Macklemore says US venues rejected his Free Palestine tour 

Macklemore says nine U.S. venues, including Madison Square Garden, refused to book his Free Palestine tour, which played Dublin, Paris and London. MSG Entertainment cited limited availability and said he was “not an arena-level act.” The rapper, a critic of Israel’s Gaza war, says he has never encountered such refusals during two decades of touring.

HT Picks; New Reads

For Gaza turns art into resistance, bearing witness to Gaza’s live-streamed devastation and holding power, complicity and silence to account. Edited by Jeet Thayil and Pascalle Burton, the anthology gathers contributors in poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, photography and music, including artists on the ground. It restores Gaza’s stories, memories and dreams beyond headlines, advocating justice.

Saeed Naqvi: “Our elites look at the world from a Western perspective”

Veteran correspondent says India’s foreign-policy establishment and media must escape colonial-era reliance on Western perspectives that shape coverage and elite thinking. This outlook obscures historic ties with West Asia and fuels suspicion of independent reporting, while foreign conflicts remain linked to domestic politics. His conclusions draw on six decades of reporting from over 100 countries.

Review: Moms by Shivani Sibal

Shivani Sibal’s *Moms* explores how class and social expectations shape private distress in affluent Delhi, following Radhika Khanna as marriage, motherhood and status define her world. After her death, the narrative shifts to Manik and family memories, exposing unequal relationships while questioning whether elite unhappiness is situated within material privilege, through Bourdieu’s theory of distinction.

Review: Forwarded as Received by Saadia Azim

Social platforms, especially WhatsApp, spread misinformation and deliberate disinformation, fueling prejudice, riots and mob violence in India as algorithms intensify polarization. Saadia Azim’s *Forwarded as Received* documents the damage and calls for platform accountability, transparent regulation, school-based digital literacy and a public habit of pausing to verify before forwarding. WhatsApp’s intimacy magnifies its reach worldwide.

Harvard expert on spiritual well-being: How everyday activities can become a form of meditation

Mindfulness can be practised through everyday tasks—washing dishes, walking or folding laundry—by giving them full attention, without a quiet room or lengthy meditation. Harvard lecturer Monica Sanford recommends noticing sensations, returning focus when thoughts wander, or trying breath, walking and loving-kindness meditation. Rooted in Buddhist teachings, mindfulness connects awareness with ethical choices and compassion, extending beyond stress relief.

A chilling love story that gives goosebumps but gets repetitive

Relics of Love, Kashif Mashaikh’s horror novel, delivers supernatural scares but little beyond them, as its revenge plot proves compelling over its love story. Discharged agent Kareem seeks seven relics to free his wife Nahid, while memories expose his deceit and neglect. The review praises morally grey characters but faults repetition and Nahid’s thin portrayal.

HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on November 7, 2026 in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram

Delhi-NCR has six events on November 7, spanning festivals, sport, music, crafts, comedy and shopping. Highlights include Apna Pahadi Utsav at Kasha Farms and the Indian Masters Polo Championship finals in Delhi Cantonment, alongside DJ Ratta’s Diwali party, toran-making, stand-up and a Y2K pop-up. Entry ranges from free to ₹749, with nearby metro stations serving venues.

Why is the New Moon a good time to manifest your dreams during Mercury and Venus retrograde?

The November 9, 2026, Scorpio New Moon supports intention-setting, but astrologers advise reflection rather than rushed beginnings while Mercury and Venus retrograde. Review unfinished plans, correct mistakes and clarify goals, then take steps after a day or two. Scorpio themes favor emotional healing, change and transformation, while Venus retrograde calls for reassessing relationships and values.

Cornell faculty vote ‘no confidence’ in university leadership after alleged fraternity gang rape

Cornell’s Faculty Senate voted 75-50 to declare no confidence in President Michael Kotlikoff and leaders, signaling frustration over their response to sexual-misconduct allegations and campus safety. The symbolic resolution cannot remove administrators but aims to pressure trustees. It follows a former student’s lawsuit alleging rape at a fraternity party; defendants deny wrongdoing, and an independent review continues.

Scorpio New Moon November 2026: 5 things you should avoid during this lunar phase

On November 9, 2026, the Scorpio New Moon favors reflection over impulsive beginnings, as Mercury and Venus retrograde urge review of plans, finances and relationships. Avoid decisions, risky spending, rushed romances, ignoring emotional healing and setting intentions. Instead, revisit unfinished goals, strengthen financial security and address relationship patterns, waiting a day or two before manifesting.

Pope Leo XIV says he is in 'fairly good shape' after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV said Friday he is in “fairly good shape” after lung cancer surgery, beginning a 12-day South American tour in Uruguay despite doubts it would proceed. Doctors cleared the 71-year-old to travel after removal of a tumor and part of his right lung; he credited medical care and urged cancer patients not to fear, emphasizing regular check-ups.

Pope introduces new communications chief who shows a more informal approach

Pope Leo XIV welcomed María Montserrat Alvarado, the Vatican’s first female communications prefect, praising her experience and creativity as she takes charge of an office he hopes will communicate the faith more openly worldwide. Her informal debut briefing showed direct access to Leo; her EWTN leadership precedes a role criticized for high costs and slow responses.

Uttar Pradesh to introduce 360-degree progress card for Classes 9, 10

Uttar Pradesh will introduce a 360-degree Holistic Progress Card for Classes 9 and 10 in government secondary schools from 2026–27, shifting assessment beyond exam marks toward students’ overall development. It will combine academic performance and health information with student self-reflection, peer feedback and teacher assessments of skills, values, wellbeing and activities. The initiative aligns with NEP 2020.

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy discharged from hospital after stroke

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, 53, has been discharged after a small hemorrhagic stroke and will miss weeks of Senate votes while recovering at a rehabilitation facility, he said Friday. Doctors are encouraged by his progress after he called 911 last Saturday, sensing something was wrong. Murphy serves on the Appropriations Committee and is a leading voice on immigration and gun policy.

AFP denounces police 'violence' against its reporters in France protests

AFP urged protection for journalists covering French demonstrations after police injured several reporters, including a photographer in Lyon who suffered a fractured fibula in a baton charge. Reporters Without Borders recorded 58 obstructions, 35 involving physical violence and 21 attributed to security forces. AFP said reporting must remain possible amid tense policing and protests over living costs and schools.

Prince Harry seeks to appeal after losing case against UK tabloid

Prince Harry and six co-claimants sought permission to appeal a ruling rejecting privacy claims against Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers and requiring an initial £9.5 million costs payment. They argue the judgment and costs decision were flawed; the publisher denied wrongdoing. After an 11-week trial, this was Harry’s third and final case against British tabloids.

Dad of 20-year-old co-pilot in Florida Learjet crash says her final radio calls showed 'she's tough'

Allan Filgueiras listened to daughter Nathalia’s final radio calls after a Learjet crash killed her and eight others, taking pride in her composure as she reported ice and a steep descent. Her family says she was qualified, with 1,300 flight hours; investigators have yet to determine the cause. He taught her to fly at 12.

Trump replaces chief of staff after midterm defeat, picks immigration hardliner Stephen Miller

President Donald Trump announced that Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff on November 9, 2026. Wiles will move to Trump’s political operation, while Trump praised her service and described Miller as one of his trusted advisers. He announced the change in a Truth Social post.

Two more top DOJ officials resign after Republicans' midterm defeat

Two DOJ officials—national security chief John Eisenberg and prosecutor Jason Reding Quiñones—resigned Friday, accelerating an exodus after Republicans lost Congress and leaving initiatives leaderless. Their exits follow civil rights chief Harmeet Dhillon’s Thursday resignation; reasons remain unclear. Quiñones led efforts to revisit Trump investigations, which struggled to yield charges, and prosecuted Cuba’s Raul Castro.

Paraguay leadership in limbo as impeachment trial starts against president

Paraguay’s Senate began impeachment proceedings against President Santiago Peña after he submitted a resignation not yet accepted, as ueno’s collapse deepened political turmoil. Charges accuse Peña of conflicts of interest and regulatory interference; he denies wrongdoing. Depositors’ funds remain frozen, prompting protests, while regulators promise protection; the bank had served nearly half the Paraguayan population.

Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson shares health update after hospitalization

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson says an unexplained neurological emergency hospitalized him for several days, affecting his strength, coordination and physical functions. Extensive tests were reassuring, but the cause remains unknown; he is working with specialists and physical therapists and prioritizing recovery. Henderson has missed two games and is out Sunday against Green Bay, after backing Rhamondre Stevenson this season.

Knicks star Tyler Kolek names Taylor Swift as team's 'fakest' celebrity fan

New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek drew backlash after calling Taylor Swift a potentially “performative” fan during a TikTok livestream, prompting Swifties to defend her; teammate Deuce McBride agreed before Kolek softened his remarks, and the video was deleted. Fans cited her appearances at Knicks games with friends and Travis Kelce as proof of support.

Prosecutor Jason Reding Quinones resigns amid controversy over Trump's election conspiracy probe

Jason Reding Quiñones resigned Friday as U.S. attorney for Florida’s Southern District, effective immediately, without giving a reason, amid reported staffing strains, low morale and scrutiny of his office’s politically charged probe into alleged efforts to undermine Donald Trump. His exit followed DOJ civil-rights chief Harmeet Dhillon’s departure the previous day. The probe has produced no charges.

Girl, 7, among two killed in France bus crash after driver 'dozed off'

A seven-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man died Friday when a French school bus crashed after its driver said he dozed off; three people were critically injured and 20 sustained injuries. The bus carried 43 passengers, including 15 schoolchildren, struck trees and plunged into a ravine near Lent. Public-transport crashes are rare in France.

Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa names Republican Ernest Bailes to bipartisan transition team

Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa named former Republican lawmaker Ernest Bailes a co-chair of her incoming transition team, signaling plans for a bipartisan administration after defeating Greg Abbott. Bailes, a Texas House member from 2017 to 2025, shares Hinojosa’s support for public education and opposition to private-school vouchers. Abbott-backed primary challenger narrowly unseated him in 2024.

Mohammed Shami announces retirement from Test cricket

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced on Friday night that he is retiring from Test cricket. The brief announcement did not provide a reason for his decision or details about when it takes effect, and further information is expected. Shami, an India pacer, has announced his departure from the longest format of the game.

'He said we were going on a trip': Boy narrates events after Bengaluru cab driver killed family

Bengaluru police say Indusekar allegedly killed his wife and six relatives over 15–20 days, then concealed the murders while taking his 11-year-old nephew on a holiday. The boy’s seven-year-old brother’s body was found near Nandi Hills; six bodies remain missing, and victims’ phones helped sustain the deception. A missing-person complaint prompted investigation; motive remains unclear.

Tesla to wind down Cybertruck production by mid-2027

Tesla will wind down Cybertruck production at Texas factory around mid-2027, making room to ramp up Cybercab production, CEO Elon Musk said. The company has not clarified whether production will move elsewhere or end. The shift follows sales of 20,237 in 2025, nearly 48% below 2024, amid high prices and recalls, despite the truck’s 2019 debut.

NASA’s Swift space telescope crashes back to Earth over Indonesia after 22 years in orbit

NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has ended its 22-year mission, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere over Indonesia after a failed effort to raise its orbit. Launched in 2004 for a two-year lifespan, it tracked over 2,000 gamma-ray bursts and observed black holes, stars, comets and asteroids; its data will be useful. Swift was built to study cosmic explosions.