News of 3 November 2026

Iliana Iotova secured the presidency in Bulgaria's runoff election, receiving 57.5% of the ballots while rival Andrey Gyurov obtained 39.5%. Voter turnout rose to roughly 28% compared with the first round in late October. The vote took place amid heightened security concerns after recent drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, which have left dozens dead or missing. Iotova, who has been acting president since January, becomes the country's first elected female head of state and has pledged to maintain Bulgaria’s EU and NATO commitments while favouring dialogue with Moscow.

OpenAI has lowered its latest fundraising target to $20 billion, having secured roughly $11 billion so far. The adjustment follows a broader pullback in AI‑related capital, with investors shifting away from data‑center stocks and a major hedge fund collapsing due to weak risk controls. Industry leaders warn that limited financing could curb planned AI infrastructure spending, even as hyperscalers aim to pour $800 billion into AI this year. The Federal Reserve’s policy stance and a modest decline in September interest rates are also shaping market sentiment.

Everton beat Newcastle 1-0 at St James' Park in Newcastle on 2 Nov, ending matchweek nine of the Premier League. Thierno Barry scored the only goal, in the 49th minute. Newcastle were reduced to ten men after Jacob Ramsey was sent off following two yellow cards within 86 seconds. The win is Everton's first away league victory of the season and lifts them to seventh in the table, while Newcastle drop to thirteenth. It is Newcastle's second defeat to Everton in four days, following a 3-1 Carabao Cup round-of-16 loss.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on 31 Oct that negotiations with Iran are progressing and that Washington is not in a hurry to resume offensive action, citing that most of Iran's military and nuclear capabilities have already been degraded. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been urging Trump to launch a new wave of strikes on Iran immediately after the U.S. midterm elections, seeking to use a renewed conflict to bolster his political position. Qatari mediators continue to work on a framework to de‑escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.