UN to make 'tough, brutal choices' as it cuts its aid appeal to $23 billion for 2026
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a ...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 17th of November, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Ukraine secures gas imports from Greece, as Zelenskyy meets Greek Prime Minister
Ukraine has secured U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Greece to help cover its winter energy needs from December until March 2026. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made the announcement on Sunday (16 November).
The deal, signed between Greek gas company DEPA and Ukraine’s Naftogaz during Zelenskyy’s visit to Athens, marks a key step in Kyiv’s efforts to stabilise energy supplies after Russian strikes damaged domestic production facilities.
2. China warns citizens against travel to Japan after Takaichi's Taiwan comments
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, citing “significant risks” to their safety and worsening bilateral ties following recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan.
State broadcaster CCTV reported on Monday (November 17) that the advisory comes after Takaichi said in parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan — comments that prompted a strong diplomatic protest from Beijing.
3. Trump urges U.S. House Republicans to vote to release Epstein files
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on congressional Republicans to vote for the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying the party has “nothing to hide.” In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday (November 16), Trump wrote, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide. And it’s time to move on from this Democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics.”
His comments followed House Speaker Mike Johnson’s statement that releasing Justice Department documents could help dispel allegations linking Trump to Epstein’s crimes.
4. More than 70 schools in Australia closed over asbestos fears
More than 70 schools in Australia were shut on Monday (November 17) after asbestos was detected in children’s play sand, prompting nationwide recalls and urgent clean-ups. Tremolite and chrysotile asbestos were found in colourful sand products supplied by Educational Colours, triggering an ACCC recall. Kmart and Target later recalled sandcastle kits and “magic sand” sets.
Dozens of ACT schools and preschools, along with one in Brisbane, closed for assessment and removal of the contaminated products. Authorities said the sand was “widespread across ACT public schools.” Asbestos is banned in Australia and New Zealand due to its links to several cancers. Cleanup efforts are ongoing.
A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a $23 billion aid appeal on Monday (8 December) which is half of last year's request, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding.
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russian drone barrage, leaving several civilians wounded as the conflict approaches the end of its fourth year.
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 November.
Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from external volatility by turning inward, pledging to "keep expanding domestic demand" through a suite of "more proactive" policies.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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