NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 04:30 (JST), October 19

Trump Rallies in Kentucky Ahead of Midterms

President Trump held a rally in Kentucky — reliably Republican territory — with roughly two weeks to go before the November 3 midterm elections. He promised that if Republicans win, the Department of Defense will build a pharmaceutical facility in the state, calling it "a massive revitalization project." He also repeated his longstanding pledge to distribute $5,000 to every adult citizen, a policy he has branded the "Trump Dividend."

Democratic Governor Andy Beshear pushed back on social media, writing that the promises amounted to "a complete betrayal of our people, our state, and our country," accusing Trump of making false commitments as the cost of living continues to rise. The midterms will decide seats in both chambers of Congress as well as governorships and various other offices, effectively serving as a national referendum on the Trump administration.

Anti-Trump Rallies Draw Crowds Nationwide, Push Early Voting

Groups opposed to the Trump administration organized rallies and marches in Washington and cities across the country, urging supporters to cast early ballots before Election Day. Organizers framed the events as nonpartisan efforts to boost overall voter turnout, but the groups behind them have been active in anti-administration protests throughout Trump's term, and many participants carried signs critical of the president.

Attendees voiced concerns including the need to "restore balance in Congress and put a check on policy," and some warned they might question the legitimacy of results they did not like. Early voting has already begun in several states.

Zelensky Calls Russia Sanctions Waivers a "Mistake"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned an executive order signed by President Trump that waives the majority of sanctions against Russia. The waived measures include 100-percent tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and natural gas, and sanctions on nations that support Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers used to circumvent existing export bans. Zelensky told NHK and other outlets that it was "a wrong decision that brings joy to Russia and helps continue the killing," and argued the move would do nothing to stop the conflict.

He also disclosed that the United States has proposed a trilateral U.S.-Russia-Ukraine meeting, either in the UAE or Saudi Arabia or on the sidelines of the G20 summit in December, which the United States is hosting. Neither Washington nor Moscow has confirmed those talks.

Fire at Canadian Military Base Kills 7, Injures Dozens

A major fire broke out Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in the western province of Alberta, killing at least seven people and injuring dozens more. Local television reports citing military sources indicated the blaze began around 4 p.m. when a gas pipe or gas well was damaged during live-fire training exercises. CBC reported that shifting, strengthening winds caused the fire to spread rapidly. Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media that "a serious accident and a large fire have occurred."

CFB Wainwright is Canada's largest live-fire training facility, normally employing around 1,000 military and civilian personnel, with additional troops brought in during special training exercises.

Indonesian Wildfires Spread Haze Across Southeast Asia

Fires burning through forests and peatlands in Indonesia have sent thick haze drifting into neighboring Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries, forcing school closures and disrupting transportation. Meteorological authorities attribute the extreme fire conditions to El Niño and the ongoing dry season. Regional weather agencies have warned that serious transboundary haze could persist, and Indonesian officials report that more than 280,000 people have sought treatment for respiratory illnesses.

Stampede at Religious Festival in Kolkata Kills 17

At least 17 people were killed and 15 others were hospitalized after a crowd stampede at a Hindu religious festival in Kolkata, eastern India. Police believe the incident was triggered when sudden heavy rain sent people who had been waiting outside rushing simultaneously for shelter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on social media. India saw a similar tragedy last September, when more than 30 people, including children, were killed in a stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu.

Unauthorized Access Wave Hits Japanese Companies, Services Suspended

Recruit, which operates a used-car information service, suspended its online operations from Saturday after suffering an unauthorized access incident, and said it is investigating whether users' personal information was compromised. Second Street (セカンドストリート), a buy-and-sell platform for used clothing and household goods, and Gale (ゲイル), a retailer of games and smartphones, have also suspended services for the same reason. The string of breaches and service outages continues to spread across companies and public institutions throughout Japan.