No. 1Middle East
Three killed in attacks on two Saudi airports
Saudi aviation authorities say three people died in attacks on two airports on 6 and 7 October. Two women were killed and 28 people wounded at Abha International Airport. One man was killed and eight wounded at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The Houthis claimed responsibility, citing missiles and drones, and said they also struck Aden's airport in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition said the attacks "will not go unpunished" and that it hit more than 80 Houthi military sites. The UN says more than 200,000 people have been displaced by the escalation, and Secretary General Guterres has condemned the Houthi cross-border attacks.
Why it mattersShows a Yemen war that had been quieter since the 2022 truce spreading into Saudi Arabia and putting civilians and Red Sea shipping routes at risk.
Full story at BBC News →No. 2Health
FDA says mifepristone safety review won't finish until March
The Food and Drug Administration told a court in a Wednesday filing that it will not publish its safety review of the abortion drug mifepristone until March. The agency also said it will not add new restrictions on the pill before then. The disclosure is likely to anger anti-abortion activists, who have been growing impatient with the pace of the review.
Why it mattersMeans the rules for access to mifepristone are unlikely to change before March, whatever else happens in court or in politics.
Full story at Just In News →No. 3Energy
EPA plans to loosen oil and gas methane rules
The Trump administration plans to ease restrictions on methane emissions from oil and gas production. The Environmental Protection Agency announced the plan Wednesday in a press release. The administration is expected to put the proposal forward formally, which would open it to further steps in the rulemaking process.
Why it mattersAffects what oil and gas producers must do to limit methane, a rule set that both industry and environmental groups follow closely.
Full story at Just In News →No. 4Markets
Crypto and prediction market regulator is shrinking as its job grows
The agency is being asked to write new rules for crypto and prediction markets. At the same time, its staffing and enforcement actions have fallen sharply during the second Trump administration. NPR reports that the gap between its expanding responsibilities and its shrinking capacity is widening.
No. 5Investigations
BBC finds US and Lebanon shielding wanted Syrian general
A BBC and NPR investigation found that Bassam al-Hassan, who oversaw Syria's chemical weapons program, is living in Lebanon under an arrangement involving the FBI and Lebanese authorities. He is wanted for crimes against humanity and is under US sanctions. Sources say he was offered residency, protection and living expenses in exchange for information, mainly about kidnapped journalist Austin Tice. Syria's new government wants him returned for trial. People tied to the Tice inquiry say little progress has followed, and a search he pointed to found nothing. The FBI declined to comment and pointed to a past statement.
Why it mattersRaises the question of what the US is willing to trade, and pay, for information on Austin Tice, and whether it's working.
Full story at BBC News →No. 6Courts
Maduro and wife expected to face added charges over torture of Americans
CBS reports that federal prosecutors are expected to bring more charges against Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The new charges would accuse them of a role in the torture of Americans held in Venezuelan prisons. US forces seized the pair in Caracas on 3 January, and they face drug and weapons charges, which they deny. Flores has a bond hearing Thursday in New York. Maduro's lawyer says he got no notice of added charges. Their trial is set for June 2027, and the judge has not ruled on their request to dismiss the case.
Why it mattersSignals that the case could widen beyond drug charges, and Thursday's hearing is the next scheduled court step.
Full story at BBC News →No. 7Canada
What Alberta's economy might look like if it left Canada
Alberta votes 19 October on whether to stay in Canada or proceed to a later binding independence referendum. Separatists say the province would keep money now sent to Ottawa. One group estimates a yearly surplus of C$24bn to C$46bn. Premier Danielle Smith, who opposes independence, warns of C$400bn in transition costs. Her government's report puts the cost at C$50bn to C$170bn over five years. Polls suggest 20% to 25% of Albertans plan to vote to proceed.
Why it mattersGives you the competing numbers behind a vote that tests Canadian unity and could affect a major oil-producing region.
Full story at BBC News →