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Israel strikes southern Lebanon: IDF kills 2 Hezbollah operatives; linked to weapons smuggling from Syria

The IDF announced Sunday it killed two Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, targeting individuals involved in weapons procurement and local representation. These strikes occurred amid ongoing border tensions and alleged violations of the November 2024 ceasefire. The operation coincided with a visit by the Israeli defense minister and a US envoy to the Lebanon border.

44 minutes ago - 17:53

US warship arrives in Trinidad and Tobago, near Venezuela

USS Gravely's arrival comes as US military build-up in the region has increased tensions between Washington and Caracas.

49 minutes ago - 17:48

Red Cross, Egyptian teams join search for dead hostages in Gaza

Teams from the Red Cross and Egypt have joined the search for the remains of hostages still buried in the rubble of the devastated Gaza Strip, an Israeli spokesperson said Sunday. Hamas said it has widened its search for the dead hostages, whose return is fundamental to the US-brokered ceasefire.

1 hour ago - 17:36

Pakistan says five soldiers and 25 fighters killed in Afghan border clashes

Fighting comes as Taliban submits proposal at peace talks in Turkiye, while Islamabad warns of 'open war' if deal fails.

1 hour ago - 17:24

Graham predicts Trump's war on "narco-terrorists" will expand to land strikes

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) thinks the administration's strikes in the waters off Venezuela will expand to land, he said in a Sunday interview, adding that President Trump will brief lawmakers on "potential future military operations against Venezuela and Colombia." The big picture: Fury is growing on Capitol Hill over the strikes on purported "narco-terrorists" in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which have killed at least 43 people and stirred speculation of an attempted regime change. • Lawmakers, including some Republicans, are demanding more transparency. Who the U.S. has killed, and on what evidence, remains unclear.• And in yet another escalation, the U.S. deployed the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the area after Trump suggested land strikes could be imminent. Driving the news: Graham said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that he thinks Trump has decided "it's time for" Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro "to go," calling land strikes a "real possibility." Worth noting: The White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request to confirm whether such a briefing has been scheduled. • Trump last week said his administration would "probably go back to Congress and explain exactly what we are doing" before launching land strikes, but added, "we don't have to do that." What he's saying: Graham did not rule out or advance the idea of there being troops on the ground in Latin America, saying, "I'll let the president speak to that." • However, he told CBS News' Margaret Brennan that the military will "kill the people that want to poison America." The other side: While Trump has an ardent supporter in Graham, other Republican lawmakers have questioned his authority to carry out the strikes and the limited evidence his administration has released regarding their militarized war on drugs. • Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said on "Fox News Sunday" he's "been invited to no briefing" — but added, "a briefing is not enough to overcome the Constitution."• He continued, "we've had no evidence presented. So, at this point, I would call them extrajudicial killings."• Paul's colleague across the aisle, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), called the strikes "sanctioned murder" on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday. Graham dismissed Gallego's comments, saying the military was following "lawful orders." Zoom in: Graham said he "fundamentally" disagreed with Paul's contention that the president should not act without Congress and without a declaration of war. • The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, but a formal declaration hasn't been issued since World War II. • "To the other senators, you deserve more information and you're going to get more information, but there is no requirement for Congress to declare war before the commander in chief can use force," Graham argued. Catch up quick: Trump told reporters Thursday that he would not ask for a declaration of war and would just "kill people that are bringing drugs into our country." • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent deferred to Defense Secretary Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday when asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" whether the U.S. is at war with Venezuela. • The Pentagon did not respond to Graham's prediction that the operation would expand to Venezuelan soil. What we're watching: Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) suggested Sunday on ABC's "This Week" that moving an aircraft carrier battle group to the Caribbean could be meant to intimidate or foreshadow combat operations. • "This makes us less safe," he said. "I mean, starting a war against Venezuela over what is a law enforcement action does not make any sense." Go deeper: Colombia president claims U.S. bombed Colombian boat in strike off Venezuela

1 hour ago - 17:21

Russia tested a new nuclear-capable missile, Putin says

The announcement comes as part of nuclear messaging from the Kremlin, which has resisted Western pressure for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

1 hour ago - 17:06

US expects China to delay rare earth export controls as trade deal nears

High-level talks yield progress ahead of summit between Trump and Xi

2 sources

1 hour ago - 16:51

Will the US plan for Gaza fail?

US journalist Chris Hedges argues that Trump’s plan won’t ‘thwart the genocidal project Israel intends to carry out’.

1 hour ago - 16:51

Scott Bessent says he's 'felt this pain' from China because 'I'm actually a soybean farmer'

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's estimated hundreds and millions of dollars in wealth includes soybean and corn farmland in North Dakota.

2 sources

2 hours ago - 16:15

Farm owner Bessent on soybean crisis: "I have felt this pain too"

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent — whose net worth is estimated at more than $500 million — on Sunday said he was sharing in the pain of the farm export crisis as a soybean farmer himself. Why it matters: China has cut off purchases of U.S. soybeans amid the trade war, depriving farmers of their largest export market and an estimated $13 billion in annual sales. • That has been devastating for the agricultural sector, which is awaiting an oft-promised bailout from the administration. What they're saying: Bessent did the rounds of the Sunday morning TV news shows to discuss a framework deal with China, one that he hinted would include relief for farmers. • But it was in an interview with Martha Raddatz on ABC's "This Week" that he sought to cast his own lot with the farm community.• "Martha, in case you don't know it, I'm actually a soybean farmer, so I have felt this pain too," Bessent said. Between the lines: The New York Times reported in August that Bessent owns as much as $25 million worth of North Dakokta corn and soybean farmland, which he rents out for more than $1 million a year in income. • Bessent has delayed divesting his farm holdings, required under an ethics agreement in place since he took office, though he has said he will do so by the end of the year. Zoom in: Bessent accused China of using the mostly Trump-supporting agricultural community as leverage against the president, but said the framework deal should solve their problems. • "I believe when the announcement of the deal with China is made public that our soybean farmers will feel very good about what's going on, both for this season and the coming seasons," Bessent said. The bottom line: The Treasury secretary says the trade war is hurting his own wallet, too.

3 hours ago - 14:44

Trump kicks off Asia tour with Xi meeting on the agenda

US President Donald Trump started his Asia tour in Malaysia Sunday by rewarding Cambodia and Thailand with trade deals after co-signing their ceasefire pact, and saying he was confident of a "great" trade deal at upcoming talks with China's Xi Jinping. Trump brimmed with confidence ahead of the meeting with Xi in South Korea, that seeks to end the bruising trade war between the world's two biggest economies.

5 sources

3 hours ago - 15:33

Estonia’s top diplomat: Russia testing NATO resolve amid Trump uncertainty

Estonia’s foreign minister discusses whether Moscow’s airspace violations are a test of NATO unity.

4 hours ago - 14:37

US and China agree framework of trade deal ahead of Trump-Xi meeting

US trade secretary says the two will sign a deal on TikTok, while hinting at agreement on rare earths and tariffs.

4 hours ago - 14:37

Trump meets Brazil’s Lula at ASEAN summit, touts ‘pretty good deals’

Both countries' negotiating teams will start working 'immediately' to address US tariffs and sanctions, says Lula.

4 hours ago - 14:34

Trump discusses future of Gaza with Qatari leaders

President Donald Trump met Qatar’s leaders on Sunday to discuss the future of the Gaza ceasefire he helped broker. Following the talks, he said a coalition of peacekeeping forces would soon be deployed. Meanwhile Israeli PM Netanyahu said Israel would decide which foreign troops it will allow as part of the plan.

5 hours ago - 13:35

U.S. will not lose money on Argentina bailout, Bessent promises

The U.S. will not lose money on its massive bailout of Argentina, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday, despite the continued weakening of the Argentine currency. Why it matters: American intervention in Argentina's economy so far hasn't paid off, with the peso falling to record lows despite unprecedented levels of support. The big picture: The U.S. has gone all-in on President Javier Milei, who faces crucial midterm elections Sunday that are effectively a referendum on his inflation-slashing economic policies. • But Milei's grip on power has weakened in recent months, throwing his economy's stability into question. Driving the news: In order to rescue Milei, the U.S. pledged a $20 billion currency swap with the Argentine central bank, the largest American bailout of another country since Mexico in 1995. • Bessent also pledged to organize another $20 billion in aid from the private sector, putting the full might of the U.S. government behind saving Argentina in a manner with little recent precedent. • On top of those deals, the U.S. has also been buying Argentine pesos in the open market in recent weeks, though those steps haven't helped — the peso's fallen another 10% in the last month despite the Treasury's efforts. What they're saying: Bessent, in a series of interviews on Sunday morning TV news shows, defended the package as being in America's interests. • "It is America first because we are supporting a U.S. ally. There will be no taxpayer losses," Bessent told NBC's "Meet the Press."• He similarly told CBS's "Face the Nation" that the Exchange Stabilization Fund, the source of the $20 billion swap, "has never lost money. It will not lose money this time." The intrigue: The Argentina rescue has become increasingly unpopular at home, despite the government's assurances. • In the latest Economist/YouGov poll, only 20% of respondents said they strongly or somewhat approved of the package, against 56% who disapproved. • Farm interests oppose the deal because Argentina has been selling huge quantities of soybeans to China, while U.S. farmers are shut out. Ranchers oppose Trump's recent move to quadruple Argentine beef imports in an effort to lower retail prices. Yes, but: Bessent framed the intervention in Argentina in existential terms, describing it as an effort to support an ally and counter forces in other countries less aligned with Trump policy. • "We want to set the tone in Latin America," Bessent told NBC.• "I would rather extend a swap line than be shooting at the boats carrying drugs, as we're having to, coming out of Venezuela." What to watch: What happens after Sunday's elections. • Trump has suggested the level of U.S. support will be conditioned on how well Milei does, though Bessent has clarified that the U.S. position is tied to policy, and not one leader in particular.

5 hours ago - 13:32

The pipeline for Ph.D.s out of U.S. universities is shrinking

The pipeline for Ph.D.s out of U.S. universities is shrinking at an unprecedented rate: Spots are disappearing, interest is fading and other countries are eager to fill the void. Why it matters: America graduates more Ph.D.s than any other country. They go on to invent things, cure diseases and win Nobel Prizes. • “There are some permanent effects,” said Emily Levesque, an astronomer at the University of Washington. “There’ll be students who never got to pursue Ph.D.s. That’s a group of experts that’s lost forever.” By the numbers: Harvard is cutting Ph.D. admission slots in sciences by 75% and in humanities by 60%, the Harvard Crimson reported this past week. • Several departments at other top universities are shrinking admit pools or pausing admissions altogether, Nature’s Alexandra Witze reports. MIT admitted fewer biology Ph.D.s this year than last. The University of Washington’s astronomy department is suspending Ph.D. admissions for the upcoming academic year. • Brown is pausing PhD admissions in at least six humanities and social science departments, per The Brown Daily Herald. Zoom out: Trouble has been brewing for years. ”This is an acceleration of a trend that was already underway,” said Julie Posselt, a professor of higher education at the University of Southern California. “It’s not a situation that we can solely place blame on the Trump administration for.” • As more graduate students unionize, it’s becoming tougher for universities to afford their salaries, pushing some programs to shrink, she notes.• Even before the Trump administration started revoking international students’ visas, many were already choosing programs in Australia, China, the U.K., Germany and beyond over U.S. schools.• At the same time, the “is college worth it?” debate looms large, and many prospective students are wary of taking on debt to pursue grad school. About 70% of Americans say higher education is “going in the wrong direction,” per a recent Pew Research Center survey. Zoom in: Now there’s fresh political pressure. • The Trump administration has canceled billions in federal funding for research at universities.• International student arrivals to the U.S. in August dropped by 19% as the government clamps down on visas, AP reports.• Plus, the administration is pushing universities to align more closely with its ideologies in exchange for preferential funding. The University of Texas is in talks with the White House to make a deal, Axios Austin’s Asher Price reports. The bottom line: As funding dries up and the pipeline of new talent thins, researchers worry America could give up its long-held edge in science and technology to other countries. • “We have the strongest system of graduate education in the world,” Posselt said. “And losing that is a big concern for people.”

5 hours ago - 13:14

Anti-Trump rally held in Malaysia over Gaza war

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in the Malaysian capital against the visit of US President Donald Trump.

2 sources

6 hours ago - 12:29

Bessent says "framework" deal with China will avoid 100% tariff increase

The U.S. has worked out a "framework" trade deal with China that will avoid a threatened additional 100% in tariffs, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday. Why it matters: The news will come as a huge relief to financial markets, which feared an escalation of the trade war, and to businesses, which worried about an unimaginable surge in their costs. Catch up quick: The recent re-escalation of the trade conflict with China had tariffs poised to rise to 155% as of Nov. 1. • President Trump himself conceded such a tariff on the world's second-largest economy was not sustainable. • Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are on track to meet in the coming days, a conversation expected to touch on rare earth minerals, soybeans, technology exports and more. What they're saying: "President Trump gave me a great deal of negotiating leverage with the threat of the 100% tariffs on November 1. And I believe we've reached a very substantial framework that will avoid that and allow us to discuss many other things with the Chinese," Bessent told NBC's "Meet the Press" anchor Kristen Welker on Sunday. Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated with additional information.

6 hours ago - 12:18

'Will defend ourselves': Netanyahu says Israel needs 'no approval' to strike foes; claims veto on Gaza force members

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Israel's sovereignty in national security decisions, emphasizing self-defense and independent action. He stated Israel will determine acceptable international forces for a Gaza security force, rejecting a role for Turkey. These remarks followed discussions in Washington regarding the Gaza Strip's future and a fragile ceasefire.

6 hours ago - 12:11

Control, encricle, annex

Piece by piece, Israel is playing out strategies first perfected in the ancient Chinese game of Go.

7 hours ago - 11:34

Ray and Gorilla Nems spark viral face off at ComplexCon 2025 as crowd goes silent

A tense exchange between rappers Ray and Gorilla Nems at ComplexCon 2025 quickly went viral. Nems, known for his aggressive style, issued a signature warning to Ray, who calmly responded, "Fck my life for what?" The crowd and online viewers praised Ray's composed reaction, with many deeming the encounter classic New York bravado rather than genuine conflict.

7 hours ago - 11:01

China to Make ‘Substantial’ US Soybean Purchases, Bessent Says

China will make “substantial” purchases of US soybeans, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday after talks with Chinese counterparts, in a sign that the relations are thawing ahead of a possible leaders’ meeting.

8 hours ago - 10:17

Women in Gaza struggling to overcome damage inflicted by Israel’s war

One woman is desperate to be evacuated for cancer treatment while another is recovering from abuse in an Israeli prison.

8 hours ago - 10:15

Trump attends Thailand–Cambodia ceasefire signing in Malaysia

Thailand and Cambodia signed an expanded ceasefire agreement on Sunday during a ceremony attended by US President Donald Trump, whose threats of economic pressure pushed the two nations to halt skirmishes along their disputed border earlier this year. “There are questions of just how long this peace agreement will last,” FRANCE 24’s Adam Hancock said, noting that the decades-long conflict has already seen several breaches of the ceasefire agreed in July.

3 sources

8 hours ago - 09:53

Israel-Hamas conflict: Video shows bulldozers entering Gaza as Egyptian team searches for hostages, victims - watch

Egyptian teams are now in Gaza to recover bodies of 13 Israeli hostages and thousands of Palestinians under rubble, a move reportedly permitted by Israel for the first time. US President Trump urged Hamas to return the deceased quickly, warning of action if the truce falters. Both sides have shared data on body locations.

10 hours ago - 07:54

Russian overnight attack on Ukraine’s Kyiv kills at least 3, wounds dozens

The full scale of the damage and size of the attack that damaged three apartment complexes were not immediately known.

10 hours ago - 07:50

'Great people': Trump again praises Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif; vows to end Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict

President Trump praised Pakistani leaders and vowed to quickly resolve the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, claiming his administration has ended eight wars in eight months. He expressed confidence in his ability to mediate peace, stating he can save millions of lives. India, however, maintains no third-party mediation was involved in its ceasefire understanding with Pakistan.

12 hours ago - 06:37

Venezuela’s Maduro says the US is ‘fabricating’ a war against him

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez says the country is conducting military exercises.

12 hours ago - 06:33

LIVE: Israeli attacks across Gaza threaten ceasefire, one Palestinian dead

Israel strikes multiple targets in Gaza as returning Palestinians face another danger: buildings at risk of collapse.

12 hours ago - 05:53

US risks losing more ground to China in EV race as investment tumbles

White House backing for petrol-based cars poses dilemma for many automakers

13 hours ago - 05:00

‘Not wasting time’: Trump says no meeting with Putin until deal on Ukraine; admits he’s 'disappointed'

US President Trump indicated a high-level summit with Russia's Putin is unlikely soon, despite a senior Kremlin envoy meeting US officials in Florida to discuss ending the Ukraine war. Trump stressed he wouldn't waste time without a guaranteed deal. Meanwhile, the Russian envoy expressed optimism for a diplomatic solution, even as the US and EU imposed new sanctions on Russia.

14 hours ago - 04:06

Greer Hails Progress on China Talks Before Trump-Xi Meeting

American and Chinese officials are hashing out final details of a proposal for a trade deal in Malaysia, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said as the two sides prepare for an expected leaders’ summit on Thursday.

15 hours ago - 02:53

‘Open war if … ’: Pakistan issues new warning to Afghanistan amid border tension; what Khawaja Asif said

15 hours ago - 02:41

Russian attacks kill 4 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy pleads for air defence

2 sources

16 hours ago - 02:27

Watch: Trump receives ceremonial Malaysian fighter jet escort

US President Donald Trump received a fighter jet escort into Malaysian airspace as he arrived for a multi-day Asian tour. He is set to witness the signing of a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, a ceremony rescheduled due to the passing of Thailand's Queen Mother.

16 hours ago - 02:26

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,340

Here are the key events from day 1,340 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

2 sources

17 hours ago - 01:34

'India cutting back completely': Trump reiterates Russian oil claim; hopes for ‘complete deal’ with China

US President Donald Trump claimed India is significantly reducing Russian oil imports, even suggesting a complete cutback. This comes as Trump prepares to meet China's Xi Jinping amid trade tensions. However, India has consistently denied these assertions, prioritizing its national interests and stating no such commitment has been made.

17 hours ago - 01:31

Refuelling pit stop: Trump holds surprise meeting with Qatar's Emir aboard Air Force One — Watch

Donald Trump met Saturday with Qatar's leaders to discuss the fragile truce in Gaza, stopping in the emirate on his way to Asia and talks with China's Xi Jinping that the US president predicted could yield a "comprehensive deal." Aboard Air Force One at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base, when asked about ending the trade row with Beijing, "I think we have a really good chance of making a really comprehensive deal."

2 sources

17 hours ago - 01:21

ASEAN summit in Malaysia: Who’s attending and what to expect

The Cambodian-Thai border conflict and the US trade war will feature prominently at Southeast Asian bloc summit.

19 hours ago - 23:23

MrBeast rescues over 1,000 animals across continents in latest YouTube video

YouTube sensation MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, has undertaken a monumental global mission, saving over 1,000 animals from dire situations. His latest video showcases rescues from Africa, Ukraine, and the US, featuring lions, rhinos, giraffes, and shelter dogs. This ambitious project highlights his commitment to wildlife preservation and animal welfare on an unprecedented scale.

20 hours ago - 22:00

Trump says he's adding another 10% tariff on Canada in retaliation for its Reagan ad

Trump said he will increase tariffs on Canada by another 10% in response to a Canadian anti-tariff ad featuring former President Ronald Reagan.

21 hours ago - 21:17

Pakistan minister warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail

Defence minister's warning comes as countries hold talks in Istanbul to consolidate last week's Doha ceasefire.

22 hours ago - 20:25

Canada says China is a strategic partner amid trade war with US: 'Any relationship has challenges'

22 hours ago - 20:08

Trump thanks Qatar for mediation efforts as talks on Gaza plan continue

US president holds talks with Qatari leaders on Air Force One as Washington pushes to reach second phase of Gaza plan.

23 hours ago - 19:37

ExxonMobil Sues California, Claims New Green Laws Violate Speech

ExxonMobil Corp. has sued California, arguing that two new state laws violate the First Amendment by trying to force it to agree to a certain climate viewpoint, and conflict with federal regulations.

yesterday, 18:26

Israel launches air strike in Gaza allegedly targeting Islamic Jihad militant

Israel's military on Saturday said it had launched an air strike in the Gaza Strip despite the ongoing US-brokered ceasefire, saying it was targeting a "terrorist" allegedly belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group.

yesterday, 18:16

Can the West break China's grip on rare earths?

yesterday, 17:36

Why is Iran clinging to its nuclear weapons program?

Iran's Supreme Leader rejected US President Trump's offer for nuclear talks, citing coercion and predetermined outcomes. Experts warn Iran's confrontational stance and weakened regional influence could lead to war, despite ongoing indirect negotiations with the West and potential prisoner exchanges.

yesterday, 17:18

AI is about to supercharge cyberattacks

U.S. companies are up against a ticking time bomb: Thanks to AI, hackers are on the verge of launching fully automated cyberattacks that can move faster, smarter and more personally than ever. Why it matters: Those attacks could halt production at factories, knock hospitals offline or control power grids — all before anyone even realizes something's wrong. The big picture: Advancements in generative AI are giving hackers the ability to boost their own skill sets and automate parts of the attack chain. • OpenAI and Anthropic have both already found evidence of nation-state adversaries and cybercriminals using their models to write code and research their attacks.• Sandra Joyce, who leads Google's Threat Intelligence Group, tells Axios her team has seen evidence of malicious hackers attempting to use legitimate, AI-powered hacking tools in their schemes. Between the lines: Nation-state hackers are going to build tools to automate everything — from spotting vulnerabilities to launching customized attacks on company networks, says Phil Venables, partner at Ballistic Ventures and former security chief at Google Cloud. • "It's definitely going to come," Venables tells Axios. "The only question is: Is it three months? Is it six months? Is it 12 months?" Threat level: A recent Microsoft report found that AI-automated phishing emails achieved a 54% click-through rate, compared with 12% for phishing lures that didn't use AI. Data: Deep Instinct's 2025 Voice of SecOps report; Chart: Axios Visuals Hackers are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure and financial services companies, according to a survey of cyber professionals conducted by Deep Instinct, an AI-powered cybersecurity firm. • 50% of respondents at critical infrastructure organizations said they had already faced an AI-powered attack in the last year. Zoom in: Chinese, Russian, Iranian and North Korean cyber warriors are already embracing their new AI future as they experiment with ways to enhance their spying and hacking operations, several security executives tell Axios. • Chinese hackers are using AI "as a side saddle" or "a buddy" to enhance their influence operations and other schemes, Joyce says.• Meanwhile, Russian government hackers have been experimenting with AI-powered malware in their attacks on Ukrainian entities as part of the ongoing war, Joyce added. The intrigue: Apps like OpenAI's Sora also make it possible to create videos that aid scammers — such as a celebrity seeming to promote a fake investment opportunity or even a child appearing to be in danger. The case for optimism To avoid the catastrophic future so many fear, cybersecurity leaders are making the only bet they can: Their robots can beat the others. • Defenders envision a world where they can use AI to instantly comb through hundreds of threat notifications, then proactively respond to the legitimate threats in that pile of alerts.• AI models are also proving adept at writing secure code that's free from security flaws and vulnerabilities. Data: Deep Instinct's 2025 Voice of SecOps report; Chart: Axios Visuals By the numbers: More than 80% of major companies are already using AI to bulk up their own cyber defenses, according to the Deep Instinct survey. State of play: Defenders are already seeing results, Wendi Whitmore, chief security intelligence officer at Palo Alto Networks, tells Axios. • In one case, they were able to use automation to help a major transportation manufacturing company bring its attack response time down from three weeks to 19 minutes.• "We've just got so many more layers of defense," Whitmore says. "I can talk myself into being completely optimistic about AI." What to watch: Autonomous AI-driven cybersecurity could soon help identify vulnerabilities that no human could ever find on their own, according to Jen Easterly, former head of the federal government's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. • It could also spot cyber intrusions before they happen, deploy countermeasures in milliseconds — and then learn from those actions to improve for next time.• "If we get that right, frankly we can ensure that the balance tips to the defenders," Easterly says.

yesterday, 17:00

‘Unforeseen factors rising’: Xi sounds alarm – key challenges loom as China sets next five-year plan

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of rising uncertainties as the Communist Party approved its next five-year plan, emphasizing technological innovation and economic restructuring. The blueprint, personally shaped by Xi, aims to strengthen China's domestic market and "real economy" amidst global volatility and domestic headwinds.

yesterday, 16:41

China upgraded missiles using UAE technology, Biden spies said

Intelligence sparked intense debate in Washington about its relationship with Gulf state

yesterday, 16:00

FRANCE 24's Elena Volochine wins top French journalism prize for book on Putin propaganda machine

The Albert Londres book prize, France’s equivalent of the Pulitzer, has been awarded to Elena Volochine for "Propagande : l’arme de guerre de Vladimir Poutine" (Propaganda: Vladimir Putin's weapon of war). Volochine is FRANCE 24's Moscow bureau chief.

yesterday, 15:38

Many Gazans still unable to return home despite ceasefire

His house in Gaza was destroyed by the war, but Hani Abu Omar still dreams of returning now that a ceasefire has taken hold. However, like thousands of others, the 42-year-old Palestinian remains stuck in a tent with his family because it is too dangerous to go home. Abu Omar's house lies beyond the "Yellow Line" – the boundary behind which Israeli troops have pulled back under the October 10 truce.

yesterday, 15:20

‘What the US really wants is regime change’: US military build-up in the Caribbean

The Pentagon on Friday ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to counter drug-trafficking organisations in Latin America, marking a major escalation in a US military build-up that Venezuela’s leader warned was aimed at “fabricating a war”. Citing expert opinion, FRANCE 24’s Philip Turle said “what the US really wants is regime change,” adding that the key question now is whether Washington would launch attacks on Venezuelan soil.

6 sources

yesterday, 15:08

'Every reason' to expect attacks inside Venezuela, expert warns as US escalates operations

The Pentagon has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to counter what it claims are drug-trafficking organisations in Latin America, escalating a military build-up that has fuelled fears of conflict. Earlier, the US targeted boats in international waters, killing those on board. Cynthia J. Arnson, Director of the Latin American Programme at the Wilson Centre, said there is “very little evidence” the vessels were involved in drug trafficking, calling the legality of the strikes questionable. She added that the operation appears to be “far beyond a counter–drug-trafficking operation” and warned: “There is, I think, every reason to believe or expect that there will be attacks inside Venezuelan territory aimed at deposing the current dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro.”

yesterday, 13:53

Maduro accuses Trump of ‘fabricating war’ as US deploys largest warship

The US is deploying the world’s largest aircraft carrier to Latin America to curb drug trafficking.

yesterday, 13:25

Pentagon sends US carrier to Latin America amid fears of war

The Pentagon on Friday ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to counter drug-trafficking organizations in Latin America, a major escalation of a US military buildup that Venezuela's leader warned was steered at "fabricating a war."

yesterday, 09:13

Early voting begins in NYC mayor’s race with Mamdani ahead in polls

Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has energised liberal voters and has strongly condemned Israel's war on Gaza.

yesterday, 14:28

El-Fasher: Siege, starvation and a media blackout

As el-Fasher is starved, Sudanese journalists struggle to report a war buried by blackouts and global neglect.

yesterday, 14:07

Secretary of State Rubio calls for international force to protect Gaza ceasefire

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is calling for an international force to ensure the ceasefire in Gaza holds. Rubio is the latest high-ranking U.S. official to visit the region in the hopes of persuading Hamas and Israel to uphold the agreement.

yesterday, 13:38

U.S. increases military presence near South America amid strikes on alleged drug boats

The Trump administration announced Friday it will send an aircraft carrier strike group to the waters off South America, escalating efforts to target what it says are drug traffickers in the region.

yesterday, 13:34

At least 4 killed in Ukraine after Russian missile and drone attacks

Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine overnight into Saturday killed at least four people and wounded 20, officials said.

yesterday, 13:03

Trump's shutdown funding workarounds are on shaky legal ground

The ways President Trump is moving money around to pay certain federal workers during the government shutdown may be illegal, experts tell Axios. Why it matters: Lawyers and former government officials warn that Trump's moves set a dangerous precedent and eat away at Congress' core power. • He's eliminated a major pressure point to negotiate an end to the shutdown. The big picture: Federal employees don't get paid during a government shutdown, but the White House has redirected funds to ensure that some workers — mainly the military and law enforcement — keep getting their paychecks. • Spending money, in ways Congress didn't authorize, is likely illegal, lawyers and policy experts say. Catch up quick: The administration paid the troops by diverting $8 billion in funds allocated for military research and development. There is no apparent precedent for pulling this type of maneuver in a shutdown. • In a five-page memo first reported by Axios the Office of Management and Budget argued that presidents can do this in emergencies where national security is at risk, pointing to George Washington in the 1794 Whisky Rebellion and Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War, among others.• The White House is also paying a select group of federal workers — mainly those in law enforcement, including deportation officers, air marshals and certain FBI workers — WaPost recently reported. It's unclear where those funds are coming from. What they're saying: "What President Trump did is perfectly legal and constitutional," Mark Paoletta, OMB's general counsel, said in a post on X. • The White House also pulled off a different workaround to fund a food aid program threatened by the shutdown. • That likely was legal, experts told Axios, because it relied on transfer authority that's written in the law.• The administration isn't finding funds for everything — the Agriculture Department says it can't use contingency funds to pay for food stamps, according to a memo first obtained by Axios. How it works: But those authorities don't allow for shifting R&D funds to pay the troops, says Jessica Riedl, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank. • Shifting funds across fiscal years, as Trump did, is also not allowed, she says. Zoom in: The Anti-Deficiency Act, a law first passed in the 19th Century, holds that agencies can't spend more than Congress authorizes — or use funds for something other than what they've been allocated for. • The troop-paying strategy "undermines the whole concept of the power of Congress to appropriate money," says Thomas Kahn, a professor at American University who worked for the House Budget Committee for decades. That power is a fundamental precept of Article 1 of the Constitution, he says.• "It's moving into very treacherous territory." Yes, but: The anti-deficiency law is mostly meant to keep some rogue agency official from spending money inappropriately. • What the administration is doing now is likely not something that the law's crafters would've anticipated, says Riedl. • It's not clear how the law would even be enforced. "I don't have a good answer. I'm not sure anyone does." Between the lines: "The administration unilaterally repurposing Congressionally appropriated funds is illegal, plain and simple," says Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. • "The question is who will stop the administration? Checks and balances are not self-executing," says Boccia, who has also worked at the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation. The intrigue: Congressional Democrats have said Trump's creative accounting was illegal — but that they're fine with it. • "Yes it's chaotic and yes it's illegal, but ... you don't want to see anyone get hurt. Speaking personally, yes, they should find a way to pay folks," Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) told Axios. The bottom line: What is legal and what will be allowed are two different questions.

yesterday, 12:55

Russian attacks on Ukraine kill 4 as Kyiv’s allies renew pressure on Moscow

Air raids hit Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk region as Ukraine's allies expand sanctions on Russia.

yesterday, 11:40

3 Chinese citizens arrested for attempting to illegally buy uranium

The suspects planned to transport the nuclear material to China through Russia, the security service said in a statement.

yesterday, 11:38

New radar and missile tech have 'flattened the earth,' making even low-flying jets easy targets, Royal Air Force officer warns

The long-standing assumption that low-flying jets would not be detected is now "obsolete," Air Vice-Marshal James Beck said.

yesterday, 11:27

Sudan’s army battles RSF advances in el-Fasher, Bara as civil war rages

The escalation in fighting comes amid deepening concerns about the vast humanitarian toll of the conflict.

yesterday, 11:08

Luxury vacationing: Freed Gaza prisoners stay at 5-star Cairo hotel; raise safety concerns

Terrorists released under a Gaza peace deal are staying at a Cairo hotel, mingling with tourists. These individuals, including senior Hamas operatives and an ISIS member, were freed to secure hostage releases. Despite their backgrounds, they are utilizing hotel amenities while awaiting potential relocation.

yesterday, 10:50

We survived the war, we may not survive the ceasefire

There may be a ceasefire in place, but Israel still kills Palestinians in Gaza every day.

yesterday, 10:36

EU Chief Considering All Options Over China Rare-Earth Threat

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Brussels is considering all options to react to China’s rare-earth threat.

yesterday, 10:02

Gaza returnee places family tent over unexploded Israeli bomb

Remotely operated explosive robots were deployed by Israel across Gaza, causing many deaths, widespread destruction.

yesterday, 09:22

US and China start trade talks ahead of high-stakes Trump-Xi summit

Treasury secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese vice-premier He Lifeng aim to ease tensions over tariffs

yesterday, 08:57

Rubio’s “crusade” against UNRWA shows US bias on Gaza aid

Analyst Mouin Rabbani says the US Secretary of State's UNRWA rejection shows Washington’s partisan Gaza stance.

yesterday, 07:28

‘They killed his childhood’: West Bank family mourn child killed by Israel

Nine-year-old Muhammad al-Hallaq was killed by Israeli forces on October 16, leaving his family shattered by the loss.

yesterday, 07:06

LIVE: UN says 1.5M in Gaza need aid, Israel blocks borders despite ceasefir

Israeli strikes killed at least two in Gaza yesterday despite ceasefire, aid flows remain far below needed levels.

yesterday, 06:01

Gaza children dying as they wait for Israel to enable evacuations

Around 15,000 Gazans are waiting for urgent medical treatment, according to the UN.

yesterday, 05:03

German Firms Hand Over Secrets That China Could Use for Leverage

As German firms wrestle with new Chinese controls on rare earths, they are handing Beijing sensitive supply chain information it could potentially use to squeeze manufacturers or shut down production lines in Europe’s biggest economy.

yesterday, 05:00

China Vows to Keep Financial Markets Stable, Deepen Yuan Reform

China’s central bank pledged to keep the country’s stock, bond and foreign-exchange markets stable, and said it will further promote the internationalization of the yuan to expand its use in cross-border payments.

yesterday, 04:41

Middle-East conflict: Palestinian factions approve ‘technocratic government’ for Gaza; Rubio says no Hamas, no plan B

Hamas announced a technocratic committee will govern postwar Gaza, citing "clear guarantees" of an end to hostilities. This move follows a Cairo meeting where Palestinian factions agreed to the handover, pending US approval. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rubio stated Hamas cannot be involved in future Gaza governance, emphasizing the importance of Trump's peace plan.

yesterday, 04:25

Turkey likely to be excluded from Gaza stabilisation force after Israeli objection

Doubts over whether Ankara will be part of 5,000-strong force to be deployed to prevent postwar power vacuum Turkey will probably be excluded from the 5,000-strong stabilisation force that is to be set up inside Gaza after Israel made clear it did not want Turkish troops taking part. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said it was a requirement that Israel is comfortable with the nationality of the multinational force, set up to prevent a security vacuum when the massive task of reconstruction in Gaza starts. Turkey has said it is willing to offer troops, but Israel has let it be known that it disapproves of Turkish troops taking part in the force. Continue reading...

yesterday, 04:00

'US diplomats and troops to monitor Gaza truce': Marco Rubio

yesterday, 02:06

10/24: CBS Evening News

U.S. sending aircraft carrier strike group to Latin America; Students throw surprise wedding for their beloved principal.

yesterday, 01:56

Russia-backed arson attack ringleaders handed hefty jail sentences in UK

UK prosecutors said defendants planned a 'sustained campaign of terrorism and sabotage' backed by Russia's Wagner Group.

yesterday, 01:53

As Southeast Asia welcomes Trump, it battles headwinds unleashed by him

Southeast Asia and its 'China Plus One' supply chain are feeling the fallout from the US trade war.

yesterday, 01:52

Are rocks alive? The truth about the egg-laying rocks of China’s Guizhou province

In China's Guizhou province, smooth oval stones emerge from cliff faces, a geological phenomenon locals call "egg stones." Scientifically known as concretions, these form over millions of years as minerals cement within softer rock, eventually being exposed by erosion. This natural process, occurring every few decades, has inspired generations of folklore and continues to draw tourists.

yesterday, 01:30

China Baijiu Makers Try to Woo Sober Gen Z With Milder Liquor

China’s struggling liquor distillers are pivoting to milder versions of the nation’s fiery baijiu in hopes of appealing to a younger generation of lighter drinkers.

yesterday,

Updated at: 18:37