The Great War (1914–1918) that reshaped nations and borders.
Edinburgh hosts major Deaf-inclusive productions on its main stages as part of the Fringe and Edinburgh Deaf Festival, highlighting collaboration between Deaf and hearing artists. The Singer features Jamie Rea and KT Tunstall, while Deaf Festival enters a multi-year Creative Scotland funding cycle, showcasing over 80 events across ten days.
Dwindling MQ-9 Reaper stockpiles have escalated concerns over American drone warfare capabilities. The Washington Post reports 45 drones have been lost, with costs exceeding $1.3 billion, as Iran’s actions and the Ukraine conflict shape the battlefield. US officials caution that dwindling munitions are limiting options while drone warfare dominates current tactics.
European wildfires have unearthed World War II munitions in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Heat and drought have triggered detonations and required bomb-disposal teams to work amid flames. Experts warn climate-driven fires are reactivating dormant weapons, turning forests into dangerous fronts.
A joint letter published in Le Monde by 102 signatories urges France and the United Kingdom to uphold international law in Palestine, arguing for equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians. It accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing in the occupied territories and calls for penalties on settlements and arms transfers while urging humanitarian access.
Reform UK faces renewed scrutiny over a £5m donation and alleged foreign funding as Channel 4 footage prompts police inquiries. Two top aides have been suspended amid internal turmoil ahead of the Birmingham conference. The party and its leader, Nigel Farage, argue the investigation is politically motivated while critics demand transparency.
The Scotsman reviews Allan Gaw’s The Last Gifts to the Dead, noting a compelling central mystery and strong detective work by Dr. Jack Cuthbert, though one Belgium backstory thread feels ancillary for new readers; overall, the book offers solid deduction and a poignant post‑First World War context.
Ken Griffin has pledged $3 billion to Carnegie Mellon University, including $2 billion to build a 35‑acre Wynwood campus in Miami and $1 billion for priorities at CMU’s Pittsburgh campus. Construction on the Miami site is slated for 2027, with student enrollments planned to begin in 2028; the computer science school will be renamed for Griffin.
Bulgarian authorities have received the remains of Tsar Samuel in Sofia, marking a formal handover under a bilateral cultural accord with Greece. The ceremony includes state honours and a procession to Saint Sofia Church. Greece will receive artefacts taken from Greek monasteries during World War I as part of the agreement; both sides emphasise cultural heritage over historic grievance.
Prime Minister Lauli Leuatea Schmidt has apologised for a seven-second clip showing a Nazi salute at a private family gathering in 2007. He says the words and gesture were inappropriate and not reflective of his beliefs or Samoa's values. The video has drawn international attention as Schmidt has led Samoa since 2025 and has publicly supported Israel.
The UK has deployed RAF Typhoon jets, an A400M transport and military advisers to Saudi Arabia to fly defensive missions against missiles and drones. France has sent soldiers, radars and air-defence systems to protect the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Both governments have said their roles are defensive as Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and energy sites have escalated since September.
On Remembrance Sunday, Britain marks Armistice Day with wreaths at the Cenotaph. The royal family attends; Harry and Meghan, now out of official royal duties, participate from the public sphere. Prime Minister Burnham and previous premiers join in; public ceremonies also include a concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The event underscores the evolving role of the monarchy and the state’s approach to veterans’ issues.
Arlington National Cemetery decorum was challenged as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and aides were admonished by an Army guard during Veterans Day ceremonies. The incident follows a bid to impeach Hegseth that evening and foreshadows renewed scrutiny as Democrats assume congressional control.
The Tabbara family, falafel-makers in Beirut since 1914, is passing leadership to a fourth generation as Lebanon endures a long economic crisis. The shop in Hamra remains a beacon of tradition, serving affordable falafel and preserving a culinary heritage blamed for Lebanon’s cultural identity amid political and economic upheaval.