Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says trade talks with the United States have intensified slightly but Canada is holding firm on its demands, insisting any progress is because Washington is moving closer to Ottawa’s position. The comments come eight days before U.S. midterm elections, with White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett suggesting the countries are close to a deal. Carney says any progress in trade negotiations has come because Washington is moving closer to Canada’s demands, not because Ottawa has softened its position.

France’s government has pledged to replace its national online university admissions platform in 2028. The move announced on Monday seeks to quell student anger after weeks of mass protests over education and living costs. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste announced during a news conference “substantial change” for 2027 before the platform’s replacement in 2028. The system is called Parcoursup and handles applications to universities and other higher education courses. Students have criticized unclear selection criteria and unequal access to their preferred courses. The announcements followed France’s worst unrest in years on Oct. 17. Demonstrations over school funding and rising living costs descended into rioting and looting across the country.

Egypt’s parliament has voted to authorize President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to provide Saudi Arabia with military support in defending the kingdom against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The parliament said in a statement Monday that the vote was meant to give el-Sissi authorization to take necessary measures to back Saudi Arabia in the defense of its territory and sovereignty against an external “aggression.” The parliament didn’t provide a breakdown of the closed-door vote. But the chamber is overwhelmingly dominated by pro-government lawmakers. The government didn't give details about the type of support. But a regional official said that the assistance is defensive in nature and won't include ground troops.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won reelection in Brazil's presidential runoff. He made a comeback after trailing by more than 2 million votes in the first round. Lula convinced an extra 10 million voters to support him this time. His competitor, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, did not concede. This sets the stage for a possible showdown between the country’s two polarizing political forces. Lula is expected to take office on January 5, 2027. Early signs from Brazil’s institutions suggest the results will be respected nationally and internationally.