US President Joe Biden sparked controversy after referring to former President Donald Trump's supporters as "garbage" during a call with Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino on Tuesday. Biden's comments came in response to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's remarks at Trump's New York rally, where he called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage". The president later clarified his statement on social media, stating that he was actually condemning Hinchcliffe's hateful rhetoric, not Trump's supporters. Biden emphasized his support for the Latino community, slamming Trump's demonization of Latinos as "unconscionable" and "un-American".

A significant fire has broken out at the BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Videos and images on social media showed large flames and thick smoke rising from the site. Two people were taken to the hospital for treatment, but Cumbria Police confirmed there were no fatalities. The incident is ongoing, with emergency services on the scene. Residents near the shipyard have been advised to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. Authorities assured the public that there is no nuclear risk associated with the fire.

Hezbollah has appointed Naim Qassem as its new leader following Hassan Nasrallah's death in an Israeli airstrike on September 27. Qassem, 71, has been a prominent figure in Hezbollah since its founding in 1982 and served as deputy secretary general under Nasrallah. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant responded to the appointment, saying Qassem's tenure may be the shortest in Hezbollah's history "if he follows in the footsteps of his predecessors". Gallant posted on X, "Temporary appointment. Not for long," alongside a photo of Qassem. Qassem's appointment comes amid escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.

Archaeologists have unearthed a massive ancient Maya city, Valeriana, hidden beneath Mexico's Campeche jungle canopy. Using Lidar technology, researchers discovered pyramids, sports fields, causeways, and amphitheaters spanning an area comparable to Edinburgh. Valeriana is deemed the second-densest Maya site after Calakmul, Latin America's largest. The finding was accidental, stemming from online data browsing. Three sites were identified in the survey area. The discovery sheds new light on Maya civilization's urban planning and architecture. Experts hail it as a significant breakthrough in understanding ancient Mesoamerican cultures.

  Flash floods in eastern and southern Spain have claimed multiple lives, with several bodies found in the Valencia region. Torrential rains caused widespread destruction, sweeping cars through streets, derailing a train, and damaging homes. Six people remain missing in Castilla La Mancha, according to regional authorities. In Letur, 30 people were trapped after the river burst its banks. Emergency services are scrambling to rescue those affected. The severe weather has disrupted daily life, with roads and public transportation impacted. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has issued a warning to Hezbollah’s newly appointed leader, Naim Kassem, following a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting the group’s top leaders. Gallant shared a message on X, stating, "The appointment is temporary. The countdown has begun," accompanied by Kassem's photo. Kassem’s appointment follows the assassination of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last month and Hashem Safieddine two weeks later, marking intensified Israeli efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s leadership. Amid ongoing strikes in Lebanon and Gaza, Israel’s actions reflect heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Russia has initiated a nuclear drill following orders from President Vladimir Putin, marking a critical escalation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This is Putin's second nuclear exercise in recent weeks, launched after NATO's intention to support Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles. Putin warned that Russian forces would use nuclear weapons in “extremely exceptional” situations but vowed to keep them ready. NATO criticized Russia’s alignment with North Korea, which is reportedly sending 10,000 troops to support Russian forces. Both NATO and the Kremlin remain vigilant as global tensions intensify over potential nuclear confrontation.

Hamas has expressed openness to discussing a deal to end the Gaza conflict, contingent on Israel's military withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire, according to senior official Sami Abu Zuhri. Speaking on Tuesday, Zuhri emphasized the group’s demand for an end to the Israeli blockade, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Additionally, Hamas seeks an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Qatar is working with the U.S. to mediate the deal, aiming for progress before the U.S. presidential election on November 5. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has committed to continuing operations against Hamas.

The UK government will raise the minimum wage for adults aged 21 and over by 6.7% to £12.21 per hour starting April 2025, providing full-time workers with an annual boost of £1,400. Younger workers will see even larger increases, with pay for 18-20-year-olds rising 16.3% to £10, and apprentices and under-18s receiving an 18% bump to £7.55. Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized that this increase aligns with the government's pledge to create a fair wage structure. However, concerns over national insurance hikes persist, raising questions about business viability and potential impacts on investment.

Hezbollah appointed Sheikh Naim Qassem as its new leader following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. A prominent Hezbollah figure for over 30 years, Qassem addressed the conflict with Israel, emphasizing the group’s resilience despite recent "painful blows." He stated Hezbollah would not initiate a truce, though it supports Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s efforts for a ceasefire without linking it to Gaza. This leadership change occurs amidst heightened tension, as another senior Hezbollah official, Hashem Safieddine, was reportedly targeted in a recent Israeli strike.