Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories:
1. President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday morning with a focus on preventing the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating regionally and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. He met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and intended to hold discussions with Israel’s war cabinet and meet with first responders and affected families. However, plans to meet with Arab leaders in Jordan were canceled following reports of a deadly explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital, which killed at least 500 people. Israeli authorities have said it was not involved in the explosion as it was caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket.
2. On Tuesday in Beijing, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. They affirmed their dedication to their bilateral relationship, with Hungary’s stance toward Russia indicating potential opposition to the EU’s support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Orban’s efforts to maintain favorable relations with Russia were acknowledged by Putin, despite international tensions. Brussels is considering offering Hungary financial incentives to support Ukraine, which potentially influences its position on the EU’s engagement with Kyiv.
3. According to the International Monetary Fund, South Africa is projected to briefly surpass Nigeria and Egypt as the continent’s largest economy in 2024, with an estimated GDP of $401 billion. However, this projection is anticipated to be temporary, as Nigeria is expected to regain the top spot the following year, with South Africa then dropping to third place behind Egypt by 2026.
4. Lionel Messi set a new record for the most goals in the South American World Cup by scoring both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru. With a total of 31 goals, He has surpassed Luis Suarez’s 29 goals for Uruguay. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised the team’s understanding and support for Messi. Meanwhile, Neymar suffered a potential knee injury during Brazil’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay, causing concerns for his recovery and future gameplay.
5. On Tuesday, a parliamentary dispute arose between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chief Whip Ali Ndume, due to Akpabio’s refusal to correct an error during the senators’ plenary session. The altercation underscored the strained relationship between the two leaders, which had been hinted at earlier. Akpabio dismissed Ndume’s objection, prompting further intervention from other Senators before the matter was addressed. The statement also includes a separate response to allegations made by Senator Abbo, with Akpabio and his media adviser refuting the claims and emphasizing the rule of law in the judicial process.
6. Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2 dismissed the no-case submission filed by Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, ruling that he must enter his defense against charges of domestic violence and homicide. Osinachi Nwachukwu passed away on April 8, 2022, with her husband subsequently arrested and remanded in the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the case’s hearing. The matter was adjourned until November 22 and 23 for the defense to present its case.
7. Chris Brown has announced the release of his upcoming song “Sensational” featuring Davido and Lojay, with the release date set for October 20, 2023. Davido has also expressed his excitement for the collaboration on his social media, emphasizing the positive creative energy they share in the studio. This partnership has led to the creation of over 10 songs, highlighting their strong artistic connection.
