The Sansasyonel - International (English)

Democrats swept key U.S. midterm races Tuesday evening, flipping long-held Republican seats and securing a majority in Congress after voters rebuked Donald Trump’s policies. They defeated incumbent Republican candidates in Senate races in historically conservative Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. Polls showed Democrats leading in competitive races but did not fully predict the scale of the party’s wins. Voters have expressed disapproval of Trump’s performance as president, especially over the cost of living. Trump dismissed concerns that the results were a response to his presidency, saying he would have “won in a landslide” if he had been on the ballot. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/democrats-blue-wave-and-a-bad-night-for-trump-key-us-midterms-takeaways-31647

Abdul El-Sayed has secured victory in Michigan’s highly anticipated U.S. Senate contest, beating Republican candidate Mike Rogers and making history as the first Muslim senator in the nation, according to the report. His win provides Democrats with a clear majority in the Senate following their takeover of the body on Tuesday. El-Sayed announced his triumph early Wednesday at the Detroit headquarters of Michigan Democrats. During his remarks, he expressed gratitude to voters and acknowledged the efforts of a campaign that spanned over a year and a half across cities and towns throughout the state. El-Sayed, who once served as Wayne County’s health director, secured the Democratic nomination this year by defeating Haley Stevens, the candidate favored by party leaders. He advocated for universal healthcare through Medicare for All and pushed for halting U.S. military support to Israel. The piece notes that his opponents largely relied on Islamophobic rhetoric, referencing Trump's accusations that labeled him with extreme political and religious terms. By mid-October, both major parties had invested over $220 million in campaign ads, per AdImpact data. Meanwhile, the pro-Israel group AIPAC, through its United Democracy Project, reportedly spent around $30 million during the primary to block his candidacy. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/progressive-abdul-el-sayed-wins-michigan-senate-race-to-become-first-muslim-us-senator-31724

Democrats dominated the midterm elections, securing control of both the House and Senate, as noted by a group of analysts. Many characterized the outcome as a clear rebuke of President Donald Trump and his political party. They highlighted voter worries over rising living expenses, the conflict in Iran, immigration policies, and issues of corruption. One analyst labeled the result the most significant midterm election outcome in decades, while another referred to it as a political earthquake, though not indicative of a permanent shift in party alignment. The panelists had differing views on the path forward for Democrats. A few suggested the party should prioritize issues like pay, housing, health care, and other matters affecting the working class, while also providing voters with a positive vision beyond simply opposing Trump. Others noted that the election outcomes might be interpreted in various ways by both moderates and progressives regarding the party’s future. One analyst pointed out that Democrats must reconcile these differences and form a more inclusive coalition. Many also emphasized that winning congressional seats this time did not ensure similar results in 2028. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/democrats-need-to-not-blow-it-our-panel-reacts-to-the-historic-midterms-panel-31599

Three capsules from Varda Space Industries are orbiting Earth, roughly 300 miles above the planet. One is growing tiny crystals of a potential cancer drug in microgravity. The other two are testing heat-protection materials and navigation systems for re-entry. Varda launched two capsules on October 1 and a third on October 20, bringing its total in orbit at the same time to a record three. The company aims to build a fleet of orbital pharmaceutical factories. Varda says frequent experiments could help drug development, though the capsules need to demonstrate reliable results repeatedly. On Earth, gravity causes particles suspended in liquids to settle, and differences in density create currents; both can interfere with crystal growth. Removing those effects in microgravity may help crystals grow in a more ordered way, researchers say. This could open new ways to formulate medicines, while other companies are exploring semiconductor crystals grown in space. Cardiff-based Space Forge has demonstrated some processes for making semiconductor seed wafers, but has not yet produced and returned a finished material. Major challenges include proving that the benefits justify the expense, achieving consistent results and adapting regulations. The UK medicines regulator is expected to publish a plan later this year explaining how existing rules will apply to drugs manufactured in orbit. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/why-pharma-firms-are-going-to-earths-orbit-in-search-of-new-cancer-drugs-31629

The second season of “Stick” centers on retired golfer Pryce Cahill, portrayed by Owen Wilson, as he attempts to reignite his career and claim the U.S. Open at age 55. During the first season, Pryce took on the role of mentor to 17-year-old Santiago Wheeler, whose skill positioned him as a top young amateur on the PGA Tour. Now, Santiago is captivated by the wealth and prestige of top-tier golf and ignores Pryce’s counsel to hold off, complete college, and turn pro later. Pryce withdraws from the situation, allowing Santiago’s mother, Elena, and caddie Zero to step in and offer their support. Earlier in the series, it was revealed that Pryce lost his son, Jett, at the age of four—an event that influenced his sense of regret and his bond with Santiago. The review characterizes the show as a heartfelt comedy that also explores themes of loss, father-son dynamics, and opportunities missed. As Pryce embarks on a journey with his friend Mitts, they are joined by Clark, a former golfer turned salesman portrayed by Timothy Olyphant. Rhea Seehorn makes her appearance halfway through the season as Amanda, a golf instructor and Pryce’s ex-lover. “Stick” is streaming on Apple TV. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/stick-review-you-really-need-owen-wilsons-beautiful-golf-comedy-in-your-life-31683

South Africa’s African National Congress is anticipated to experience a decline in support during Wednesday’s local elections, as citizens express significant dissatisfaction with water shortages, electricity blackouts, and deteriorating infrastructure. Surveys indicate the ANC will still be the leading party but may secure less than one-third of the vote, a drop from 45.6 percent in the 2021 municipal polls and 40.2 percent in the 2024 national election. A divided electorate could result in the ANC maintaining leadership roles in several city coalition administrations while ceding control in others. Unstable alliances already manage a large number of the nation’s 257 local government areas. Johannesburg has experienced ten different mayors over the past decade and is currently dealing with water supply issues lasting over seven days. The right-leaning Democratic Alliance leads in opinion polls within Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane, yet hasn't secured more than 40 percent support in any of those areas. According to African news outlets, the African National Congress's central leadership appears willing to collaborate with the DA in Gauteng, although regional ANC officials are said to resist such partnerships. South Africa’s electoral body has one week left to declare final outcomes. Political groups will then have two weeks to establish municipal councils and select mayors, who aren’t chosen directly by voters. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/anc-faces-anger-over-poor-services-as-south-africans-vote-in-local-elections-31552

Strategy bought 811 bitcoin for approximately 65.5 million dollars between October 26 and November 1, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The average price was 80,846 dollars per bitcoin. The company's total holdings now stand at 849,327 bitcoin, acquired for roughly 64.1 billion dollars at an average of 75,451 dollars per coin. Strategy funded the latest purchases through sales of its Class A common stock. It also repurchased nearly 2.1 million preferred shares for around 208.2 million dollars, using its USD Cash reserve. The announcement came after Strategy reported third-quarter net income of 19.5 billion dollars, up from 2.79 billion dollars in the same period last year. A 20.9-billion-dollar gain from the rising value of its bitcoin holdings contributed to the result. Executive Chairman Michael Saylor said the company was at the beginning of the next bitcoin bull market. Strategy also said CFO Andrew Kang will step down on November 5, with COO Reza Virasteh set to take on the role in January. Preferred shareholders approved a change allowing dividends to accrue daily rather than every two weeks; 99.3 percent of votes cast supported the amendment. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/we-found-room-for-even-more-orange-michael-saylors-strategy-scoops-up-another-811-bitcoin-for-655-million-31653

A high-speed train collision in Spain last week left 69 people dead, including four U.S. citizens and one each from Canada, Japan, Argentina, Mexico, Tunisia, and the Czech Republic. Previously confirmed victims included a French citizen, a Portuguese citizen, and 54 Spaniards. Late Sunday, a legal body composed of police and forensic experts announced ten newly confirmed foreign victims. All but three of the victims have now been identified. Reports remain active for three missing people: two Australians and one Japanese citizen. Authorities said the families they contacted wish to travel to Spain for in-person identification, and officials are awaiting their arrival. The accident occurred when a train operated by state-owned Renfe collided with the rear of a stationary Iryo train just outside the village of Urda, about 130 kilometers south of Madrid. An automatic safety system halted trains along a 63-kilometer stretch of track, but a control center authorized the Renfe train to continue while the other train remained stationary. It was Spain’s second high-speed train collision this year. A crash in Andalusia in January killed 46 people, and the latest disaster raised fresh questions about rail safety. It came one month before the November 29 general election, in which Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez will seek to overcome unfavorable polls and extend his eight-year premiership. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/spain-train-crash-us-japan-and-canada-citizens-among-dead-authorities-say-30934

John Lewis’s 2026 Christmas advertisement features Kristin Scott Thomas as a grandmother whose grandchildren dash past her upon arriving, making her extremely angry. When the kids show little enthusiasm for an old wooden wheeled dog named Pickles, she hands each one an envelope containing thirty pounds. Pickles then springs to life, takes her on a journey through various shops, and ultimately brings her back to John Lewis. The ad concludes with Scott Thomas revealing a room adorned with ribbon to the children as their true gift. The article views Pickles as a chatbot-like character, suggesting the advertisement portrays the grandmother as incapable of making a purchase without assistance. It also sees the narrative as an allegory for artificial intelligence, claiming the warning against giving cash limits the children's options. The writer’s take is intentionally grim and satirical, even speculating that Pickles could be an imprisoned human spirit. The piece contrasts this reading with the advert’s simple tale of shopping. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/the-2026-john-lewis-christmas-advert-is-here-and-its-kristin-scott-thomas-v-pickles-the-evil-ai-overlord-puppy-31453

Matteo, a young novice drawn into a secret society based in Prague, becomes entangled with the group. Under the direction of the Master, the organization blackmails influential figures and gathers information to build power. Matteo is sent to infiltrate the Catholic Church, but after seeing his father threaten a defector’s children, he begins to doubt the society. In Bologna, he meets a professor who warns him about the corrupting influence of secret groups and believes the Master is seeking alchemical secrets linked to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf the Second. The film also brings Matteo into contact with Anna, whose father was removed from a church council after trying to warn its members about a double-dealing priest. The review describes the plot as dense but vague, with espionage, counter-espionage and a press whistleblowing storyline. It criticizes the dialogue, acting and contrivances, while noting the film’s brooding visual style and a late burst of energy from its twists. Directed by David Balda, Manipulation opens in UK cinemas on November 6. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/manipulation-review-preposterous-da-vinci-code-esque-thriller-like-being-trapped-in-a-ferrero-rocher-ad-31405

A peacock discovered gazing at its reflection in a bathroom in Brisbane remains at large. Geoff and Delwyn Ballantyne said they came back to their home in Alexandra Hills last week to find the bird facing the mirror. Wildlife rescuers eventually captured it using a towel and released it in nearby bushland. Since then, the bird has been showing up on the property of local resident Suzie Tafolo. She suspected it was Hex, a missing peacock belonging to tattoo artist Elliot Ross. Ross confirmed it was Hex, recognizing him by his unusual plumage. Tafolo placed a full-length mirror in a shed where Hex has been showing up each day. After the peacock showed interest in his reflection on Tuesday, she said she hoped he could soon be reunited with Ross. Ross said Hex had not wandered far before, apart from visiting a neighbor’s property. He guessed the bird might be looking for another female; Ross has a female peacock that stayed behind. Darryl Jones, a Griffith University urban ecologist, said Hex might be lonely, though not necessarily looking for love. He said most birds see their reflection as a rival or threat, but added that Hex knows what a female looks like. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/peacock-found-in-couples-brisbane-bathroom-leads-to-creative-bid-to-reunite-bird-with-tattoo-artist-31366

Denmark’s government is pursuing a national ban on fast-growing “turbo chickens” and wants the breed prohibited across the European Union. The push follows a TV2 documentary alleging that chicken producer Christian Tvergaard broke Danish law by giving chickens only half the required daily period of darkness to encourage them to eat more. Tvergaard admitted to making some wrong decisions and said the lighting programme and several stable workflows had been tightened up. Denmark’s minister for nature and animal welfare, Christian Rabjerg Madsen, said a national ban needs legal and economic investigation. He also said Denmark would work for a ban at EU level. The Ross 308 breed is the most widespread in Danish poultry production. It grows from about 50 grams to two kilograms in 33 days, while other breeds take between 46 and 63 days to reach that weight. Such rapid growth can cause problems with chickens’ bones and organs. Denmark’s proposal has cross-party support, but Danpo chief executive Klement Hinkbøl Ribergaard warned that a ban would need to include imported chickens to be effective, since Danish consumers could otherwise continue to buy fast-growing chicken from abroad. The source reports that 95 percent of chickens in the EU are raised in intensive systems and bred to produce meat as cheaply as possible. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/denmark-pushes-for-eu-ban-on-turbo-chickens-as-secret-footage-causes-outrage-31317

Binance says its initial investigation into Thursday’s hack pointed to a compromised DevOps engineer’s laptop and unauthorized access to a service container. Blockchain investigators estimate that more than six billion dollars in assets were stolen, and several firms have attributed the attack to North Korean hacking groups. Binance has not identified a private-key leak. Co-CEO Richard Teng said the attack was more complex than a compromise of a single employee’s permissions. Investigators say the attacker tested malicious code on three wallets before using a Binance hot wallet on Ethereum and coordinating transfers across multiple blockchains. TRM Labs said the coordinated transfers suggest a breach of the exchange’s broader wallet-signing infrastructure. Elliptic cautioned that links to a separate Bitget incident involved only a small portion of the Binance funds and did not conclusively establish that the same attackers were responsible. Binance said about five billion dollars in assets were affected, with another 1.3 billion dollars being acquired through market and over-the-counter channels to cover losses. The exchange is working to restore withdrawals and is targeting Monday to publish an initial proof-of-reserves report. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/inside-the-largest-crypto-hack-on-record-how-attackers-breached-binance-for-63-billion-31327

Binance has announced the completion of a new proof-of-reserves snapshot, enabling users to independently confirm that balances for ten listed assets are fully backed on a one-to-one basis. These assets include Bitcoin, Ether, Tether, BNB, Solana, USD Coin, XRP, USD1, RLUSD and Zcash. In its most recent recovery update, the exchange reported having covered approximately 95 percent of the assets impacted by the hack from last week using its own financial resources. The remaining five percent consists of less liquid tokens, which Binance is still in the process of obtaining. Binance anticipates starting the gradual resumption of withdrawals for more networks and assets on Tuesday, with plans to conduct another reserves snapshot on Wednesday. Co-CEO Yi He mentioned that creating the complete zero-knowledge proof is expected to require approximately 40 to 50 hours following the completion of the snapshot. Onchain analysts have reported that North Korean hackers took advantage of Binance’s systems and wallet-signing processes to transfer over six billion dollars across various blockchains. DeFiLlama calculates that the exchange's 24-hour net outflows dropped to roughly 3.29 billion dollars, a decrease of over 50 percent from an earlier high of about seven billion dollars. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/binance-completes-latest-proof-of-reserves-as-it-works-to-restore-assets-withdrawals-after-record-hack-31207

Dozens of high schools in France were blockaded again on Monday, as students demanded more substitute teachers and repairs to school buildings. The protests resumed after a two-week holiday, despite President Emmanuel Macron’s appeal to end the blockades, which have been ongoing since September. The education ministry said 41 high schools were blocked, about one percent of the nationwide total of high schools; student unions put the figure at 150. Police tried to remove barricades at some schools and made arrests. University students’ unions are planning additional barricades at faculties on Tuesday. Trade unions have called a large-scale strike for Thursday, with rail workers, teachers and private-sector employees planning to join demonstrations over school conditions, living costs and low salaries. Education Minister Édouard Geffray warned that missed classes put the school year at risk for some final-year pupils preparing for the baccalauréat. He called the blockades illegal and said his priority was getting pupils back to class. Nathanaël Combary, a representative of the school students’ union Renouveau Lycéen, said the government’s proposals to cap some class sizes and review the university applications platform were inadequate, and that protests were the only way for pupils to push for a government response. In Montpellier, a senator accused the government of misconduct and provocation after footage showed a school nurse being forced to the ground, handcuffed and taken into custody. The local prefect defended the arrest, saying the woman had insulted officers and resisted police. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said he would meet school students’ unions again next week. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/french-pupils-resume-school-blockades-as-country-braces-for-more-protests-31255

Clean energy and consumer supporters argue that increasing electricity costs may affect voting patterns in the upcoming midterm elections, as Democrats aim to reclaim control of Congress. Federal data shows the national average price of electricity has climbed roughly 10% over the last two years. A recent Pew survey found that 74% of Americans were very concerned about gas and energy prices. A Hart Research poll found that voters in competitive districts listed utility bills among the three most important issues in the midterms. Advocates say the issue is linked to broader concerns about affordability. In Ohio, Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown has tied Republican opponent Jon Husted to rising electricity costs and the expansion of data centers. Electricity rates in the state have risen 34% since 2022. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed is running against Mike Rogers, whom he has criticized for accepting donations from DTE Energy, a company criticized for rate hikes and frequent outages. In Arizona, advocacy groups say Republican Representative Juan Ciscomani’s vote for the One Big Beautiful Act could raise residents’ utility bills by more than $200 a year, based on an estimate from the Center for American Progress. Advocates also point to state utility commission races as a way to affect energy costs. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/politics-of-electricity-over-rising-bills-could-power-democratic-win-say-clean-energy-advocates-31075

During her time pursuing a science degree, Dr. Kirsten Banks gave astronomy tours at the Sydney Observatory. On one tour, when clouds blocked the view of the sky, the group moved to a 3D theater instead. The conversation turned to black holes. Banks explained how the gravitational pull on someone’s feet would be stronger than on their head if they fell toward a black hole feet first, stretching them out like spaghetti. An eight-year-old asked, “So would the blood be the sauce?” The group giggled, and Banks realized the child’s question made sense within the spaghetti comparison. She says the experience taught her two lessons: explain spaghettification using stars falling toward a black hole, rather than people, and remember that curiosity can take many forms. Banks recounts the story in an edited extract from her book, “Lost in Space: Curiously Cosmic Stories,” available through Pan Macmillan Australia. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/a-job-that-changed-me-i-ran-observatory-tours-as-a-student-an-eight-year-olds-question-taught-me-two-important-lessons-31239

Bitmine Immersion Technologies disclosed that it obtained 8,573 ether in the last seven days, increasing its total to 6,060,506 ether, representing 4.9 percent of the overall supply. Of this, the firm noted that 5,227,037 ether—roughly 86 percent—is currently staked. At present rates, the company anticipates $358 million in yearly staking income, which could rise to $415 million should all its ether be staked. Bitmine also holds 216 bitcoin, has stakes in Beast Industries and Eightco Holdings, and maintains $498 million in cash and marketable assets. The sum of its cryptocurrency holdings, liquid funds, investments, and other assets adds up to $14.5 billion. Chairman Tom Lee noted that ether had declined roughly 4 percent following the revelation of a $6.3 billion Binance security breach. He pointed out that when the $1.5 billion Bybit heist was disclosed in February 2025, ether plunged 8 percent on that day and dropped 20 percent within a week. Lee described the current market response as fairly restrained and viewed it as more positive than past reactions to major cryptocurrency thefts. He listed six contributing elements, such as Binance's capacity to absorb the losses, no breakdowns in decentralized finance systems, and swift actions by the industry that reduced damages by half. According to The Block, ether was trading at $2,281.41 on Monday, reflecting a 0.87 percent rise over the previous 24 hours. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/bitmine-adds-8573-eth-as-tom-lee-flags-muted-binance-hack-reaction-31210

Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries despite pressure from Donald Trump, as a six-day ceasefire in the occupied town of Oleshky was due to end late Sunday. Russian state media reported that Ukrainian long-range drones set fire overnight to the Kstovo refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region. This followed a major strike on another refinery in the Samara region, owned by state energy company Rosneft. Ukrainian officials told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine had not agreed to Jared Kushner’s reported demand for a 30-day pause in refinery strikes. Kremlin officials said the attacks resumed Friday and accused Kyiv of ignoring US wishes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not acknowledged the latest refinery attacks. He said Ukraine had struck a defense industry facility in Russia’s Rostov region that made missiles, destroying a Pantsir missile system. Zelenskyy said the strike was retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. Overnight, Russian strikes hit four Ukrainian regions, cutting power to hundreds of thousands of households. Kyiv also experienced power cuts lasting eight to 10 hours on Sunday after a thermal power plant was damaged. Meanwhile, hundreds of residents were reunited with loved ones during an evacuation from Oleshky. The pope said he hoped cooperation over the ceasefire would encourage dialogue. Kremlin officials said Vladimir Putin was willing to speak by phone with Zelenskyy, but that European leaders who support Ukraine should not be involved in the call. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/ukraine-defies-trump-to-resume-attacks-on-russian-oil-refineries-31008

Michael Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Manchester United’s Champions League match against Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday, despite Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea. United have gone nine games without a win and have made their poorest start to a season since 1988. They sit 17th with seven points, above the relegation zone only on goal difference. Carrick’s position is expected to be reviewed again during the international break, after United host Aston Villa next Sunday. Carrick came close to losing his job last Monday, when director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada discussed his future. They decided to give him a chance to turn around the team’s form and results. After the Chelsea game, Carrick said he expected to remain in charge for the Roma match: “We’ve got to move forward and win matches, it’s as simple as that.” If Carrick is sacked, Eddie Howe is Wilcox’s preferred candidate. Contact between the parties is understood to have been made, and the former Newcastle manager is open to the position, subject to negotiations. He would cost about £3 million in compensation to Newcastle. Julian Nagelsmann is highly regarded by recruitment director Christopher Vivell, who is believed to have sounded out the former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach. The two previously worked together at RB Leipzig. https://thesansasyonel.com/en/michael-carrick-to-stay-in-charge-of-manchester-united-for-roma-game-30975