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.
Residents in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, are facing rising diseases and limited medical care after cyclone-driven floods and landslides destroyed homes a...
A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Af...
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent....
Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets directed fire control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two incidents near the Okinawa islands, ca...
Indian authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry and promised financial support after a fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Ar...
A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.
Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets directed fire control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two incidents near the Okinawa islands, calling the moves dangerous. China denied the allegation.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defends follow-up strike on suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, denies authorizing the killing of all onboard, and comments on protocols for military operations.
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.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has finalized the group stage for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, setting the schedule and matchups for next summer’s expanded 48-team event.
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.
A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their shared border late on Friday, a reminder of how sensitive the frontier remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its support of the claims by United Arab Emirates on three Iranian islands.
Residents in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, are facing rising diseases and limited medical care after cyclone-driven floods and landslides destroyed homes and infrastructure.
A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets directed fire control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two incidents near the Okinawa islands, calling the moves dangerous. China denied the allegation.
Indian authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry and promised financial support after a fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, killing 25 people.
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