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Brazil has experienced its hottest ever temperature, reaching 44.8C (112.6F), as the country endures a stifling heatwave. The record-breaking temperature was recorded in the town of Araçuaí in the south-eastern state of Minas Gerais. The extreme weather has been attributed to the El Niño phenomenon and climate change. Forecasters predict that some of the heat will ease this week, although three state capitals are still expected to see temperatures approaching 40C. Red alerts have been issued across the country, and Brazil's energy consumption has reached record levels as people try to keep cool. The high temperatures even led to Taylor Swift cancelling one of her concerts in Rio de Janeiro after a fan fell ill and died. The average temperature in Brazil has been above the historical average from July to October, according to official research released recently. Climate change is causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events worldwide, including longer and more intense heatwaves. 
Three people have been killed and nine wounded in an explosion at a Catholic mass in Marawi City, Philippines. The incident took place in a gymnasium at the Mindanao State University (MSU) on Sunday morning. In 2017, the city was the site of a five-month battle between government forces and militants linked to the Islamic State. The university expressed its deep sadness and horror at the violence, stating that violence has no place in a civilized society, especially in an institution of higher learning like MSU. The university has increased security on its campus and suspended all academic activities until further notice.
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has died at the age of 100, prompting tributes from world leaders. However, in Cambodia, Kissinger's legacy is controversial due to his involvement in the secret bombing raids on the country during the Vietnam War. The US dropped over 2 million tons of bombs on Cambodia, causing significant damage and loss of life. Estimates of the number of people killed range from 50,000 to over 150,000. The bombing campaign also contributed to the rise of the Khmer Rouge and the subsequent genocide in Cambodia, with around 1.7 million people dying under their rule. Kissinger defended the bombings, claiming they targeted the Vietnamese army rather than Cambodia itself. However, survivors and experts argue that the bombings caused immense suffering and devastation, leaving an indelible mark on the country.
Elon Musk's profane attack on advertisers boycotting Twitter, now known as X, has raised concerns about the company's survival. Musk, who acquired Twitter for $44 billion last year, recently stated that if advertisers continue to leave and do not return, it could lead to the company's bankruptcy. X heavily relies on advertising revenue, with around 90% of its revenue coming from ads. Musk's fiery interview and public attacks on advertisers have made it less likely for them to return to the platform. Furthermore, retail giant Walmart recently announced that it would no longer advertise on X. Musk acknowledged that subscriptions would not replace advertising revenue and that Twitter's advertising revenue is expected to drop from $4 billion in 2022 to $1.9 billion this year. If X cannot service its loans or afford to pay staff, bankruptcy becomes a possibility. Musk has options, such as investing more of his own money or renegotiating with banks, but bankruptcy could have significant consequences for his business reputation and ability to borrow money in the future. X's potential lies in finding alternative revenue streams, such as its new audio and video calls service and expanding into various areas like online payments. However, these options do not immediately address the loss of advertisers.
A man has died and two others have been injured in a stabbing attack near the Bir-Hakeim metro station in central Paris, close to the Eiffel Tower. The French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, confirmed that the attacker targeted tourists around the Quai de Grenelle. The assailant has been arrested and the injured are receiving treatment from emergency services. According to a police source, the man who died was stabbed. Darmanin revealed that the alleged attacker shouted "Allahu Akbar" and expressed his anger about the situation in Gaza. The suspect was on the French security services watchlist and had previously been convicted for planning other attacks in 2016. He was also known to have psychiatric disorders. The suspect was born in 1997 and was sentenced to four years in prison in 2018. The victim who died was a German national. A police operation is ongoing near the Bir-Hakeim metro station and people have been advised to avoid the area.
The leaders of an anti-bullying motorcycle club in northern France have been arrested on charges of threatening a school headteacher and his deputy. The president of the Black Shadow North WC club and his wife were questioned by police in Auchel, 65km west of Lille. The alleged offences, which they deny, include threatening to bundle the headteacher into the boot of a car. The row arose from reports of violence between pupils. The Black Shadow North WC club is one of several biker clubs that have emerged in France to combat bullying in recent years. Members accuse police and school officials of not doing enough to tackle the problem.
Israel has carried out intense air strikes on the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, with residents describing it as the heaviest bombing of the war. The Israeli military has instructed people in eastern areas of the city to evacuate further south. Israel believes that some Hamas leaders are in Khan Younis, where many civilians have sought shelter after fleeing the north. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reports that at least 193 people have been killed in the latest wave of Israeli attacks. Israel's bombardment of Gaza resumed after a temporary ceasefire collapsed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had hit over 400 Hamas "terror targets" on the first day of the renewed operation. Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed with casualties, and aid agencies warn that the territory needs around 100 lorries of aid per day to sustain its 2.3 million people. Talks for another temporary ceasefire and the release of people kidnapped on 7 October have collapsed. US Vice-President Kamala Harris reiterated the US position that Israel has the right to defend itself, but also stated that the US would not permit the forced relocation of Palestinians or the besiegement of Gaza.
Actor Nigel Harman has been forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing just hours before the quarter-final due to an injury, according to the BBC. Harman was set to perform a Charleston routine with professional partner Katya Jones. It is unclear whether an elimination will still take place this week. The remaining celebrities in the competition are Ellie Leach, Annabel Croft, Layton Williams, and Bobby Brazier. The BBC spokesperson stated that the logistical details of this week's show will be revealed during the live broadcast. Harman had sustained a rib injury, contrary to initial reports of a leg injury. Fans expressed their concern for Harman on social media, with many wishing him a speedy recovery and suggesting that he should receive a free pass into the next week. Harman had previously expressed his excitement and nerves about participating in Strictly Come Dancing.
A powerful earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines has prompted authorities to issue warnings of a potential "destructive tsunami". The quake, which struck on Saturday evening, had a magnitude of 7.6 according to the US Geological Survey, while the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology measured it slightly smaller. People living in coastal areas of Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental have been advised to evacuate to higher ground. Tsunami warnings have also been issued in Japan, with waves of up to one metre high expected to reach the country on Sunday. The American Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has cautioned that waves "one to three metres above tide level are possible along some coasts of the Philippines". So far, there have been no reports of damage or injuries.
Russian police have conducted raids on several gay clubs in Moscow, just a day after the country's Supreme Court moved to outlaw the "LGBT movement". During the raids, club goers were briefly detained and their passports were photographed. The police claimed they were searching for drugs, but city officials have not commented on the matter. Witnesses reported that the police interrupted the parties and foreigners were also present. Images and videos of police vans and officers outside the clubs have circulated on social media. Russia's LGBT community has faced increasing pressure from the authorities in recent years, with laws prohibiting the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" being adopted in 2013 and extended to all age groups last year. The country's constitution was also changed in 2020 to define marriage as between a man and a woman, and same-sex unions are not recognised in Russia.
The Garisenda Tower in the Italian city of Bologna, which leans as much as the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, has been closed off due to fears of collapse. A 5m high barrier is being constructed around the 12th Century tower to contain debris in the event of a collapse. The tower, which tilts at a four-degree angle, has shown shifts in the direction of its tilt. The city council has described the situation as "highly critical". The tower is one of two that dominate the skyline of Bologna, with the other, the Asinelli Tower, also leaning but not as dramatically. The Garisenda Tower is mentioned in Dante's poem The Divine Comedy and was closed in October after inspections revealed deterioration in its base. The restoration work is expected to take several years and the barrier alone will cost €4.3m (£3.7m).
