Edition 83 · Sunday, November 8, 2026
Here's what happened.
Demand from U.S. data centers is contributing to a boom in fossil-fuel pipeline projects, according to a review of federal records compiled by the Environmental Integrity Project. The review identified nearly 200 proposed or ongoing projects spanning 17,000 miles, as the Trump administration rolls back regulations intended to protect people and natural resources.
Overdoses involving stimulants are rising in many parts of the United States, according to recently available CDC data. Experts say stimulant overdoses are harder to recognize and respond to than opioid overdoses, complicating treatment as opioid deaths decline.
Ukrainian commanders allowed New York Times journalists to observe an operation conducted from bunkers and training grounds. The operation helped Ukraine reverse some Russian territorial gains after months of secrecy.
More than 50 people were killed in Yemen in one of the deadliest 24-hour periods since fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed government reignited in August. The strikes have imposed a heavy toll on civilians.
Binance’s CFO is leaving to pursue a new venture shortly after hackers stole $6.3 billion worth of cryptocurrency from Binance users. The departure comes barely more than a week after the hack.
Concerns are being raised about due diligence by the US Commerce Department and Nvidia in vetting Chinese firms approved to handle H200 AI chips. The New York Times reported that New Matrix, one approved firm, has empty offices described as a “hollow gray shell.”
World models are designed to move AI beyond text and into 3D space. They simulate real-world physics to teach robots and autonomous cars how to navigate reality.
NASA announced awards and mission updates to expand Moon Base exploration, science, and infrastructure capabilities. The investments include commercial robotic deliveries, the nuclear-powered PROMISE rover, launch and orbital-transfer services, and surface infrastructure for a sustained lunar presence.
FEMA’s flood maps undercount U.S. flood risk by about 6 million homes, and some maps are two decades old. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage, leaving a potential financial exposure for affected households.
A daily six- to 12-month course of baxdrostat improved patients’ blood pressure, and the benefits unexpectedly persisted for up to two years after they stopped taking it. Some patients were no longer using any hypertension medication, raising the possibility that the drug could reverse a common cause of high blood pressure.
An experimental medicine that lowers lipoprotein(a), a common risk factor for heart attacks, failed to reduce patients’ risk of dying or experiencing cardiovascular events. The unexpected result has challenged doctors’ expectations about whether lowering the marker alone can prevent heart disease.
Twelve midwife-led maternity units in England have closed since 2019, including six since Labour came to power in 2024. Campaigners say the closures restrict women’s ability to choose midwife-led care, hospital care overseen by doctors, or home birth.
Economists are watching unrest in France as a warning sign amid national debt equal to 126% of GDP. The concerns include the effects of a K-shaped economy and tensions between generations, with young people driving the latest protest.
Mortgage rates fell while demand steadied and inventory dipped. The report questions whether the shift reflects a changing market or seasonal patterns.
Democrats’ midterm gains are set to give them significant leverage over President Trump in the next two years. The party is expected to pursue investigations and legislation involving issues including healthcare and tariffs, while not making impeachment its immediate focus.
Hakeem Jeffries is in line to become the first Black speaker of the House after Democrats’ midterm gains. The reserved moderate is viewed by some activists as too timid toward President Trump, while he says he is strongly positioned to get things done.
Democrats made sweeping gains in state legislatures across the country. North Carolina and Arizona offer examples of what those changes could mean for state policy agendas.
Democrats are expected to make workplace and labor issues a prominent part of their agenda in the incoming Congress. Proposed measures include raising the minimum wage, requiring paid sick leave, strengthening collective bargaining rights and addressing the gender wage gap, though the Senate filibuster and presidential veto power could limit legislation. The party is also expected to scrutinize federal labor agencies and pursue some priorities at the state level.
The New York Times examines whether an employer can require a worker to disclose a personal email address. The item also includes advice on leaving a mentee and dealing with new-parent conflict.
Lionel Messi became the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. The Inter Miami forward set the record with his latest scoring title.
Liam Delap scored twice as Nottingham Forest stunned Manchester City 3-1. It was Forest’s first Premier League win at the City Ground this season.
The European Commission’s preliminary findings accuse TikTok of failing to mitigate risks from its personalized recommendation algorithm. The commission advises TikTok to redesign its For You Page or risk fines under the Digital Services Act.
The UK government is seriously considering banning under-16s from Vinted and eBay. The culture secretary confirmed that the platforms could join the list of services set to face restrictions next March.
Path of Exile 2’s 1.0 release is scheduled for December, after earlier delays raised concern it could slip into 2027. The launch will include a full campaign, two new classes and other additions.
Blizzard says World of Warcraft: Forever had the biggest launch in the MMO’s history. The launch drew more concurrent players than any previous WoW release.
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor has laid off an unspecified number of staff. The cuts came a month after the studio brought some furloughed developers back to work.
Texas Democrats are planning to reverse the state’s hard-line immigration policies after a Democratic sweep. The result signals new momentum to curb aggressive ICE tactics as the national debate over immigration shifts.
Voters under 30 supported Democrats decisively in this year’s midterm elections, helping fuel a blue wave. That marks a sharp change from Republican gains among young voters in 2024.
Nintendo has released its remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, widely considered one of the best games ever made. The BBC’s Tom Gerken has published a verdict on whether the remake captures the original’s magic.
Richard Lloyd, the guitarist who formed Television’s distinctive dual-guitar attack with Tom Verlaine, has died at 75. The band helped bring fiery, sophisticated art rock to New York City’s 1970s punk scene.
Paraguay’s former president, Santiago Peña, has been charged after a banking crisis left millions unable to access their money. He was ousted because of the crisis.
Italy’s foreign minister said hackers leaked his personal data online. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed pro-Russian hackers for publishing the information.