We’re in Helsinki as a Ukrainian strike on a Russian vessel 40km away escalates the security situation in the Baltic Sea. Then: we consider the importance of Nvidia leadership as its stocks plunge. Plus: Konfekt’s winter issue.

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As Microsoft scrambles to get the world back to work after a major outage, we look at why we’re seeing more interruptions. Then: we’re in Dakar for the last day of the Youth Olympics.

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We gauge reactions from markets, the Gulf and the wider world to the US midterms. Can Democratic control of Congress rein in Donald Trump – or will it provoke further conflict in the Middle East?

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Bart de Wever has resigned as Belgium’s debt rises and budget talks collapse. With many centrist European leaders in a similar position, will he be the first of many? Then: we head to Texas for an update on the midterm elections.

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How deep into red states can Democrats go in the midterms? We hear from Ryan Williams in Washington and Kathie Obradovich in Iowa. Plus: a fridge-freezer attack across Europe. And: we meet Ayala Land CEO Meean Dy in Manila.

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After the midterms’ ‘blue tsunami’, is a reset in US-Israel relations coming? And what of the war in Iran? Plus: nationwide strikes in France. Then: Design Doha and ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to the US.

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After Democrats win big in the midterms, will the US become a better friend of Europe – or a foe? Then: the geopolitics of port operations. Plus: Angola steps up its tourism and on-screen gay kisses get Brazil talking.

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Jensen Huang of Nvidia admits to an affair with someone that US intelligence considers to be a Chinese asset. So why hasn’t the US reacted more forcefully? And what does this say about competition in the tech industry?

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