World news, briefly.
Updated daily at 7 AM Japan time
France’s 10-year government bond yield surpassed 5% on October 21, 2026, its highest level since July 2002, as concerns over political instability and public finances increased pressure on the economy through higher borrowing costs.
lemonde.fr (English) ↗＋ SaveJapan recorded a 536.6 billion yen trade deficit in September, its fifth consecutive monthly deficit, as oil imports increased amid conflict in the Middle East. The central bank has been gradually raising interest rates partly to support the yen.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveRussian aerial attacks struck 12 regions of Ukraine overnight, killing at least two people and wounding 34, including five children, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia said it had downed 808 drones over Russian cities.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveBrazil’s Supreme Court suspended a permit for a major gold mine in the Amazon. The decision concerns Indigenous consultation rights and environmental impacts affecting downstream communities.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveGoogle was ordered to stop work at two sites in Finland after an estimated 250,000 trees were cleared for a data centre. Residents said brown water from the site was entering a stream that feeds the Oulujoki River.
theguardian.com (English) ↗＋ SaveDemocratic Party leaders filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration from taking control of state election administration or intimidating state and local officials. The suit follows Justice Department action in California over mail ballots cast by people identified as likely noncitizens.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveThe full route for the 2027 Tour de France was announced in Paris, including street-by-street details of the six stages that will take place in the United Kingdom.
bbc.co.uk (English) ↗＋ SaveA podcast examines whether Sanae Takaichi can remain in power during her second year as Japan’s prime minister after surviving a party crisis and winning an election, while facing relations with the United States and tensions with China over Taiwan.
theguardian.com (English) ↗＋ Save