Let’s have a look at some of the stories making world headlines today.
Trump makes frenetic election push in states that highlight his Covid denial
President Donald Trump’s final sprint to shore up states he won four years ago led him Tuesday into the epicenter of America’s quickening viral surge in Wisconsin, as the state’s record single day spikes in Covid-19 cases and deaths crystalized his administration’s failures that could end his political career.
Antarctic fossil could have been the biggest flying bird ever, study finds
In the 1980s, paleontologists at the University of California Riverside visited Seymour Island, part of an island chain in the Antarctic Peninsula. They brought home a number of fossils — including the foot bone and partial jaw bone of two prehistoric birds.
Why deaths aren’t rising as fast in Covid-19’s second wave, despite big spikes in new infections
Europe is drowning in the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic. Infection rates are skyrocketing across the continent. Governments are imposing strict lockdowns. Economies are shutting down again. But there is a glimmer of hope: The virus, while still deadly, appears to be killing fewer people on average.
New York Times: Tax records show Trump had over $270 million in debt forgiven after failing to repay lenders
President Donald Trump has had more than $270 million in debt forgiven since 2010 after he failed to repay his lenders for a Chicago skyscraper development, The New York Times reported Tuesday.
Opposition in Zanzibar says candidate detained, people shot ahead of vote
An opposition presidential candidate in Zanzibar detained as he tried to vote early on Tuesday has been released, after nine people were shot dead by security forces ahead of Wednesday’s elections, according to his party.
CEOs of Facebook, Twitter and Google set to be grilled in Senate hearing
On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce Committee will question the CEOs of Facebook, Google and Twitter amid cries of conservative bias and threats to change a crucial law, known as Section 230, that protects the companies’ ability to moderate content as they see fit.
Obama slams Trump over coronavirus: ‘He’s jealous of Covid’s media coverage’
Former President Barack Obama on Tuesday harshly criticized President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and faulted him for turning the White House into a “hot zone.”
Mercedes-Benz is taking a big stake in Aston Martin
Mercedes-Benz is taking a big stake in struggling British carmaker Aston Martin.
Billionaire Bill Gross accused of blaring ‘Gilligan’s Island’ theme song on loop at his neighbor
Bond billionaire Bill Gross is involved in a legal battle with his tech entrepreneur neighbor over a $1 million sculpture and allegations that Gross blasted the “Gilligan’s Island” theme song on a loop from his house.
London Heathrow loses its crown to Paris as passenger numbers plummet
London Heathrow has lost the title of Europe’s busiest airport to Charles de Gaulle in Paris and is downgrading its forecasts for passenger numbers this year and next as the outlook for aviation deteriorates further.
US election 2020 latest: Record-breaking early voting tops 70 million – BBC News
“An astronaut, a pastor and an American football coach walk into the US Senate” sounds like the beginning of a joke, but that is what could happen when the winners of the 2020 general election take their seats in Congress.
Trump and Africa: How Ethiopia was ‘betrayed’ over Nile dam
For critics of US President Donald Trump, escalating tensions between two long-standing American allies, Egypt and Ethiopia, over a mega dam on a tributary of the River Nile marks the biggest diplomatic failure of his administration in Africa.
Tanzania elections: Internet restricted as John Magufuli faces Tundu Lissu challenge
Tanzanians have reported sites, including WhatsApp and Twitter, are being restricted as millions of people vote in the general election. There have also been reports of violence and that police arrested an opposition leader in the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar. Voters have until 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) to cast their ballots.
Barcelona president Bartomeu resigns
Bartomeu, who became president in 2014, was set to receive a vote of no confidence with fans attempting to remove him. He fell out with forward Messi after the Argentina striker handed in a transfer request in August . His resignation comes three days after Barca’s 3-1 home defeat to Real Madrid .
Apple is building its own version of Google Search, report says
Apple might be working on an alternative to Google Search. This is according to a report by the Financial Times , which claims Apple has begun to show its own search results in iOS 14. This might mean that Apple is ramping up efforts to replace Google Search on its devices.
Netflix is developing a live-action ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series with Ubisoft
Sharpen your hidden blades and pull up your hoods: Ubisoft and Netflix announced that a live-action Assassin’s Creed series is officially in development. The TV show does not currently have a title or a showrunner, but Ubisoft Film & Television head Jason Altman and director Danielle Kreinik will executive produce the project.
Trump easily skirts Facebook’s flimsy election week political ads ban
Donald Trump has never met a Facebook rule he couldn’t bend, break, or ignore to his advantage. The social media giant’s ostensible attempt to prevent new political ads from running the week prior to the U.S. presidential election appears to be no exception.
Kim Kardashian’s tasteless birthday photos instantly became a copypasta meme
While millions of Americans are unemployed and draining their savings in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Kim Kardashian West jetted to a private island for her 40th birthday celebration. In a Twitter thread, Kardashian West explained what safety precautions she and her guests took – as well as all the fun, exciting activities people who aren’t worrying about next month’s rent can do.
SpaceX releases Starlink app, prices for satellite internet service
Elon Musk’s high-speed satellite internet experiment is finally taking off. The Starlink satellites from SpaceX will start to connect users to WiFi this week. CNBC reported Tuesday that SpaceX emails about pricing for early users went out Monday . According to the documents CNBC viewed, Starlink service will be $99 per month.
