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.
At least 188 people have been killed and 1,520 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. The quakes...
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran...
The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extr...
As diplomacy helps ease tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan and Iran are seeking to turn that momentum into closer security cooperation along one of...
NATO has grown from 12 founding members in 1949 to a 32-country alliance spanning Europe and North America. Its combined military strength, defence sp...
The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extreme heat is part of a wider heatwave affecting much of Western Europe, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages.
NATO has grown from 12 founding members in 1949 to a 32-country alliance spanning Europe and North America. Its combined military strength, defence spending and future ambitions underline its position as the world's largest military alliance.
China has urged the United States to end its decades-long sanctions and embargo on Cuba after Washington imposed new restrictive measures on entities and an individual linked to the Cuban government.
India and the U.S. are close to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday after the latest round of negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
Brazil and Mexico secured statement wins at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Vinícius Jr starred in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland, while Mexico beat Czechia to finish top of Group A. South Africa also made history by reaching the knockouts for the first time.
The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extreme heat is part of a wider heatwave affecting much of Western Europe, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages.
At least 188 people have been killed and 1,520 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. The quakes caused widespread destruction around Caracas, collapsing buildings and trapping residents, with fears the toll could rise significantly.
NATO has grown from 12 founding members in 1949 to a 32-country alliance spanning Europe and North America. Its combined military strength, defence spending and future ambitions underline its position as the world's largest military alliance.
China has urged the United States to end its decades-long sanctions and embargo on Cuba after Washington imposed new restrictive measures on entities and an individual linked to the Cuban government.
India and the U.S. are close to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday after the latest round of negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
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