Can Russia’s independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta rise from the ashes a third time? Editor Sergey Sokolov discusses what comes next.
On October 30, Novaya Gazeta announced it was closing after 33 years. The day before, journalists said the newspaper was being evicted from its office on Potapovsky Lane in central Moscow, where it had been based for 29 years. Despite searches, website blocks, the revocation of its newspaper registration, a show trial of investigative reporter Oleg Roldugin, and being labeled a 'foreign agent,' Novaya Gazeta had managed to keep working inside Russia. Editor Sergey Sokolov discusses what comes next for the publication.
Source: https://meduza.io/rss/en/all — Published: 30 October 2026 19:10 — Summarized with AI
G20 foreign ministers’ group photo canceled after several refuse to pose with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
Organizers of the G20 foreign ministers' summit in Atlanta canceled the traditional group photo after several ministers refused to pose with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to Bloomberg. The refusal underscores diplomatic isolation Russia faces at international gatherings. The group photo, a customary event at such summits, was scrapped rather than risk an awkward image. The incident reflects ongoing tensions among G20 members over Russia's actions and its top diplomat's participation.
Source: https://meduza.io/rss/en/all — Published: 30 October 2026 18:44 — Summarized with AI
As Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s best-known independent newspapers, is forced to close after 33 years, three former staffers look back on its legacy
Novaya Gazeta has announced that it is closing after 33 years. For more than three decades, it covered Russia's biggest events and told stories about Russians that readers couldn't find anywhere else. Many outstanding journalists worked at Novaya, and some were killed for telling the truth. Meduza asked former Novaya Gazeta journalists Ekaterina Glikman, Elena Kostyuchenko, and Nadya Yurova to reflect on three decades of work by one of the country's most important independent publications, which they were all part of.
Source: https://meduza.io/rss/en/all — Published: 30 October 2026 18:41 — Summarized with AI
Africa: Who Dares Wins – LPG, the Next Frontier for Africa's Downstream
LPG investment is Africa's defining downstream opportunity over the next two decades, according to an AllAfrica article. The piece argues that the window to act is open now, highlighting the potential for LPG to transform Africa's downstream energy sector. It suggests that stakeholders should seize the current opportunity to invest in LPG infrastructure and distribution, which could bring economic and environmental benefits across the continent.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 18:39 — Summarized with AI
The Rise of the Christian Left in Texas
The article discusses the rise of the Christian left in Texas, focusing on James Talarico, Frederick D. Haynes, and Gina Hinojosa, who are all Christians running for public office as Democrats. It explores how these candidates are blending their faith with progressive politics, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Texas and challenging the conventional association of Christianity with conservative politics.
Source: https://theintercept.com/feed/?rss — Published: 30 October 2026 16:55 — Summarized with AI
Russia’s human rights commissioner says humanitarian mission in occupied Oleshky is wrapping up
Yana Lantratova, Russia’s human rights commissioner, stated that the humanitarian mission in the occupied city of Oleshky is wrapping up. The mission, which has been operating in the area, is concluding its activities. The announcement provides no further details on the reasons for the closure or the impact on the local population. The report comes amid ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns in occupied territories.
Source: https://meduza.io/rss/en/all — Published: 30 October 2026 16:22 — Summarized with AI
Readers gather outside Novaya Gazeta’s Moscow office after independent Russian newspaper announces closure
Following the announcement that Novaya Gazeta, an independent Russian newspaper, is closing, readers have begun gathering outside its office building on Potapovsky Lane in Moscow. The closure marks a significant blow to independent journalism in Russia. The newspaper did not provide a reason for the closure in the excerpt, but the gathering of readers suggests public support for the outlet. The event highlights the challenges facing independent media in the country.
Source: https://meduza.io/rss/en/all — Published: 30 October 2026 16:17 — Summarized with AI
South Africa: African Horse Sickness Confirmed in Western Cape's Cederberg
South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of African horse sickness (AHS) in a single horse on a property in the Cederberg Local Municipality in the Western Cape. In response, authorities have imposed movement restrictions and intensified surveillance to contain the disease. AHS is a highly infectious and often fatal disease affecting horses. The confirmation of the case has prompted swift action to prevent further spread and protect the equine population in the region.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:13 — Summarized with AI
South Africa: SAPS Ready to Ensure Safe Elections
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has declared itself operationally ready to ensure that the 2026 Local Government Elections are safe and peaceful. According to the statement, the service plans increased deployments and has placed specialised units on standby, alongside additional security measures. The announcement signals that security preparations for the municipal vote are already under way, with police positioning themselves to protect the electoral process and maintain public order during the campaign and polling period.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:12 — Summarized with AI
Kenya: No, Kenya's Health Minister Did Not Announce an Impending Ebola Lockdown
Africa Check has examined and rejected claims that Kenya's health minister announced an impending Ebola lockdown. The fact-checking organisation found no basis for the assertion, which had been circulating online and raised alarm about new restrictions. The verdict adds to a growing body of work by Africa Check countering health-related misinformation in the region, reminding audiences to verify official statements before sharing unconfirmed claims about disease outbreaks and government measures.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:12 — Summarized with AI
Kenya: No, Kenyan Pastor Victor Kanyari Was Not Killed in a Road Accident
Africa Check has debunked claims that Kenyan pastor Victor Kanyari was killed in a road accident. The fact-checking outlet investigated the rumour, which spread online amid speculation about the well-known pastor, and found it to be false. The verdict is part of Africa Check's ongoing efforts to counter viral misinformation in Kenya, urging the public to rely on verified sources before sharing unconfirmed reports about public figures and their alleged deaths.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:12 — Summarized with AI
Sofia Sapega, ex-girlfriend of former Belarusian opposition journalist Roman Protasevich, recounts her time in prison and his testimony against her after the 2021 Ryanair diversion
The Belarusian outlet Zerkalo has published the second part of an extensive interview with Sofia Sapega, former girlfriend of Roman Protasevich, once editor-in-chief of the opposition Telegram channel Nexta. In May 2021, Belarusian authorities used false pretenses to force a plane flying from Athens to Vilnius to land in Minsk so they could arrest Protasevich, and Sapega was detained with him. She recounts her time in prison and his testimony against her, describing house arrest, a six-year sentence, a year in a penal colony, a pardon and her return to life in Lithuania.
Source: https://meduza.io/rss/en/all — Published: 30 October 2026 16:09 — Summarized with AI
Kenya: 46 Ebola Contacts Set for Discharge From Quarantine On November 3
Kenya's Public Health Principal Secretary May Muthoni announced that 46 contacts placed under quarantine are expected to be discharged on November 3 after completing the required monitoring period. The announcement, reported by Capital FM in Nairobi, indicates the contacts have reached the end of the observation window set for Ebola monitoring. No further details on the quarantine arrangements or the circumstances that led to the contacts being traced were provided in the report.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:04 — Summarized with AI
Gambia: Man Jailed for Seven Months After Stabbing Brother in Chest
A magistrate in The Gambia has sentenced a man to seven months in prison after he admitted that he tried to kill his brother by stabbing him with a knife, according to a report by Foroyaa. The victim was stabbed in the chest, and the defendant pleaded guilty to the attempted killing. The court handed down the seven-month custodial sentence following the admission. The report did not provide further details on the circumstances of the attack or the identities of those involved.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:03 — Summarized with AI
Nigeria: Gunmen Kill Four in Plateau Community Despite Curfew
Gunmen attacked a community in Nigeria's Plateau State at about 8 p.m., opening fire on residents and killing four people, according to Premium Times. The assault took place despite a curfew imposed in parts of the state aimed at containing insecurity. The attackers reportedly stormed the community and began shooting at residents. The report did not identify the attackers or specify further casualties. The killings highlight continuing violence in Plateau despite security restrictions in place.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:03 — Summarized with AI
Ethiopia: U.S. Customs Releases Ethiopia-Made Solar Cell Shipments After Supply Chain Review
US Customs and Border Protection has released shipments of solar cells manufactured at a Japanese company's facility in Ethiopia following a review of its supply chain documentation, according to SolarQuarter, as reported by Addis Standard. The release came after customs examined paperwork tracing the supply chain of the Ethiopia-made solar cells. The report did not name the Japanese company involved or detail what the review found. The shipments had been held pending the documentation check before being cleared for release.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:03 — Summarized with AI
Ethiopia: 'Ethiopia's Return to a Sea Port Is Inevitable': Navy Commander Calls for Regional Maritime Cooperation
Ethiopian Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kindu Gezu has called for closer regional cooperation and dialogue on maritime security, saying Ethiopia's return to a seaport is inevitable and requires stronger engagement with neighboring countries. The remarks, reported by Addis Standard, frame maritime access as a national priority tied to regional diplomacy. The commander's comments signal Ethiopia's intent to pursue sea access through negotiation and cooperation with its neighbors rather than unilateral action.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:02 — Summarized with AI
Malawi: Police Confirm Egyptian Deputy Ambassador Beaten in Lilongwe Attack
A senior Egyptian diplomat has been hospitalized after being attacked and beaten in Lilongwe, Malawi, sparking a police investigation into the shocking assault. Police confirmed that the victim was the Egyptian deputy ambassador. The attack on a foreign diplomat in the capital has raised concerns about security for diplomatic personnel, and authorities are investigating the circumstances and any possible motives behind the assault.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 16:00 — Summarized with AI
Liberia: Congo Town Overpasses Spark Political Storm
The ongoing construction of two overpass bridges along Tubman Boulevard in Congo Town has sparked a political dispute between supporters of former President George Manneh Weah's Congress for Democratic Change and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's ruling Unity Party. Both sides claim credit for the Chinese-funded infrastructure project. The row highlights how visible public works become political battlegrounds in Liberia, as rival camps seek to claim ownership of development ahead of future electoral contests.
Source: All Africa — Published: 30 October 2026 15:59 — Summarized with AI