The UK and US have withdrawn their final troops from Iraq, officially ending the coalition mission against Islamic State that began in 2014. This marks a symbolic end to two decades of Western military presence in Iraq, though questions remain about regional stability and ISIS remnants.

A Flydubai flight was diverted under distressing circumstances, with passengers describing chaotic and frightening conditions during the incident. The ordeal highlights ongoing concerns about airline emergency protocols and passenger safety during unexpected flight diversions.

Russia has conducted its most extensive assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since spring, targeting power facilities across the country. The timing signals Russia's strategy to weaponize winter by crippling heating and electricity as temperatures drop, escalating civilian suffering.

South Korea's exports reached an all-time high driven by surging demand for AI chips and technology. This boom positions South Korea as a major winner in the global AI race, with companies like Samsung and SK Hynix capitalizing on the chip shortage.

The Fed's key inflation measure came in below forecasts, reducing urgency for immediate rate action and pushing the likely timing of any hike to December. Markets are breathing easier as this gives the economy more runway and suggests the Fed's tightening cycle may be nearing its end.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin has donated $3 billion to Carnegie Mellon to establish a new campus in Miami, one of the largest single gifts in higher education history. The move reflects Miami's growing ambition to become a tech and education hub beyond its reputation as a financial and cultural center.

Rock legend Alice Cooper revealed that crack cocaine nearly killed him during his struggles with addiction in the past. His candid admission adds to the ongoing conversation about substance abuse in the music industry and the toll it takes even on the most successful artists.

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi received an MBE honor at Windsor Castle, recognizing his contributions to music and heavy metal. The award cements Iommi's legacy as one of rock's most influential figures and shows establishment recognition of heavy metal's cultural impact.

A drummer received an emergency last-minute call to fill in for Anthrax and performed in front of 50,000 people with minimal preparation. The story is a testament to the high-stakes, anything-can-happen nature of live music and the skill level of professional session musicians.