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1. In Lebanese village near Israeli troops, farmers brave danger to harvest their olives Al-Monitor · 29 Oct 2026

   By Catherine Cartier, Emilie Madi and Raghed Waked ZIBQIN, Lebanon Oct 29 (Reuters) - In a field overlooking a lush valley in southern Lebanon, residents of the village of Zibqin balanced on branches picking their olives while Lebanese Army soldiers stood nearby.

2. Facebook partners Funke Akindele to promote Nigerian storytelling Vanguard · 29 Oct 2026

   By Juliet Umeh Social media platform Facebook has partnered with Nollywood filmmaker and actor Funke Akindele to promote Nigerian storytelling at the London and Lagos premieres of her new film, The Four . The partnership will support the film’s world premiere in London and its homecoming premiere in…

3. AI build-out hits snag as Google and Microsoft put off raising capex forecasts CNBC · 29 Oct 2026

   Microsoft and Alphabet both reported capital expenditures that fell short of estimates, adding to concern over the cost of the AI build-out.

4. Disney+ & Netflix Hoover Up Non-English Acquisitions As Fervor For Japanese & Korean Content Continues – Ampere Deadline · 29 Oct 2026

   Disney+ and Netflix’s buying habits appear to be dispelling the notion that non-English-language acquisitions aren’t on their agendas. Research from Ampere Analysis shows that non-English content now accounts for at least half of acquisitions at both global streamers. As of September, non-English…

5. Third quarter new home completions up by 10% - CSO RTÉ · 29 Oct 2026

   There was a 10.4% increase in the number of new homes built in the third quarter of this year, from July to September, as 10,154 dwellings were finished.

6. Russell Brand's wife tells court he is 'caring, kind' RTÉ · 29 Oct 2026

   Russell Brand's wife has told his rape trial her husband is "caring" and "kind" and there is honesty at the centre of their marriage.

7. Fire at New Brunswick military base not threat to public: defence officials Global News · 29 Oct 2026

   The Department of National Defence says the blaze in the northeastern part of the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown training area is being monitored.

8. The Black Stone: Sacred Landmark at the Heart of the Holy Kaaba Asharq Al-Awsat · 29 Oct 2026
9. GDP report to give insight before Election Day. And, Israel's election is deadlocked NPR · 29 Oct 2026

   Economists expect the GDP report to show economic growth, but say that growth is "fragile." And, after 90% of the votes in Israel have been counted, no clear winner has emerged. (Image credit: Stephen Maturen)

10. Record number of purges as Xi emphasises 'party discipline' at China political gathering BBC News · 29 Oct 2026

    Xi's anti-corruption campaign has become "an effort to consolidate and maintain authority", observers say.