Ebola death toll in DR Congo passes 5,000
Authorities are struggling to contain the outbreak in DR Congo, and no approved treatments or vaccines are available. The reported toll has passed 5,000 deaths.
The world today · 31 Oct 2026
Ebola toll passes 5,000 in DR Congo as Yemen and Iran tensions rise
The reported Ebola death toll in DR Congo passed 5,000, while Spain's transport minister blamed traffic control errors for a train crash that killed at least 69 people. Fighting in Yemen intensified, mediators sought to revive the US-Iran ceasefire, and Oleshky evacuations went ahead under a rare truce in Ukraine.
Spain blames traffic control errors for deadly train crash
Spain's transport minister said a judge would investigate controllers' actions, including authorising a train to proceed at high speed though another was stalled in front of it. Óscar Puente, who faces calls to resign over the collision that killed at least 69 people, says he will not step down. The crash has also reshaped the campaign for the November 29 snap election.
Traffic control errors caused Spain's deadly train crash, minister… · Spain's transport minister refuses to resign over high-speed rail… · Spain's deadly train crash reshapes November 29 election campaign
Houthi missiles hit Aden as over 280,000 displaced in Yemen
Houthi missiles struck Aden, where residents are stockpiling food and making escape plans. Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a Houthi drone aimed at Mecca, which the Houthis deny. UNHCR says more than 280,000 people are displaced, and Taiz's governor says the city's month-long siege is leaving supplies of oxygen, food and water running low.
Houthi missiles strike Aden as residents prepare for return to… · Saudi Arabia reports interception of Houthi drone targeting Mecca · UNHCR: Over 280,000 displaced in Yemen as fighting blocks access to…
Mediators try to revive US-Iran ceasefire as strikes are weighed
Qatari officials are in Iran on a mission to revive the ceasefire deal with the US, and Pakistan's army says it is cautiously optimistic about mediation. Senator Chris Murphy says he was briefed on a reported Trump plan to restart the war and warned of devastating consequences. Analysts say Washington and Tehran are sending mixed signals and that trust remains a key obstacle.
Qatari officials in Iran seek to revive ceasefire deal with US · Pakistan army 'cautiously optimistic' about US-Iran mediation efforts · Senators briefed on Trump's reported plan to restart war on Iran
Oleshky evacuations proceed under truce as strikes continue elsewhere
An aid convoy entered Oleshky and residents began leaving the occupied town during a US-brokered ceasefire. Russia said it struck energy infrastructure in and around Kyiv, and Russian authorities say they intercepted more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones overnight, with an oil refinery struck. The US approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
Aid convoy enters besieged Ukrainian town Oleshky · Residents evacuated from occupied Oleshky during US-brokered ceasefire · Russia strikes energy facilities in Kyiv as aid convoy heads for…
At least 60 Christians killed in Ethiopia religious violence
The Orthodox Church describes the killings as religious violence, and around 20 houses were burned. Rebels and the local government blame each other.
At least 60 Christians killed in Ethiopia amid religious violence
Report says wildfire smoke killed 3,500 people in Indonesia in September
A report says smoke from drought-driven wildfires killed 3,500 people in Indonesia in September. Persistent fires have enveloped the region in smog.
Wildfire smoke killed 3,500 people in Indonesia in September, report…
Record $6.3bn crypto theft from Binance
Hackers stole $6.3 billion in cryptocurrency from Binance, and issuers froze roughly half of the stolen assets. US analysts suspect North Korean hackers, and the breach has shaken confidence in the crypto market.
What to watch
- Cost-of-living protests are expected to spread to Germany on Saturday, with 70,000 police to be deployed in France ahead of new demonstrations.
- Spain's November 29 snap election and the judge's investigation into traffic controllers' actions.
- Possible resumption of US-Iran hostilities as Qatari and Pakistani mediation continues.
Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.
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