US midterms: Ecstatic scenes and historic firsts so far

Keisha Lance Bottoms has won election as governor, making her the first Black woman elected to a governor's office in U.S. history. The result is a landmark in American politics and a significant breakthrough for Black women in executive leadership.

Markets reacted to Democrats’ midterm election victory with the dollar falling while gold and US Treasury bonds rallied. Investors are assessing how the political outcome could affect fiscal policy, inflation and interest rates. The moves matter because they signal shifts in global risk sentiment and demand for safe-haven assets.

A BBC investigation reports that a US contractor allegedly provided intelligence to Ethiopian forces to help target and kill Tigray fighters during the conflict. The allegation raises serious questions about American involvement and accountability in a war marked by widespread atrocities.

North Korea launched multiple missiles while denying US allegations that it was involved in the Binance hack. The missile firings raise regional security tensions, while the denial highlights continuing disputes over cybercrime attribution.

A public inquiry into Australia’s AUKUS submarine deal found it is the country’s worst, riskiest, and most costly defence decision ever. The finding challenges the multibillion-dollar nuclear-powered submarine agreement with the UK and US. It matters because it raises serious doubts about the deal’s costs, strategic risks, and rationale amid major defence spending.