A lorry fire carrying hazardous chemicals closed the M5 motorway's southbound lanes in Somerset, UK, between junctions 22 (Burnham-on-Sea) and 23 (Puriton) around 9:35 BST. Drivers have been advised to stay in their vehicles as fire services work to extinguish the flames. National Highways South West reported about four miles of congestion and diversions via the A38 and A39. Northbound lanes have reopened, though delays persist. Mole Valley, the agricultural supplier, confirmed the truck carried milk powder, with a likely wheel or tyre failure causing the blaze. Traffic remains temporarily halted for safety.

Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Group, owner and operator of the cargo ship Dali, agreed to a $100 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department after causing a Baltimore bridge collapse. The collision, which occurred in March, damaged the Francis Scott Key Bridge, blocking the Fort McHenry Channel and disrupting port traffic for months. The Justice Department claimed that poor maintenance led to power loss, causing the ship to hit a bridge support column. Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer emphasized that the settlement will ensure taxpayers aren’t burdened with cleanup costs.

Gursimran Kaur, a 19-year-old Walmart employee, was found by her mother "burned to death" in a walk-in oven at a Halifax, Nova Scotia store on October 19. Her mother, also employed at the store, discovered Kaur after failing to reach her by phone. Other employees initially thought Kaur was assisting a customer. Tragically, her mother found her charred remains a few hours later inside the oven. The incident has raised significant concerns about workplace safety. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Kaur’s family, organized by a local Sikh society to help them during this difficult time.

An Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, has reportedly killed at least 38 Palestinians, according to health officials. The attack targeted a home in the al-Manara neighborhood, with the Palestinian Wafa news agency confirming the incident. Dozens of others were wounded, including children among the deceased. Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene show rescue workers sifting through rubble in search of survivors. This airstrike adds to the ongoing violence in the region, further escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns as efforts continue to assess the full impact of the attack.

Wales will ban the sale of disposable vapes starting June 2025, in coordination with England’s decision, with Scotland and Northern Ireland likely to implement similar measures. Welsh Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies emphasized the environmental and social harm caused by single-use vapes as a priority in the decision. Chris Mcginley, a 35-year-old in Cardiff who had quit cigarettes for years before vaping said "Disposable vapes are such an easy way in for people, I can't get off them". The move underscores a UK-wide effort to address the health risks and environmental waste associated with disposable vapes.

Bruce Springsteen endorsed Kamala Harris at a rally in Clarkston, Georgia, calling Donald Trump a "would-be tyrant." He urged voters to support Harris, emphasizing the need for a president who respects the Constitution and protects democracy. Springsteen highlighted the importance of the rule of law, the peaceful transfer of power, and women's rights, advocating for a middle-class economy that benefits all citizens. The rally drew around 20,000 attendees, making it Harris's largest campaign event to date, surpassing her previous rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, which attracted 17,000 people. The event underscores the Democratic push ahead of the presidential election.

A North Korean balloon carrying trash landed on the South Korean presidential compound in central Seoul on Thursday, marking the second incident of this kind. The balloon burst, releasing bags of rubbish but no hazardous materials were found, according to South Korea's presidential security service. This event occurred amid heightened tensions between North and South Korea, following North Korea's accusations that South Korea sent drones over Pyongyang to distribute propaganda. Since late May, North Korea has been sending balloons filled with waste, part of a psychological campaign reminiscent of Cold War tactics. Security concerns regarding key sites in South Korea are rising.

Georgians recall Russia's past aggression as they prepare for a pivotal election on Saturday, framed by opposition groups as a choice between aligning with Russia or pursuing European integration. The opposition, including four coalitions, aims to end the 12-year rule of the Georgian Dream party, which they accuse of moving closer to Russia. In Gori, a city affected by the 2008 conflict, campaign leader Mindia Goderdzishvili emphasized the memories of Russian occupation, suggesting the government manipulates these memories to maintain power. The opposition seeks to revive Georgia's stalled bid for European Union membership, highlighting the country's complex geopolitical landscape.

Big Brother has edited out an image on a contestant’s T-shirt that was linked to anti-Israel sentiment. Ali Bromley, a contestant on the ITV2 show, wore a T-shirt featuring a watermelon slice in the colors of the Palestinian flag. The Campaign Against Antisemitism highlighted that the watermelon symbol is often associated with anti-Israel messaging. In response, the show issued an apology and edited the episodes to remove the image. Big Brother stated that they aim to ensure no content causes offense and have taken the necessary steps to address the concerns raised.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted at potential tax increases for individuals with shares and assets, stating they do not fall under his definition of "working people." This comes after Labour's manifesto promised not to raise taxes on working people, though the term's exact meaning remains unclear. The discussion grew after ministers did not rule out a national insurance hike on employers, which tax experts say could ultimately affect employees through lower wages. Starmer described a working person as someone who earns a living through regular wages, rather than relying on financial assets or wealth.