Island nation in the southwestern Pacific, comprising the North and South Islands
GE Aerospace has announced a major expansion at Prestwick Airport, confirming new engine maintenance facilities and the creation of multiple skilled roles as part of a broader aviation cluster that includes Ryanair, BAE Systems and defence work. The move follows sustained cargo growth and military aviation activity, underpinning a structural shift toward freight and defence revenue.
SpaceX has clarified that Starshield is a government-owned military network built on Starlink’s satellite backbone, while Starlink remains a civilian commercial service. The Pentagon is a major customer for Starshield, and Britain and New Zealand are evaluating the system. SpaceX warns that not sharing orbital data by other operators increases collision risk as global satellite constellations expand.
England has named a near-full-strength white-ball squad for the ODI leg against Australia, with 18-year-old Thomas Rew and 21-year-old Eddie Jack earning debuts. Jofra Archer returns while Jos Buttler remains sidelined by hamstring injury. The squad will warm up for a five-match T20 series and a three-Test tour of South Africa.
A gunman has opened fire outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, wounding a police officer; the suspect has died after hospitalisation. Ontarios SIU and Belleville police have opened investigations and police have increased patrols near places of worship. Separately, Reform synagogues in Jerusalem and other countries have reported repeated vandalism and harassment targeting LGBTQ-friendly and non-Orthodox communities.
In a five-over first official, India has defeated Japan by two runs after a controversial wide was overturned by umpires in the final over. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have led India with key contributions, while Japan's chase ends at 30-3.
Israel has ordered the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem after Britain announced sanctions on settlement goods and firms. London has said the building will remain a UK Mission and has warned it may expel Israeli diplomats if Israel forces the consulate to close. Talks and a quiet UK security adviser visit have not resolved the dispute ahead of Thursday's deadline.
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Scotland’s women have fallen to Australia in a tight first-half before Australia’s quick start after the break sealed a comfortable win. Evie Gallagher and Fiona Miller scored for Scotland as Australia pulled away with three tries in eight minutes.
Oil prices have fallen after data showed Asia is set to import its highest monthly crude volume since the US–Iran war began, while traders continue to monitor UN‑level diplomacy and regional tensions. Brent has slipped near $102 a barrel and U.S. crude is trading in the low $90s as markets weigh rising Asian flows against Middle East risks.
Shaun Edwards has joined England's Red Roses as a consultant for the remainder of the WXV Global Series, aiming to restore their winning form after a 39-match streak ended with a 26-26 draw with Canada. He will work with defence coach Sarah Hunter ahead of tests against New Zealand, Canada, and the USA.
A wave of doping cases has affected athletes across multiple sports this week, with legal actions and disciplinary rulings shaping careers and competition. The stories highlight how authorities are tightening rules and how athletes respond to allegations and sanctions.
Two of five released white-tailed eagle pairs have bred, with three chicks fledging this year across Dorset and Sussex. Nine wild-born birds have appeared since 2019 as conservation efforts gather pace.
Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun has been recalled to the national team by coach Amir Ghalenoei for friendlies against Uzbekistan and Russia, after being left out of the World Cup squad earlier this year amid reports of political tension. Azmoun has 57 goals in 91 appearances and says he remains committed to the national side.
The federal police have arrested the seventh man in Victoria since May on allegations of possessing or distributing ISIS content online. A 65-year-old Australian citizen has been charged with being a member of a terrorist organization and distributing violent extremist material. He allegedly sent 10,000 files between 2015 and 2020, including propaganda, and provided guidance on evading authorities and planning mass attacks.
Scotland Women are chasing a first win in the 2026 WXV Global Series as they host Australia in Edinburgh after back-to-back losses. Interim coach Dave Butcher has named changes to the side and stresses growth as the Scots seek to build on recent lessons.
England has clinched a late win over New Zealand in a gripping Twickenham clash, extending their World Cup-era resilience under new coaching and amid a tougher WXV Global Series.
Australia defeats South Africa in a dramatic Perth Test, extending Les Kiss’s unbeaten run. The Wallabies build a high‑scoring lead before a late, multi‑yellow-card fightback by the Springboks narrows the gap, but a final push falls short.
Ground-level metals linked to respiratory harm persist in residents for months after wildfires, with new Hawaii study showing elevated arsenic, cadmium, copper and antimony in urine up to 18 months post-blaze, underscoring long-term health risks beyond immediate smoke exposure.
England has secured a dominant 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in the Nations League, with Anthony Gordon scoring and Harry Kane doubling the lead. The result strengthens England’s position in Group A3 as Tuchel’s side refines its attacking core, including Kane, Gordon, and Bellingham.
New Zealand’s wētāpunga, the world’s heaviest insect, have moved from endangered to nationally recovering thanks to a large breeding and reintroduction programme. Eleven thousand individuals have been released into predator-free sites, and self-sustaining populations have established on several islands, marking a major conservation success.
A Flydubai co‑pilot has attacked the captain on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight on Sept. 30, stabbed him and attempted to seize control. Passengers, cabin crew and two off‑duty pilots have overpowered the assailant; an off‑duty relief crew has landed the Boeing 737 MAX in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The UAE has opened a terrorism probe and investigators are examining the suspect’s background and travel history.
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a co‑pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane. The injured captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, has been taken to hospital in Tabuk. Passengers and on‑duty crew have overpowered and restrained the attacker; all passengers have returned to Tel Aviv.
Gina Saarberg has won the Golden Spurtle at the World Porridge Making Championship in Carrbridge, using the same Dutch-championship-winning recipe of organic pinhead oats, water and salt. Rob Reid takes the speciality prize with a cannoli-porridge creation. Thirty competitors from 14 countries competed in the event.
Brazil's first round has not produced an outright winner, forcing a runoff between Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro on Oct. 25. Bolsonaro leads by a small margin as polls tighten; analysts warn polling may have missed late shifts. The election centers on crime, cost of living and US relations, with both candidates courting voters ahead of the critical vote.
The flydubai co-pilot has attacked the captain, prompting an emergency landing. Israeli, UAE, and other authorities have coordinated investigations. Preliminary reports indicate the co-pilot planned to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport and had sought employment with airlines flying to Tel Aviv.
President Donald Trump has approved a U.S. Army firing‑squad execution for Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who has been on military death row since 2013 for the 2009 Fort Hood killings. The Pentagon has said the Army secretary will set time and place; officials have said the execution will be livestreamed and scheduled for December 3.
The co-pilot of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe, stabbing him as the aircraft plunged mid‑flight. Passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot, and the plane was landed safely in north-western Saudi Arabia. Investigations are probing the co-pilot’s links to multiple countries and possible long-standing extremist influences. The incident has sparked international security reviews and calls for accountability across jurisdictions.
Southampton has had a six-week ban from football, suspended until the end of next season, lifted after the FA imposed a £28,000 fine and reprimand following three misconduct charges related to spying on other teams. The club can continue in its role, while sanctions include a four-point deduction for next season across the Championship.
Polish authorities have stepped up security at schools nationwide after a spate of knife attacks in Mazovian province. Authorities say the incidents involve several youths, with a 19-year-old and a 15-year-old among those detained. Some schools have suspended classes and enhanced entrances screening while the government vows to push online-content protections.
Khawaja has confirmed he will publish an autobiography, released days after Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Cummins says he has moved on and notes investigators found no other players involved; Khawaja’s book will address events from that era.
Prosecutors have sought a 30-year term for Rohan Rane, head of the CVLT group, who is guilty of extortion and torture against underage victims. The case, linked to a Discord-based network, involves dozens of victims mainly from the US, with investigations stretching across France and the United States.
Eliud Kipchoge has crossed Melbourne’s finish line in 2:09:10, breaking the race record by two seconds. The 41-year-old is on a World Tour to raise funds for education, environment and health, aiming to complete a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica.
Three attacks at schools in Mazovian province have left one dead and several wounded; police detain 117 people across Poland for weapons and threats. Authorities say the violence is largely spontaneous and fueled by online content, with a copycat dynamic linked to 'nihilistic violence' and ultraright online culture.
The UAE prosecutor has stated the Omani co-pilot of Flydubai was radicalised in Australia and drew inspiration from Al-Qaeda’s 9/11 attacks, attempting a hijack with the aim of causing maximum loss of life. Investigations are examining the suspect’s ties to people and groups abroad, including NZ and Australia.
Disney+ will stream the Super Bowl LXI broadcast via ESPN/ABC in the US and in more than 55 international markets. The US will see Disney+ carry the same ESPN/ABC feed, with ESPN Deportes available in the US for Spanish-language coverage. Two Monday Night Football games will also be streamed this season.