The X-59, an experimental quiet supersonic aircraft jointly developed by NASA and Lockheed Martin, completed its maiden flight in California on Tuesday (October 28). The X-59 aims to overcome the noise issues currently limiting supersonic commercial aircraft from flying over land, paving the way for faster commercial air travel.

The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Informal Meeting will open on Friday (October 31) in Gyeongju, South Korea. US President Trump's tariff and trade policies are putting this organization, dedicated to promoting free trade and multilateral cooperation, to the test. Scholars interviewed believe that this summit will struggle to reach a joint declaration reflecting free trade.

(Washington, D.C.) U.S. telecommunications regulators have tightened controls on Chinese telecommunications equipment, citing the potential for malicious use and threats to U.S. cybersecurity.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed visiting US President Donald Trump at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo on Tuesday (October 28). The two leaders signed a document after the meeting, indicating that they would instruct cabinet members to take further measures to usher in a "new golden age" for the Japan-US alliance.

(Geneva) The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry into Ukraine said on Monday that Russia's continued drone strikes against civilians, forcing thousands to flee Ukrainian-controlled territory, constitute crimes against humanity.

(Reuters, Washington) The U.S. federal government shut down for the 27th consecutive day on Monday, with air traffic chaos worsening as a surge in absentee air traffic controllers led to delays for nearly 7,000 flights across the country.

(Caracas) Venezuela claims to have dismantled a CIA-funded spies that plotted a false flag operation to frame the USS Gravely, a US destroyer deployed in the southern Caribbean, in an attempt to instigate a full-blown military conflict between Venezuela and the United States.

(Washington, D.C.) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (October 27) that he would not run for vice president in the 2028 election, but declined to indicate that he would not seek a third term, fueling speculation that he might extend his term.