Briefly

UNITED STATES

Biden's cancer has spread, son says

Former US president Joe Biden's cancer has metastasized further, according to his son Hunter Biden, who shared the update in a recent interview with the BBC. In May 2025, just four months after he left office as the oldest sitting president, the elder Biden revealed he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. He subsequently began treatment, including radiation and hormone therapy, which the 83-year-old described as going "really well" last month, during an announcement of his upcoming memoir.

Senate OKs bill to avoid shutdown

The US Senate voted early on Saturday to approve a short-term measure aimed at avoiding a federal government shutdown before the November midterm election. The Senate voted 90-6 to approve the bill that would fund most federal government operations at current levels through Dec 11. The bill includes a variety of exceptions that senators negotiated with the White House. It was unclear whether the bill could pass the House, though lawmakers there are also eager to avoid a shutdown fight before the Nov 3 congressional election.

ISRAEL

PM rejects Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza

Israel has rejected US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace 15-point plan for Gaza, and will not withdraw until Hamas fully disarms, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday. Trump announced last month that there had been a breakthrough in his plan to end the war, which both Israel and Hamas agreed to last year and which started with the ceasefire. Trump said that Hamas, which ruled Gaza for nearly two decades before carrying out the Oct 7, 2023, attack, had agreed to lay down its weapons.

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