The 10 most important things in the world right now
Hello! Here's what's happening on Friday.
1. Turkey reportedly claims to have audio and video footage that shows missing Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered. Khashoggi, who was last seen on October 2, was an outspoken critic of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
2. Individuals and businesses are cutting ties with Saudi Arabia following Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance. Global business leaders, policymakers, media moguls and tech executives, including Virgin Group's Richard Branson, have put Saudi Arabia on notice.
3. China's trade surplus with the US expanded to a record $34.1 billion. Chinese exports to the US have stayed moderately strong despite increasing tariffs.
4. Facebook has taken down 559 pages and 251 accounts that were part of coordinated campaigns to influence US politics. The accounts were run by Americans.
5. Russian and US astronauts fell to Earth after a failed launch to the International Space Station. The rocket's boosters failed high in Earth's atmosphere, but the crew was helicoptered back safely.
6. Malaysia agrees to abolish the death penalty. Malaysia mandates hanging as punishment for crimes including murder, drug trafficking, treason, kidnapping and acts of terror.
7. The 26-year-old founder of the failed Fyre music festival was sentenced to six years in prison. Billy McFarland pleaded guilty to defrauding investors out of millions of dollars in various ticketing schemes.
8. Mohammed Dewji, believed to be Africa's youngest billionaire, was kidnapped in Tanzania. Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident, and the motive remains unclear.
9. Rapper Kanye West made a bizarre speech at the White House. West was at the White House to discuss prison reform, but he touched on a lot of topics including his admiration for President Trump.
10. The woman who bought a Banksy artwork that was shredded live at the auction will go through with purchase. "Girl With Balloon" sold for $1.38 million, and the new owner considers it a "piece of art history."
And finally...