Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

The US Supreme Court has granted a temporary stay allowing construction on President Donald Trump’s proposed $400 million White House ballroom to proceed. In a narrow decision, a five-justice conservative majority paused a lower court injunction that had halted work following a lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Chief Justice John Roberts issued a brief order allowing the court additional time to review the administration’s emergency appeal. While the conservative majority noted that the federal government maintains strong legal prospects of eventually defeating the historic preservation group's lawsuit, the justices emphasized that the order does not represent a final verdict on the case's merits. The interim decision enables construction to continue while legal challenges advance through the federal courts.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.

Pro-government forces in Yemen, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, have launched a counter-offensive code-named operation Yemen Dawn to push back Houthi rebels from the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Ground units, including the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces, took control of key positions in the Dhubab district and its airport, besieging remaining Houthi positions along the Red Sea coast. Military spokespersons stated that troops have "secured" the vital shipping lane following operations supported by around 100 coalition aircraft. In response, Houthi fighters claimed to have launched retaliatory strikes targeting Riyadh's international airport, oil refineries, and military bases. Meanwhile, reports indicate Turkey and Pakistan agreed to send troops to support Saudi Arabia.

Sources: BBC News, Daily Sabah, Euronews Greece, France24, Tagesschau.

The first round of the Czech Senate elections concluded, setting up runoffs across multiple electoral districts. The Mayors and Independents (STAN) party achieved strong initial results, securing outright victories while advancing candidates into 12 second-round matchups.

Although the main opposition party, ANO, qualified 13 candidates for the runoffs, analysts highlight that traditionally low voter turnout among its supporters in second rounds could hinder its ability to significantly expand its upper house presence. Regional figures, including South Moravian Governor Jan Grolich, also celebrated early victories. Overall voter turnout stood at 42.5 percent, with the upcoming runoffs set to decide the final composition of the 81-seat Senate.

Sources: Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy

United Arab Emirates prosecutors announced that an Omani Flydubai co-pilot planned to crash a passenger jet into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport in a suicide attack inspired by the September 11, 2001 terrorist assaults.

The suspect, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked the flight's captain on September 30 while en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 182 people aboard. The captain thwarted the attempt, leading to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Investigators stated that al-Hammami began a "drift towards extremism and terrorism" while studying in Australia. UAE officials noted that previous security background checks had revealed no indications of extremist ideology prior to the incident.

Sources: The Guardian, Cyprus Mail, Sweden Herald, France24, BBC News.

Geologists are increasingly confirming the presence of natural underground hydrogen deposits, challenging long-held scientific assumptions. Until recently, geological consensus viewed the existence of naturally occurring hydrogen gas reserves inside deep rock formations as virtually impossible. However, recent research demonstrates that ongoing chemical reactions within the Earth's crust continually produce the gas.

Because scientific investigation into natural hydrogen is relatively recent, comprehensive data on the location and scale of these subterranean reserves remains limited. Researchers emphasize that further exploration is necessary to determine whether these natural deposits can be effectively harnessed for industrial energy needs.

Sources: Die Presse