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Dems’ Schumer on midterms: ‘Nauseously optimistic’

United States Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday that he is “nauseously optimistic” about the Democratic Party’s chances at the 2026 midterm elections. The polls officially opened today, with times differing depending on the state.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in New York, Schumer mentioned that he anticipates the Democrats will take control of the Senate once again. If they were to get the majority in the House of Representatives as well, it will be “up to” US President Donald Trump to decide whether he wants to work with them or not.

“The American people want us to do things that make their lives better. Trump has refused to listen to them. He’s even, at time to time, sort of dissed those costs, those kinds of things that people are caring about of costs and things like that. Will he change? I don’t think I don’t know. But we’re going to fight Trump tooth and nail and focus on the issues no matter what he does,” the Senate minority leader remarked.

Russian Bombing Kills 26 People At Ukraine Aid Centre, Kyiv Says

At least 26 people were killed after Russian bombs hit an aid distribution centre, in an attack that Ukraine’s leader has called ‘utterly horrific’.

Five people were injured and 27 initially reported missing after at least nine 3,000kg aerial bombs hit the village of Komyshuvakha in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, regional head Mykhailo Semikin said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that after the first strike on the local school ‘used for humanitarian needs’, there was a second attack on the place where people were sheltering.

He posted a video showing a huge crater left after Monday’s attack, and rescuer teams searching through the rubble.

The Russian military has not publicly commented.

Zelensky initially put the death toll at 18, but Ukraine’s state emergencies service DSNS later said 24 people, including two rescuers and four police officers, were confirmed to have been killed.

In his video address late on Monday, Zelensky said 26 people were now known to have died.

He earlier said that ‘the Russians could not have been unaware that the local residents who remained in Komyshuvakha received humanitarian aid there every week’ on Monday.

‘This is yet another proof that Russia does not want any de-escalation.’

He said that after a recent successful joint Russian-Ukrainian operation to evacuate civilians from the Russia-occupied southern city of Oleshky during a temporary ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, ‘there was a moment when the next steps could show that peace is possible’.

‘With such killings, Russia is sending the exact opposite signal – Russia is counting on further killings,’ Zelensky said.

A day of mourning has been declared for Tuesday across the entire Zaporizhzhia region.

Weatherman forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms in several regions in November

Dar es Salaam. Several parts of Tanzania are expected to experience periods of rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas of the Lake Victoria Basin and western regions, while the northern coastal areas are forecast to receive rain mainly during the first five days of November.

In its 10-day weather forecast covering November 1 to 10, 2026, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) said the Lake Victoria Basin regions of Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Mwanza, Simiyu and Mara were likely to experience periods of rain and thunderstorms in some areas.

The authority also forecast periods of rainfall in a few areas of the North-eastern Highlands, covering Arusha, Manyara and Kilimanjaro, particularly during the first five days.

In the northern coastal areas, including Tanga, northern parts of Morogoro, Coast and Dar es Salaam regions, as well as Unguja and Pemba islands, periods of rainfall were expected in some areas, mainly during the first five days.

In western Tanzania, Kigoma, Katavi and Tabora regions were also forecast to receive periods of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas.

The forecast indicated that light rainfall was expected in a few areas of the Central Zone, covering Dodoma and Singida, particularly during the first five days.

Similarly, a few areas of the southwestern highlands, comprising Rukwa, Songwe, Mbeya, Njombe and Iringa, were expected to experience periods of rainfall, especially during the first five days.

In the southern coastal areas of Mtwara and Lindi, light rainfall was forecast in a few areas.

Similar conditions were expected in the Southern Zone, covering Ruvuma Region and southern parts of Morogoro.

Factors influencing rainfall patterns

TMA attributed the expected rainfall patterns to changes in wind systems and atmospheric pressure over different parts of the world.

It said high-pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere, including the Azores and Siberian systems, were expected to continue strengthening, while those in the Southern Hemisphere, namely St Helena and Mascarene, were forecast to weaken.

These changes were expected to keep the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a seasonal rain-bearing belt, positioned further south, influencing rainfall over the Lake Victoria Basin, western Tanzania and parts of the Central Zone and south-western highlands.

The authority also said sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean, near the East African coast, were expected to remain above average compared with those in the eastern Indian Ocean, near the Indonesian coast.

This temperature difference was expected to strengthen the flow of moist winds from the ocean towards the coastal belt and north-eastern highlands, creating conditions favourable for rainfall in those areas.

Greek Deputy FM draws parallels between Ukraine and Cyprus in LSE lecture

Greece wants Turkey as a partner but will not accept attempts to dominate the Eastern Mediterranean or undermine the sovereign rights of neighbouring countries, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou said during a discussion at the London School of Economics (LSE). Drawing parallels between what is happening in Ukraine and Cyprus she also noted that Greece would never accept territorial changes resulting from military aggression

Speaking at an event jointly organised by the LSE European Institute and the Hellenic Observatory, Papadopoulou stressed that Greece remains committed to dialogue with Turkey but insisted that international law must form the basis for resolving disputes.

We want Turkey as a partner, but nobody in the region wants Turkey or anybody else as a master, she said, warning that attempts by any country to dominate the region would be ‘a recipe for disaster.’

Referring to the controversial maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya, Papadopoulou strongly criticised the memorandum for disregarding Greece’s maritime rights, particularly those of Crete.

We are not talking about a rock in the Aegean or a small island. We are talking about Crete, a big island, she said, arguing that the agreement effectively treats Greece as though it does not exist.

She stressed that the memorandum violates international law and is incompatible with the European Union’s position, warning that such actions undermine efforts to improve relations between Athens and Ankara.

Papadopoulou also drew a direct parallel between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Turkey’s military invasion and occupation of part of Cyprus in 1974, describing the Cypriot experience as a defining factor in Greece’s foreign policy.

‘Nobody in Europe knows the results and the impact of military invasion and occupation better than Greece. We had the Cyprus traumatic experience,’ she said.

She stressed that Greece would never accept territorial changes resulting from military aggression, describing this principle as an ‘absolute red line’ for Athens.

According to Papadopoulou, Greece’s support for Ukraine was not simply a political choice but an obligation rooted in its commitment to international law and its historical experience of the Cyprus issue.

Game industry act faces major revisions

The draft amendment of the Game Industry Promotion Act is back to square one as it faces major revisions, raising concerns over further delays to the law’s implementation.

Kittipong Prucksa-aroon, president of the Thailand Game Software Industry Association, said the original draft, prepared by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency under the previous government, had already completed two rounds of public hearings before being substantially revised by current Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob.

The latest changes cover several key provisions, including the scope of the proposed legislation and the composition of committees responsible for overseeing and promoting the industry.

The extent of the revisions means the bill will have to restart much of its drafting and legislative process.

One significant change is the proposed expansion of the legislation beyond electronic games to cover other forms of gaming, including board games, card games and e-sports, which are now being considered for inclusion.

The association has also raised concerns over the governance structure proposed in the original draft, particularly the dominance of government representatives on the main committee responsible for promoting the gaming industry.

Under the original proposal, the Gaming Industry Promotion Committee would comprise 27 members, including 20 government representatives and seven private sector representatives.

This would give the public sector a two-thirds majority, leaving the industry with only one-third of the seats.

Mr Kittipong said the association believes the arrangement would undermine meaningful private sector participation in policy formulation and industry development.

It has therefore proposed a more balanced structure, with equal representation between the public and private sectors, representing a 50:50 ratio.

The association has also suggested streamlining the committee structure.

The original draft envisaged at least four committees, including the main Gaming Industry Promotion Committee, as well as sub-committees overseeing the industry development fund, regulatory matters and registration and control.

Under the association’s proposal, the additional sub-committees should be dissolved, with only the fund committee retained alongside the main committee.

Another major issue is the proposed establishment of a dedicated fund to support the development of Thailand’s gaming industry.

Mr Kittipong said incorporating a fund into the legislation would require additional scrutiny and consideration by the Ministry of Finance, adding another layer of complexity to the legislative process.

The fund mechanism would therefore make the bill more complicated than a conventional industry promotion law, potentially extending the time required for government review and approval.

Even if the drafting and revision process can be completed soon, the bill would still need to undergo another round of public hearings before being submitted to the relevant ministries and subsequently forwarded to the cabinet for consideration.

It would then have to proceed through the parliamentary legislative process before becoming law.

Given these procedural requirements, the association estimates that enactment could take at least another two years.

The prolonged process risks delaying the establishment of a clear regulatory and promotional framework for Thailand’s gaming industry, at a time when the sector is seeking greater institutional support, stronger policy coordination and a more conducive environment for business development and investment.

DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said Thailand’s digital content market commands an overall value exceeding 50 billion baht, with the gaming sector accounting for 37 billion baht, with significant room for further expansion.

The ministry is advancing the Game Industry Promotion Act to establish systemic mechanisms that support the industry across its entire value chain, he added.

Francis Duru To Be Buried In Imo State Dec. 11

The family of late Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, has announced December 11, 2026, as the date for his burial in Imo State, Nigeria.

The arrangements were announced in a statement shared on the actor’s Instagram page on Monday and jointly signed by his sister, Anthonia Chenyi, and first son, Ebuka Duru.

According to the family, a service of songs will be held in the actor’s honour on November 25 at the Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja, at 5:00 p.m.

Another service of songs will take place on December 10 at the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru’s family compound at Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.

The funeral and interment will follow on December 11 at the same family compound, where the actor will be laid to rest.

The family has invited the public to join them in paying their last respects to the actor.

Francis Duru, 59, died on October 22, 2026, after battling an undisclosed illness.

Chinese soup dish malatang proves a hit in Japan

The Chinese soup dish malatang is gaining popularity in Japan, with specialty restaurants expanding beyond major metropolitan cities and spin-off products such as a malatang-themed game being offered.

A total of 273 new malatang specialty restaurants opened between January and June 2026, surpassing last year’s figure, according to data provider Review Inc. Among those benefiting from the growing popularity of the dish is malatang specialty chain Cheepao Malatang, where a basic set consists of soup and glass noodles, with customers able to choose their favourite toppings from more than 50 varieties including vegetables, mushrooms and processed fish cakes. The chain, which operates nearly 80 outlets across Japan, is known for its original glass noodles, developed to complement its Chinese medicinal soup and create its signature flavour. At a store in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward in mid-October, families and groups of women crowded the restaurant. “I eat (malatang) two or three times a month. One of the enjoyable things is being able to choose the toppings myself,” said a woman in her 30s who was there with a friend. “The number of stores has been increasing, and when a new outlet opens, lines of more than 100 people sometimes form,” said an official at the store operator Dining Innovation Ltd. Demonstrating the popularity of malatang, a cup-noodle-style malatang product released by Ishokudogen.com Co in 2024 has sold over 23 million portions. Developed by a worker from China, the product called Chukabo Malatang features a peppery, spicy flavour and gluten-free noodles made from sweet potato starch. The company entered the restaurant business in February, opening a store in Tokyo. It now operates three outlets. “We hope to promote malatang culture by gathering feedback from customers through our restaurants,” said Mika Oyama, a company official. The dish’s popularity has spread to other products as well. Nihondo Co, a Chinese medicine company, launched a malatang-inspired addition to its soup porridge series, priced at 529 yen (113 baht). The product combines a spicy malatang-based soup with the sweetness of black and red beans. Pizza Hut Japan, a delivery pizza chain, began offering three varieties of malatang pizza developed under the supervision of Cheepao Malatang in October as a limited-time dish. The pizzas feature classic malatang ingredients such as glass noodles and wood ear mushrooms with cheese on pizza dough, finished with a mala oil containing Sichuan peppers. Meanwhile, Boku to Watashi and Inc, the operator of Japanese dashi-based malatang specialty restaurant Ten Ten Mala Tan, has launched an official free browser game. The game features a fish egg dumpling character – one of the most popular malatang toppings – that rolls down a hill and attempts to travel as far as possible. The company said the game has been well received by customers, some of whom play it while waiting in the restaurant and comment on how cute the character is.

Azerbaijan bans entry to 14 Iranian nationals over alleged incitement and hostile statements

Azerbaijan has reportedly declared 14 Iranian citizens persona non grata and banned them from entering the country over statements and public appeals allegedly directed against Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, security and constitutional order.

According to information obtained by local media outlet APA, the decision follows an increase in what the report describes as hostile rhetoric, insulting statements and unlawful calls targeting the Azerbaijani state, its people and leadership by Iranian public figures and media representatives.

The individuals reportedly include members and former members of Iran’s parliament, religious figures, political analysts, academics and media representatives.

The report alleges that some of those concerned have made statements challenging Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, criticised its system of governance and state-religion relations, encouraged religious radicalism and hostility, or called for the forcible removal of the country’s leadership.

According to APA, the following 14 Iranian nationals have been declared persona non grata:

Ehsan Movahhediyan – Political analyst, expert and lecturer at Tehran’s Allameh Tabataba’i University.

Ahmad Farshbafian – Former head of the Centre for Caucasus and Anatolian Studies at the University of Tabriz.

Kamran Ghazanfari – Member of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Alireza Beighi – Former memberof Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly and political commentator.

Abolfazl Zohravand – Member of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Abbas Mogtedayi Khorasgani – Member of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Alireza Salimi – Member of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Huseyn Shariatmadari – Editor-in-chief of Iran’s Kayhan newspaper.

Ayatollah Mohsen Araki – Member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts and Consultative Council.

Ayatollah Muhammad Javad Fazil Lankarani – Religious scholar, member of the Society of Authors and Teachers of the Qom Seminary and head of the Imam-e-Athar Fiqh Centre in Qom.

Abdul Hossein Khosrov Panah – Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution.

Hujjat-ul-Islam Gholamreza Kawashi – Head of public relations at the office of the Friday prayer imam of Tabriz and the office of the Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative in East Azerbaijan Province.

Dariush Safranjejad – Professor and political analyst.

Ahmadreza Mousavi – Actor and television presenter.

The reported restrictions prohibit the individuals from entering Azerbaijani territory.

Luxury travel demand boosts hotels in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia remains a growth pillar for luxury travel amid the ongoing Middle East crisis as more travellers shift to the region, including Thailand, viewing it as a safe haven, according to global hospitality brand Accor.

Maud Bailly, chief executive of Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems at Accor, said that despite global conflicts and soaring travel expenses, the appetite for luxury travel remains positive around the world.

“Luxury goods may face some challenges, but luxury travel and experiences have not,” said Ms Bailly.

The level of luxury travel is actually increasing, benefiting Southeast Asia because it is seen as a safe haven amid war in the Middle East.

Many travellers who used to visit the Middle East, particularly Dubai, are shifting to destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam, she noted.

The theme of luxury is about being inspirational, and is deeply rooted in local destinations and authenticity, making Thailand a perfect match in this regard, said Ms Bailly.

Luxury hotel performance in the region is expected to grow year-on-year, with Thailand and Vietnam leading the market, she said.

Despite Thailand’s mature market, where Accor brands are already established, there is still potential for luxury property development on lesser-known islands and in emerging destinations, said Ms Bailly.

The company wants to convert existing properties or partner with newly built projects to bring three Accor brands — Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems — to the region.

In Southeast Asia, Accor operates 30 hotels under these three brands, with another 26 in the pipeline. In Thailand, it operates two Sofitel and seven MGallery hotels, with two new properties in Phuket expected to open by the end of this year.

Globally, Accor operates roughly 250 hotels under Sofitel and MGallery, as well as its newest brand Emblems with two properties, and 100 hotels in the pipeline.

During the first half of 2026, Accor’s luxury hotel segment reported revenue per available room (RevPar) growth of 4.5% year-on-year.

In the second quarter, its luxury RevPar excluding the Middle East grew by 9.1%, while for the third quarter it posted an uptick of 10.6%.

This year, Accor expects total year-on-year RevPar growth of 2-2.5%.

As part of its development pipeline, the company plans to offer more facilities and room types suited to multigenerational travel, as luxury accommodation nowadays caters not only to adult couples but also to families, said Ms Bailly.

Sofitel hotels are launching campaigns and promotions targeting families with children. More than 40% of Sofitel hotels worldwide are undergoing renovations to modernise their facilities and elevate brand standards, including properties in Thailand. This has also helped to drive demand for new Sofitel hotels in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, boutique luxury brand MGallery is benefiting not only from leisure tourists but also from small business and meeting groups, a trend that has continued since the pandemic.

The brand has significant growth potential in the region, as each country offers a distinct culture that could help with hotel expansion.

Emblems remains a young brand within Accor, with only two operational properties in the UK and Canada. The brand favours tranquil, iconic destinations, making it well suited to Asia’s extensive range of wellness retreats and sanctuaries, said Ms Bailly.

Bawumia’s Aide Enskinned Zogbeli Lana

The Sunsong Lana has enskinned Abdulai Alhassan as Sunsong Zogbeli Lana.

The newly enskinned chief is one of the aides to the former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Until his engagement at the Office of the former Vice President, the newly enskinned chief was a staff of the Judicial Service of Ghana for a long time.

The ceremony, which took place in Sunsong near Yendi, attracted well-wishers from Accra and other parts of the country.

In a statement following his enskinment, he expressed gratitude to all those who attended the ceremony and promised to use his new traditional position to serve his community.