, including Candiru. Researchers have confirmed the technique has infected 45 Al Jazeera devices in 2024–25 and have shown Discover‑Tech ads reached government, military and critical‑infrastructure networks worldwide.
Official satellite data has shown Amazon forest loss fell 41.8% to 3,335 sq km in the 12 months to July 2026, the smallest annual loss since monitoring began in 1988. Brazil’s government credits strengthened enforcement and revived anti-deforestation programs, while a presidential run-off between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro will determine whether protections continue.
England manager Sarina Wiegman has extended her contract to lead the Lionesses through the Euro 2029 cycle, with the World Cup in Brazil looming next year. The extensions come as England pursue a World Cup playoff against Ukraine and aim to build on consecutive European titles.
The White House has removed tariffs on specific Canadian goods — including plywood, packing materials, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment — and will impose duties on other items starting Oct. 30. Senators and businesses in Maine have secured exemptions after lobbying; critics say the move appears timed to help Senator Susan Collins in a tight reelection fight and to blunt local economic pain.
María Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela after more than ten months in exile, posting “I am here. With you.” on X and appearing at a church in Lara state. Supporters greeted her; the interim government has said she should show "regret, remorse and a change of course." No election date has been set.
Lula has secured reelection, defeating Flavio Bolsonaro after a first-round lead by the senator. The result marks Lula’s fourth term outlook amid a conservative Congress and debates over welfare, poverty, and sovereignty. Analysts warn the new term will confront a strong legislature and rising fiscal pressures.
Lula has secured a fourth term after a runoff in which he gained about 4.4 million votes more than Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is contesting the results, calling for annulment, while Lula’s victory is recognized by many world leaders. The extension of voting hours sparked controversy, with courts extending voting to address transport and weather issues.
The Israeli prime minister has warned of existential danger and has reportedly pressed the IDF toward action on Iran on the eve of elections. Reports also indicate pressure on military leadership and mixed signals from allied leaders about possible pre-election strikes.
The Guardian and AP reports show Lula has won the runoff, while the opposition faces a Congress sympathetic to extractivism. Analysts warn that deforestation pressures persist, even as Amazon protections see a record decline in destruction under Lula. The result signals a global south leadership moment, with the Amazon's fate closely tied to policy shifts and international funding.
The government has announced that Bolsonaro has been ordered to surrender his passports within 24 hours, amid a money‑laundering probe linked to a biopic financing. He has denied wrongdoing and is staying in Brazil, while authorities check border crossings for possible travel.
The former Brazilian president has departed Brazil amid a money-laundering probe after losing the election to Lula. He, his wife and daughters traveled to the United States, with reports indicating passports were handed over and entry visas under consideration. Authorities say the departure could widen tensions between Brazil and the United States as the probe proceeds.
Al-Shabab has claimed a major attack in Lower Shabelle, while Somali authorities report heavy fighting and casualties on both sides. Officials say government troops have pushed into contested areas, with Turkish-trained forces receiving external support as international backing shifts.
Bolsonaro has left Brazil after losing the presidential run-off to Lula da Silva. He has entered Argentina with travel documents despite a ban on his exit. He is en route to Ecuador or the United States, raising questions about his future and immunity status.