World news
NewsReutersAnalysis: Stick or twist? Azerbaijan looks to drive home Nagorno-Karabakh gains
Emboldened by Turkish support, Azerbaijan has the upper hand in the bloodiest fighting in more than 25 years in the South Caucasus. In just over a month, it has retaken much of the land in and around Nagorno-Karabakh that it lost in the 1990s. It now faces a difficult choice: advance on the symbolic city of Shusha - Shushi to Armenians - a staging post for an assault on the region's largest city, Stepanakert.
NewsThe GuardianPowerful earthquake rocks Turkish coast and Greek islands
Powerful earthquake rocks Turkish coast and Greek islandsMultiple fatalities reported after buildings collapse in populous city of İzmir and surrounding areas
- NewsAssociated Press
Prosecutor asks judge to overturn murder conviction
A Tennessee prosecutor's office is asking a judge to overturn the conviction of man serving life in a 1998 slaying after finding new evidence. The Davidson County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion Thursday in the case of Joseph Webster, who was convicted of murder in the killing Leroy Owens, The Tennessean reported. The move comes after a unit in the prosecutor's office investigated the case and found new evidence not presented at trial.
NewsThe Daily BeastTsunami Warning in Turkey After 7.0 Quake Levels Buildings in Coastal City of Izmir
A massive earthquake erupted in the Aegean Sea early Friday, causing multistory buildings to collapse in the coastal Turkish city of Izmir and water surging through the streets amid tsunami warnings.Eyewitness videos captured terrifying scenes. A seven-story residential building crumbled to the ground. Waist-high water gushed through the streets of the nearby town of Seferihisar in the province. Environment Minister Murat Kurum said there were reports of people trapped under debris, mostly in Izmir’s Bayrakli neighborhood, according to televised remarks reported by The New York Times.> BREAKING - Footage of a building collapsing in the background after a powerful earthquake hit near Izmir in Turkey.pic.twitter.com/1UWpYxWHeU> > — Disclose.tv 🚨 (@disclosetv) October 30, 2020> Another tsunami footage from the earthquake in Izmir province of Turkey. > > This one is really dangerous pic.twitter.com/62zfddWSi8> > — Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) October 30, 2020The 7.0 magnitude quake hit just off the Greek island of Samos, according to Turkish authorities. It rattled parts of Greece and was reportedly felt 200 miles away in Istanbul. Izmir, a city of four million, appeared to take the brunt of it. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said that at least six buildings were flattened and Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted that four people were killed, an at least 120 were injured. Rescue crews were on the scene searching for survivors.Footage posted to Twitter appeared to show an ominous retreat of the water line near the coastal city, leaving boats marooned on sand and mud.> Right Now in izmir Turkey > > People worries about a new tsunami wave due to the sea has retreated for metresDeprem earthquake pic.twitter.com/Om5otCh37V> > — Kondektur Bus™ (@kondekturbus_) October 30, 2020Read more at The Daily Beast.Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
NewsHuffPostWalmart Removes Guns From Floor Displays, Citing 'Civil Unrest'
The retailer will continue selling firearms to customers who request them.
NewsReutersHospital beds, oxygen run short in Russia's regions as COVID-19 cases surge
Ekaterina Saraichenko, who lives in Saratov, posted a video on Russian social media this month, describing her mother's ordeal with COVID-19 as they waited for an ambulance she said was taking too long. Alexander Burkov, the regional governor, said the incident was "beyond human comprehension" and demanded an investigation. Doctors, patients and officials in several Russian regions have been documenting a healthcare system pushed to its limits as coronavirus cases surge and hospital admission turns into a bleak battleground.
PoliticsAssociated PressFinal Georgia Senate debate canceled after Perdue drops out
The final debate between Republican Sen. David Perdue and Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff, scheduled for Sunday, has been canceled after Perdue dropped out to attend a campaign rally. Perdue’s communications director John Burke said in a statement shared on Twitter that Perdue would instead join President Donald Trump at an expected rally. “As lovely as another debate listening to Jon Ossoff lie to the people of Georgia sounds, Senator Perdue will not be participating in the WSB-TV debate but will instead join the 45th president, Donald J. Trump, for a huge Get-Out-The-Vote rally in Northwest Georgia,” Burke said.
SportThe GuardianIrish surfer Conor Maguire catches 'Ireland's biggest wave'
Irish surfer Conor Maguire catches 'Ireland's biggest wave'Surfer tackles huge swell off Co Sligo – after checking lockdown rules allowed it
NewsThe GuardianMan arrested over deaths of Iranian Kurd family in Channel sinking
Man arrested over deaths of Iranian Kurd family in Channel sinkingIranian man held on suspicion of manslaughter following deaths of at least four people
- PoliticsFOX News Videos
The president's closing message is ‘peace and prosperity’: Eric Trump
Eric Trump with the closing message the president has for America.
EntertainmentThe GuardianSouth Africa's LGBTQ+ heroes, bull sacrifices and a fearless Roman feminist – the week in art
South Africa's LGBTQ+ heroes, bull sacrifices and a fearless Roman feminist – the week in artZanele Muholi’s monumental portraits hit the Tate, the Temple of Mithras makes a new offering, and a Renaissance woman takes inspiration from a Roman feminist icon – all in your weekly dispatch
NewsReutersBelarus leader threatens to leave protesters 'without hands' as strike rumbles
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko threatened to leave protesters "without hands" on Friday, sharpening his rhetoric as hundreds marched through the streets and rallied outside universities to keep pressure on the veteran leader to resign. Students, factory workers and pensioners answered a call by exiled opposition figure Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to launch a nationwide strike this week - a fresh move to force Lukashenko to hold new elections after months of mass protests. The ex-Soviet country sank into crisis after opponents accused Lukashenko of rigging the Aug. 9 presidential election to extend his 26-year rule.
NewsFrance 24Ex-FIFA official convicted, PSG official cleared in Swiss corruption trial
A former high-ranking FIFA official was convicted Friday in a corruption case in Switzerland, while the president of Paris Saint-Germain was acquitted. Jérôme Valcke was found guilty of a lesser charge of forging documents linked to World Cup broadcasting deals in Italy and Greece. He was acquitted of accepting bribes and criminal mismanagement while he was FIFA secretary general from 2007-15.Valcke was given a 120-day suspended sentence and ordered to pay FIFA 1.75 million euros ($2 million) in restitution. Prosecutors had asked for a three-year sentence.PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi, who is also a Qatari soccer and television executive, was cleared of a single charge of inciting Valcke to commit aggravated criminal mismanagement.That charge was linked to Valcke’s use of a vacation home in Italy about six years ago. At the time, FIFA renewed World Cup rights in the Middle East and North Africa for Qatari broadcaster beIN Media Group, which is led by al-Khelaïfi.“Today’s verdict is a total vindication,” al-Khelaïfi said in a statement. “It restores my faith in the rule of law and in due process, after four years of baseless allegations, fictitious charges and constant smears of my reputation.”Al-Khelaïfi, who is a minister in Qatar’s government and a member of the UEFA executive committee, was not linked to the bribery charge against Valcke.A third defendant, Greek marketing agency executive Dinos Deris, was acquitted on charges of active corruption with Valcke and inciting him.Valcke's conviction, albeit on a minor charge, is the first secured by the Swiss prosecutors who began investigating FIFA and international soccer officials six years ago.(AP)
EntertainmentAssociated PressCurious about going to a movie theater? 7 things to know
It’s been over two months since movie theaters started reopening in the U.S., but there is still a fair amount of consumer confusion about moviegoing in the COVID-19 era. Movie studios and theater owners have found themselves in the unique position of having to re-educate audiences on how to see movies now. WHERE ARE THEATERS OPEN?
NewsThe Guardian'It's possible': the race to approve a Covid vaccine by Christmas
'It's possible': the race to approve a Covid vaccine by Christmas. At least three companies close to revealing results of phase three trials, but to be approved for use safety has to be ensured
NewsEvening StandardChildren’s Commissioner Anne Longfield joins Hammersmith Bridge row as pupils face winter school run misery
The Children’s Commissioner today waded into the row over the closure of Hammersmith Bridge saying it was “extremely disappointing” that pupils will be forced to make arduous trips in the dark to school over winter. The intervention by Anne Longfield came two days after the taskforce set up by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to speed up repairs to the crossing confirmed that no replacement ferry service will be available until the spring. It was originally hoped that a shuttle between Barnes and Hammersmith could be in place by the time the clocks changed last week.
NewsReutersPope vows to fight corruption but sees it as uphill struggle
Pope Francis said in an interview published on Friday that he is determined to root out corruption in the Catholic Church but that he is not overly optimistic because it is a centuries-old human problem. In an interview with the Italian news agency AdnKronos, Francis also said he listens to his critics but can't allow himself to get bogged down by every negative thing they say. In a shock move last month, Francis fired Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former top Vatican official, accusing him of embezzlement and nepotism.
NewsThe TelegraphMilitary personnel who commit serious offences will escape justice under legislation, MPs warn
Military personnel who commit serious offences will escape justice under proposed legislation, MPs have warned. In a report on the looming Overseas Operations Bill, the Joint Committee on Human Rights said the legislation breaches the UK's human rights obligations and creates unjustified barriers to prosecutions. The Bill seeks to limit false and historical allegations arising from overseas operations by introducing a statutory presumption against prosecution, making it exceptional for personnel to be prosecuted five years or more after an incident. However campaigners and some senior military figures have warned that it will create a presumption against prosecution of torture and other serious crimes, except rape and sexual violence. Johnny Mercer, the Veterans Minister leading the Bill, previously wrote in The Telegraph that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are "not above the law" and will still be prosecuted for crimes five years after they take place. Mr Mercer said: “The UK will never put the Armed Forces above the law. “On the contrary, we hold our people to the highest standards. Whenever the Armed Forces embark on operations outside the UK, our people and their chain of command are bound to abide by the criminal law of England and Wales, as well as international humanitarian law as set out in the Geneva Conventions.” The committee said investigations into incidents arising from the UK's involvement in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts had exposed wrongdoing, but that many had been inadequate - resulting in repeated probes to remedy the flaws of previous ones. However, they said investigations will still be required despite the legislation, and warned that it does "nothing to address the issue of repeat investigations", making it "difficult to reconcile the contents of the Bill with its stated objective". The MPs said that - at a minimum - the Bill should be amended so that the presumption against prosecution does not apply to torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. The Bill is due to have its report stage and third reading in the Commons on Tuesday.
SportEvening StandardSix Nations 2020 permutations: Who can still win the title on Super Saturday?
The Six Nations will name their teams for Super Saturday over the next 24 hours. There are still three teams that can take the title and plenty of permutations, so here is how each team is shaping up... Table-toppers Ireland are without the injured Garry Ringrose.
SportEvening StandardJJ Williams: Legendary former Wales and Lions wing dies aged 72
Legendary Wales and British and Irish Lions wing JJ Williams has died at the age of 72. Williams, who was christened John James but known throughout the world of rugby by his initials, was regarded as one of the greatest finishers in the sport's history. During his time with Wales he scored 12 tries in 30 appearances, winning four Five Nations titles, including two Grand Slams in 1976 and 1978 and four Triple Crowns.
SportEvening StandardJonny Hill handed England debut in Six Nations finale against Italy as Eddie Jones shuffles pack
Eddie Jones has handed Exeter lock Jonny Hill a debut in the final match of England's Six Nations campaign against Italy on Saturday. Following the cancellation of their warm-up against the Barbarians on Sunday, this will be England’s first match since the country went into lockdown in March, and Jones’s team shows seven personnel changes from the 33-30 victory over Wales. France could also still pip England, as they are level on points and just two worse off on points difference.
NewsAssociated PressOn pandemic 'learning loss,' schools look forward, not back
A complete picture has yet to emerge of how much learning was lost by students during the pandemic. Instead, the district is sticking with its usual fall assessments. Most states aren’t requiring all districts to administer uniform tests to measure students’ slippage.
BusinessAssociated PressAirbnb sets up endowment, council for hosts ahead of IPO
Airbnb is setting up an endowment fund to support its 4 million hosts as part of its upcoming initial public offering. “As we prepare for Airbnb to become a public company, we want to institutionalize our commitment to hosting, and our investment in the host community,” Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said Friday in an open letter to hosts. Airbnb will name a 15-member host advisory board that will meet monthly with Airbnb leadership and decide which projects to fund.
EntertainmentThe GuardianThe Mandalorian recap: season two, episode one – a dangerous quest to offload Baby Yoda
The Mandalorian recap: season two, episode one – a dangerous quest to offload Baby YodaThere’s a man-eating dragon, new faces and a moral message as the Star Wars spinoff returns to screens with a western-style adventure
- PoliticsSWNS
Majority of Americans think 2020 will be the most important election of their lifetime
Four in five Americans said 2020 has made them want to stand up for what they believe in more than ever before, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 Americans found 79% said this year has encouraged them to take a stand — and the top way they're doing so is by casting their ballot. In addition to voting, 39% of respondents are standing up for what they believe in by educating themselves more on current events, and a third (32%) are even educating others on how to vote. This education is paying off: 71% said they feel more informed about politics and current events since the start of the primaries in February. Commissioned by LOTRIMIN®, a foot care OTC brand, and conducted by OnePoll, the survey examined the other ways respondents are standing up for what they believe in, and what that means for their vote. Forty-four percent of respondents are more openly sharing their opinions, while 41% are having more conversations with loved ones about important issues ahead of the election. Seven in 10 believe they've made a positive impact on their loved ones' voting habits and stances on certain issues through these conversations. Some respondents might be speaking up because they can no longer stay quiet — 73% said this is the most important election of their life. The survey revealed 46% of respondents said they're more likely to stand up for issues they believe in ahead of the election, and they've also become more politically active. In fact, results found 68% said they're more politically active than they ever have been before. "As the people who care for your feet, we want you to worry less about them and more about making your voice heard this election season. Because now more than ever, it's important for people to stand up for what they believe in," said Thales Soares, VP and general manager of skin health at Bayer. "That's why we've launched our 'Stand with Confidence' program to invite everyone to find the confidence to tell the world what they stand for in this critical election year. You can read more about our program at www.lotrimin.com/standwithconfidence." Seventy-six percent of respondents said they're planning to vote in this year's election, and of those, 54% are planning to vote in-person. And respondents agreed: due to COVID-19 and social distancing measures, 75% of voting respondents expect it to take longer to cast their ballot this year. Of those planning to vote, the average respondent would be willing to wait in line for almost five hours — but some have concerns about social distancing (24%) while others said their general aches and pains will make it more difficult to wait in line (22%). The weather (21%), foot pain (17%) and respondents' job (12%) were also all factors that might make it more difficult to vote in-person. But respondents won't give up that easily: 83% said once they show up, they won't leave without casting their ballot. "We know waiting in long lines can be uncomfortable, especially for those who suffer from common foot issues such as athlete's foot, wetness, odor, etc. So, whether you're standing in lines at the polls, or walking to your mailbox to cast your ballot, we want to help make it easier for people to step confidently and share their voice on Nov. 3," said Thales Soares, VP and general manager of skin health at Bayer.