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A recent basketball scandal has highlighted vulnerabilities in sports betting, particularly with 'player prop' bets and misaligned incentives that increase the risk of foul play. This scandal comes after the US Supreme Court authorized the legalization of sports betting in 2018, despite warnings from sports leagues about the threat to their integrity. The scandal has made naysayers' warnings look prescient, and raises concerns about the impact of sports betting on the integrity of sports.

The article discusses the recent summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, where they seemingly put aside their trade differences. However, the author argues that their agreement is sketchy and temporary, and the world's most important relationship remains fragile. The article highlights the potential consequences of a decoupling or confrontation between the two largest economies and emphasizes the need for a more stable relationship.

New York City's economy, heavily reliant on the finance sector, is facing challenges as new jobs in finance dwindle. The city's fiscal model is under strain due to high taxes that deter the rich and high prices that affect everyone else. The article highlights the significance of the finance industry to NYC's economy and the potential consequences of its decline.

China has been using America's own trade weapons against it by identifying and mitigating its weaknesses. Seven years ago, China's science and technology ministry published 35 articles detailing the country's vulnerabilities in critical technologies. China has since worked to reduce its reliance on foreign imports and strengthen its economy. The article highlights China's strategic approach to countering the US trade war, leveraging its understanding of America's weaknesses to its advantage.

The article discusses the possibility of Donald Trump serving a third term as President of the United States in 2028. Steve Bannon, a former White House chief strategist, has suggested that Trump could run again, despite the constitutional limit of two terms. The article examines the legal case for a third term and the obstacles that stand in the way. Trump himself has made conflicting statements about running again, saying he would 'love to do it' but also acknowledging that he is 'not allowed to run.' The article analyzes the implications of a potential third term and the reactions of various individuals and groups.

The article discusses the New York City marathon, analyzing data from finishers since 2021. It highlights how the race has become more inclusive, with more amateur runners participating, and how the spirit of the event has become more important than speed. The article also touches on the story of Stephanie Pennington, who organized a late-night cheer squad for the marathon in 2016.

The article discusses a recent agreement between Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of Donald Trump's peace plan, following a devastating war in Gaza. The ceasefire was facilitated by negotiations in Egypt and was announced via a social media post approved by Trump. However, the article notes that neither side is fully committed to the next stages of the plan.

The article discusses Javier Milei's recent legislative midterm win in Argentina and argues that he should use this momentum to revitalize his radical reform program. Milei, an irascible libertarian, has surprised the world by beating expectations at every turn, from announcing his presidential run to achieving early successes. The article suggests that Milei's win is an opportunity for him to transform Argentina and potentially teach the world lessons in public finance. The author believes that Milei's reforms are crucial for Argentina's future and that his success could have broader implications.

The article discusses the increasing screen time among older adults, particularly pensioners, and how it is becoming a growing concern. While children’s screen time has been a topic of discussion for years, the trend among older adults is now being highlighted. The article suggests that this new generation of pensioners is glued to their smartphones, and it may have implications for their mental and physical health. The author argues that just as children are being advised to limit their screen time, older adults should also be mindful of their screen time and its potential effects.

The article discusses North Korea's increasing repression and threat under Kim Jong Un's dictatorship. Despite recent diplomatic overtures, Kim has expanded his nuclear arsenal, ramped up missile testing, and entrenched his regime. The country has become more isolated, with strict lockdowns and limited access to foreign information. The regime has cracked down on the flow of information, banning South Korean culture and imposing severe penalties for distribution and consumption of foreign content. The article suggests that Kim's enhanced sense of security, backed by a new partnership with Russia, makes him less susceptible to diplomatic pressure.

The article discusses the upcoming New York mayoral election and the potential conflict between the likely winner, Zohran Mamdani, a leftist with plans for new social programs funded by the rich, and Donald Trump, the current US President, who has threatened to 'straighten out' New York by deploying federal agents and withholding federal funds. The election is seen as a significant event in American politics, with implications for the city's future direction.

The article discusses a growing backlash against data centers in the United States, particularly in Georgia, where an election for two seats on the Public Service Commission is drawing attention due to public dissatisfaction with high power bills. The election has garnered more interest than usual, with candidates being questioned about their stance on data centers and their impact on electricity costs. The article highlights that data centers are not yet the primary cause of higher electricity bills, but they are becoming a focal point in the discussion about energy consumption and costs.

The article discusses how drug traffickers are winning the war on drugs due to the emergence of new decentralized networks that are harder to disrupt than the hierarchical gangs they replaced. The use of innovative smuggling methods, such as chemically masking cocaine in passion fruit pulp, and the adoption of stablecoins for financial transactions, have made it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to track and intercept illicit activities. The article highlights the challenges faced by authorities in Peru, Colombia, and other countries in combating the evolving tactics of drug traffickers.

The article discusses the Trump administration's approach to global health, arguing that while it is flawed, it can be improved. The author references PEPFAR, a program launched by George W. Bush that has saved millions of lives in Africa through HIV treatment. The article suggests that the current era of global health efforts is receding, and that rich countries, led by America, are becoming less willing to invest in stopping disease in poor countries. The author implies that a shift in approach is needed to continue making progress in global health.

The article argues that to save the world's tropical forests, we should learn from Brazil's approach to conservation. Despite losing more rainforest than any other country last year, Brazil's experience can provide valuable insights. The article highlights the economic and social costs of deforestation, noting that the costs are spread globally while the profits go to those responsible for cutting down trees. It emphasizes the need to make conservation pay and suggests that the world must find a way to do so.

The article argues that funding Ukraine is a historic opportunity for Europe as the continent faces a critical test of its financial strength in the ongoing conflict. With the US cutting financial support under President Donald Trump, Ukraine is on the brink of a cash crunch that could leave it without funds by February. The article emphasizes that Europe must step up to support Ukraine, framing this as not just a moral obligation but also a strategic opportunity for Europe to demonstrate its financial resilience and unity.

Singapore is considering nuclear energy as a viable option to achieve its net-zero goals by 2050. Despite officially remaining non-committal about building a nuclear reactor, experts believe that the city-state is leaning towards atomic energy. The government has released a paper on nuclear energy, is developing expertise, and partnering with established companies and nuclear nations. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has pledged an additional S$5 billion for Singapore's Future Energy Fund to develop clean energy infrastructure, including nuclear energy. Experts, such as Alvin Chew, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, believe that nuclear energy is necessary to meet Singapore's climate goals, as the only viable renewable energy source for the country is solar power.

The article reports that 65 individuals from various backgrounds, including top corporate leaders, athletes, and members of ethnic minority groups, will participate in the Hong Kong section of the National Games torch relay. The relay is set to kick off on Sunday morning, and the torch-bearers gathered at the Cordis Hotel in Mong Kok on Saturday for an overnight stay. The list of torch-bearers includes notable figures such as Sino Land chairman Daryl Ng, Henderson Land chairman Martin Lee, and fencer Kaylin Hsieh. The torch relay is seen as an important ceremony symbolizing the spirit of the National Games and showcasing the collaboration between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

China's comments on Okinawans being 'indigenous' at the UN General Assembly have sparked debate. Analysts believe China's remarks were not intended to challenge Japan's sovereignty over Okinawa but rather to criticize the militarization of the region, which is home to numerous US military bases. The comments were made by China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, Sun Lei, during a meeting of the Third Committee. The issue is sensitive due to the ongoing territorial dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, which are governed by Okinawa. China's statement also referenced Japan's history of militaristic aggression and colonial rule during World War II.

China's robot makers are launching low-cost humanoid robots, with companies like Noetix Robotics selling units at affordable prices. However, industry insiders warn that the trend may not be financially sustainable due to low profit margins. Noetix Robotics has completed a significant financing round to support mass production, but the long-term viability of the business model remains uncertain.

Chinese investors are analyzing Beijing's 5-year plan for economic and social development to identify future market trends and investment opportunities. The plan, expected to be finalized in March, highlights tech self-reliance, domestic consumption, and improving people's livelihoods as key goals. Analysts believe the plan will reset investment themes and the valuation system on the capital market, with long-term capital likely to tilt towards industries of strategic value such as chipmakers, robotics companies, and high-end manufacturers.

The article discusses the first joint Russian-Chinese submarine exercise held in August, which involved two Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarines and two Russian surface ships. The 15-day exercise demonstrated a high degree of strategic trust between the two nations and sent a message to the US that underwater dominance in the western Pacific is no longer monopolized by a single power. The exercise included detecting simulated enemy submarines, sharing sonar data, and rescue operations.

China's Silver Age Teaching Programme is mobilizing retired urban teachers to improve education standards in underdeveloped regions. The programme aims to bridge the urban-rural education divide by sending experienced teachers to less developed areas. In 2025, Beijing plans to re-employ 7,000 retired teachers aged 65 and under to work in county towns and rural schools nationwide. Experts believe that narrowing educational disparities is crucial for China's transition into a high-income economy, as human capital is a key driver of growth and social stability.

A recent wave of arson attacks in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, has left a trail of destruction and raised suspicions about the motivations behind the fires. The attacks, which occurred during a Gen Z-led youth uprising, destroyed over 450,000 court files and gutted the country's courts and ministries. Forensic teams are investigating the origins of the fires, with some suspecting deliberate arson to destroy evidence. The extent of the damage has been significant, with many case files lost forever due to a lack of digital backups. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential manipulation of evidence and the impact on the country's justice system.

Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre testified to the House Oversight Committee that she couldn't recall any videos of President Joe Biden appearing confused or freezing, contradicting her previous accusations that media outlets were promoting 'cheap fakes' by reporting on such footage. The committee's investigation found that Biden's inner circle took steps to 'meticulously stage-manage' his public appearances and lighten his private workload due to his physical and cognitive decline.

The article praises Mayor Eric Adams for his plan to hire 5,000 new police officers, contrasting it with the stance of his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, who is accused of being anti-policing and wanting to defund the police. The article argues that Mamdani's plan to create a 'Department of Community Safety' is a euphemism for reducing the role of the NYPD and that his claims of supporting Commissioner Jessica Tisch are insincere given his plans to dismantle key NYPD units. The article concludes that Adams' move exposes Mamdani's true intentions and highlights his unpreparedness for governance.

A 28-year-old Mississippi mailman, Christian, has sparked outrage after admitting on a YouTube financial show that he stole $10,000 from his 4-year-old son's savings account to fund multiple vacations. Christian confessed to wiping out the account, largely funded by relatives, to pay for trips to New York, Disney World, the Bahamas, Houston, and Atlanta. He showed no remorse, stating that he valued 'building memories' with his son. Christian's actions were criticized by the show's host, Caleb Hammer, who called him 'disgusting' and 'selfish.' The family is struggling with around $90,000 in debt, and Christian's wife has rejoined the US Army to help alleviate their financial situation. Christian's spending habits, including frequent eating out and taking personal loans, have contributed to their financial ruin.

Former MLB pitcher Yoervis Medina has died at 37 after suffering a heart attack while driving, which led to a car crash in Venezuela. Medina played for several teams including the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs. The Mariners and their minor league affiliate, Everett AquaSox, released statements mourning his death.

Prince Andrew is facing a 'living hell' after King Charles stripped him of his royal titles and honors, and evicted him from Royal Lodge in Windsor. The decision came amid mounting pressure over Andrew's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct. Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and has been ordered to vacate his palatial home. The move is seen as a significant humiliation for Andrew, who has denied any wrongdoing.

A South Carolina death row inmate, Stephen Bryant, has elected to be executed by firing squad on November 14. Bryant was convicted of murdering Willard 'TJ' Tietjen in 2004 and writing a message with the victim's blood. He had the option to choose between lethal injection, firing squad, or electric chair. Bryant's lawyers argued that he was distressed before the killings due to childhood trauma from being sexually abused. The execution is likely to be followed by a legal battle, as the previous firing squad execution was criticized for causing prolonged suffering.

President Trump sat down for an interview with CBS News anchor Norah O'Donnell at his Mar-a-Lago estate, marking his first interview with the network since suing and settling with its parent company over a 2024 '60 Minutes' segment featuring then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The interview comes as CBS News is undergoing significant changes under new leadership, including the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief and a series of layoffs and restructuring efforts. The conversation spanned a wide range of topics, including Trump's recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and US relations with Venezuela and Israel. The interview is seen as an opportunity for Trump to re-engage with a major broadcast network he has previously derided as 'fake news media.'

A tourist who stole a skull from Vienna's St Stephen's Cathedral 60 years ago has returned it to the cathedral in a cardboard box accompanied by a letter of explanation. The tourist, now in northern Germany, said he wanted to make peace with himself as he approached the end of his life. The skull was taken from the catacombs beneath the cathedral, which contain the remains of around 11,000 people buried during the 18th century. The cathedral archivist, Franz Zehetner, was surprised but touched by the gesture, and the skull has since been re-interred. It is unclear whose skull it was, but it is believed to be from the 18th century, potentially from a high-ranking Viennese family.

Dutch centrist Rob Jetten's D66 party is projected to win the most seats in the Dutch parliamentary election, narrowly beating anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders' Freedom Party. Jetten, 38, is expected to become the youngest prime minister in modern Dutch history. The election was extremely close, with both parties initially tied on 26 seats, but Jetten's party ultimately taking a narrow lead. Jetten's campaign focused on a positive message, winning in key cities like Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. He now faces the challenge of forming a coalition government, requiring the support of at least three other parties. Jetten aims to create a broad-based government tackling issues like housing shortage and asylum and migration.

France has been hit by a second major heist in recent weeks, with thieves targeting a gold refinery near Lyon and making off with €12m worth of gold before being caught by police. The incident comes after a similar heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris earlier this month, where thieves stole items worth €88m. Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the refinery heist, and police have recovered the stolen gold. The heist was carried out using explosives, and five employees of the refinery suffered minor injuries. The arrests bring to seven the number of people detained in connection with the Louvre heist, with three of the original thieves believed to be among those arrested.

Latvian MPs voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, a treaty aimed at protecting women from violence, prompting widespread criticism and protests. The decision, backed by ultra-conservative groups, has been met with opposition from women's rights groups and the international community. The treaty, which came into force in Latvia last year, requires governments to develop laws and support services to end all violence. Latvia is the first EU country to move towards pulling out of the treaty, following Turkey's withdrawal in 2021. The decision now lies with President Edgars Rinkevics, who will decide whether to approve the law or not.

The South African government has criticized the US's decision to prioritize refugee applications from white Afrikaners, calling claims of a 'white genocide' discredited and lacking evidence. The US administration, under President Donald Trump, announced a refugee annual cap of 7,500 and offered refugee status to Afrikaners after South Africa signed a law allowing land seizure without compensation. South Africa's crime statistics show no disproportionate victimization of white people. The move was also rejected by prominent Afrikaner community members, who called the relocation scheme racist. The controversy follows previous incidents where Trump was accused of 'mobilising supremacism' and projecting 'white victimhood'.

French actor Tchéky Karyo, known for his roles in Nikita and The Missing, has died at the age of 72 due to cancer. Born in Istanbul to a Turkish father and Greek mother, Karyo had a long career in film and television, appearing in a wide range of roles in French and international productions. He gained recognition for his role in La Balance and went on to appear in films such as Nikita, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, and GoldenEye. In his later years, he starred in the BBC series The Missing and its spin-off Baptiste. Karyo's death was announced by his wife and children, and has been met with sadness from the BBC and fans.

China launched the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft on October 31, 2025, carrying a new three-person crew to the Tiangong space station. The crew includes China's youngest-ever taikonaut and four mice for scientific research. The mission focuses on various fields, including space life sciences, biotechnology, and space medicine. The crew will stay on the space station for approximately six months. China's space program has been rapidly advancing, with plans to land taikonauts on the moon's surface by 2030 and build a lunar base. The country has also begun selecting international partners, including a Pakistani national, to participate in future missions.

A 77-year-old French cyclist survived a 130-foot fall into a ravine after missing a bend on his bike. He sustained himself for three days by drinking wine from bottles in his shopping bag. Rescuers found him after hearing his cries for help, and he was airlifted to the hospital with minor injuries and mild hypothermia. The cyclist's survival was deemed a 'miracle' by rescue doctor Laurent Savath due to the harsh conditions he endured.

Indian customs officers arrested a passenger at Mumbai's airport after discovering two endangered Silvery Gibbons hidden in their checked baggage. One gibbon was dead, while the other was alive and seen being cared for by an officer. The passenger, who traveled from Malaysia via Thailand, was allegedly given the animals by a wildlife trafficking syndicate for delivery in India. The incident is part of a larger trend of wildlife trafficking, with over 7,000 animals seized along the Thailand-India air route in the last 3.5 years. The Silvery Gibbon is native to Indonesia and is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. The customs department also found 8 kilograms of hydroponic weed hidden in the passenger's baggage.

The article takes a look back at the recording of Queen's iconic song 'Bohemian Rhapsody' 50 years after its release. The song was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, where Queen band members lived and worked for two weeks in 1975. The studio's co-founder, Kingsley Ward, shares his memories of the band's time there and the creation of the song, which was revolutionary in its sound and length. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' became a huge hit, topping the British charts and eventually gaining massive popularity in the US after being featured in the movie 'Wayne's World'. Today, it has almost 3 billion streams on Spotify.

The Trump administration's decision to reduce the US military presence in Europe has sparked concern among NATO allies and criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. The Pentagon announced that around 700 US airborne troops would be withdrawn from Germany, Romania, and Poland, citing increased European capability and responsibility. NATO officials and allies have sought to ease concerns, emphasizing the US's continued commitment to the region. However, lawmakers have warned that the move could embolden Russia and undermine the NATO alliance.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that a recent Russian missile and drone attack on Ukrainian power plants has jeopardized nuclear safety. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the attack included over 650 drones and 50 missiles, resulting in at least six deaths and 18 injuries. The attack damaged critical substations at nuclear power plants, prompting the IAEA's Director General Rafael Grossi to call for maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities. Ukraine's leaders are calling for more sanctions and air defense systems to counter Russia's 'systematic energy terror.'

The Los Angeles Dodgers forced a Game 7 in the World Series by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 in Game 6, thanks to a strong performance from Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas. Mookie Betts finally had a breakout moment in the World Series with a two-run single in the third inning. Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched effectively, striking out Daulton Varsho with runners on base in the sixth inning. The Blue Jays struggled to string together hits, finishing 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position against Yamamoto. The Dodgers' bullpen, including Justin Wrobleski and Tyler Glasnow, helped close out the game in the ninth inning.

The Los Angeles Dodgers held off the Toronto Blue Jays' late-inning push to win Game 6 of the World Series 3-1, forcing a decisive Game 7. Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow came in for relief in the 9th inning and helped secure the win after Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger's ground-rule double left two runners on base. The series will now conclude with Game 7, with Shohei Ohtani likely to start for the Dodgers. The Dodgers overcame a slumping offense and a physically drained Blue Jays team to stay alive in the series. Mookie Betts delivered a crucial hit, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six strong innings.

Heidi Klum's Halloween costume for 2025 was Medusa, a character from Greek mythology. Klum, known for her elaborate costumes, worked with Hollywood prosthetics designer Mike Marino to create a Medusa costume that included animatronic snakes, reptilian contact lenses, and a snake suit with a nearly 8-foot tail. The costume was inspired by the 1981 movie 'Clash of the Titans' and took several dozen people to create. Klum's husband, Tom Kaulitz, dressed as a warrior turned into stone. Klum discussed her process for creating the costume and her plans for future events, including a potential 'Heidi Fest' for Oktoberfest and a possible carnival-themed event.

The UK has successfully attracted investors for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, a £38 billion project expected to produce enough electricity for six million homes by 2040. Julia Pyke, Sizewell's joint managing director, overcame initial skepticism by offering attractive financing terms, including returns on capital above 12% and protection from inflation. The project will create thousands of jobs and help the UK phase out natural gas, but some analysts remain skeptical about its cost-effectiveness and contribution to the government's renewable energy goals.

Tokyo's Halloween celebrations in Shibuya were not dampened by rain, with thousands gathering to dress up in elaborate costumes. The event is a significant release for young people in Tokyo, allowing them to shed their daily responsibilities and social expectations. Visitors from outside Japan, including from Hong Kong and China, were among those who participated, drawn by the district's reputation for its Halloween street party. The night passed without serious incident, despite the large crowds.

Desmond Lim, co-founder and CEO of Workstream, shares his daily routine and emphasizes the importance of finding a personal rhythm to maintain balance as an entrepreneur. Lim works around 11 hours a day and believes that sticking to a fixed daily schedule is crucial for protecting his health and energy. He follows a 'dual schedule' that mixes both manager's and maker's schedules, allowing for a balance between meetings and deep work. Lim prioritizes exercise and sports, starting his day with 75-90 minutes of physical activity, and makes time for family on weekends. He advises entrepreneurs to find a passion outside of work and to 'go deep' on it.

Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) will 'completely disrupt everything' in the gaming industry, transforming game development, publishing, and player experiences. Tan envisions AI tools enabling game developers to create new games, publishers to market and distribute them more effectively, and gamers to enhance their gameplay. Razer is developing AI-powered tools, including Game Co-AI, which provides tips to gamers, and an AI QA Companion to detect and fix bugs in game development. Tan believes AI will allow smaller teams to develop games, removing tedious tasks and freeing human creativity. The gaming industry, with 3.6 billion players and $189 billion in annual revenue, is poised for significant changes driven by AI.

CNBC's Jim Cramer has made a case for buying Hershey stock, citing the company's new management under CEO Kirk Tanner and its recent earnings report. Despite struggling with tariffs, high cocoa prices, and the impact of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, Cramer believes the worst of Hershey's issues may be behind it. He points to the company's conservative guidance, 6.2% organic sales growth, and Tanner's experience as CEO of Wendy's and executive at PepsiCo. While Hershey's stock has been volatile, Cramer thinks it's close to a bottom and is tempting to buy at current levels.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has teased a demo of the company's upcoming redesigned Roadster before the end of 2025, eight years after initially hyping the vehicle. Musk made the comments during a discussion with podcaster Joe Rogan, stating that the unveil 'has a shot at being the most memorable product unveil ever.' The announcement comes amid a heated legal dispute between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who recently posted about trying to cancel his Roadster reservation from 2018. The new Roadster is a high-end, low-volume model expected to compete with vehicles like BYD's YangWang U9 Xtreme. Musk is set to face a major Tesla shareholder vote next week regarding a massive pay package worth nearly $1 trillion in Tesla stock.

The article discusses the meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, analyzing the complexities of China-Japan relations. It highlights Takaichi's conservative stance and criticism of China's growing military presence in the region. The article also touches on the balancing act Japan must perform in its relations with China. Additionally, the original content includes various unrelated news snippets about Hurricane Melissa's impact on Jamaica and Cuba, the Louvre heist, and other global news stories.

The article discusses the growing problem of overtourism in Asia's popular travel destinations, mirroring issues previously seen in European cities like Barcelona and Venice. Analysts point to factors such as pent-up demand post-pandemic, affordable airfares, and aggressive promotional campaigns by tourist boards as contributing to the surge. Destinations like Bali, Kyoto, and Phuket are experiencing overcrowding, environmental degradation, and strain on local resources. Experts warn of the detrimental effects, including destruction of local environments, negative impacts on nature, and erosion of local culture. Some destinations, like Boracay in the Philippines and Maya Bay in Thailand, have implemented measures to mitigate the effects, such as limiting tourist numbers and enforcing environmental protections.

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have formed a strong bond during their first meeting in Tokyo, displaying warmth and camaraderie reminiscent of Trump's relationship with Takaichi's predecessor, Shinzo Abe. The two leaders share right-wing conservative views and a tough stance on China, which has fostered a strategic alliance between their countries. They unveiled a new framework on rare earths to reduce dependence on China's near-monopoly and pledged significant investments in the US. The meeting has strengthened Takaichi's hand at home and provided Trump with diplomatic momentum ahead of his meeting with China's Xi Jinping.

The article discusses the recent US-China deal announced by President Trump after his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with CNN's Jim Sciutto analyzing whether the deal is as transformative as it appears. The article questions the significance of the deal and suggests that it may be more of the same. The article is part of a larger CNN news segment that includes various other news stories and videos.

A large-scale police raid in Rio de Janeiro's favelas resulted in the deaths of at least 132 people, including four law enforcement officers, making it the deadliest operation in Rio's history. The operation targeted drug gangs, particularly the 'Red Command' organization, and involved around 2,500 security forces agents. The raid was planned for over two months following a year-long investigation, and authorities seized significant amounts of firearms, explosives, and cocaine. The incident has sparked debate over police tactics, human rights, and the government's struggle to control powerful gangs in impoverished communities. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed shock over the killings, while Rio state Governor Cláudio Castro defended the operation, describing it as a response to 'narco-terrorism'.

French investigators have arrested five more suspects in connection with the daring daytime heist of the French crown jewels from the Louvre Museum on October 19. The stolen jewels, valued at 88 million euros ($102 million), remain missing. The suspects were arrested in separate operations across Paris and neighboring areas. Two of the previously arrested suspects have partially admitted to their involvement in the heist. The investigation is ongoing, and the prosecutor has warned that the stolen jewels are 'unsellable' due to their historical significance and has urged their return.

A Swedish appeals court's decision not to deport a convicted rapist, Yezied Mohamed, an Eritrean national and illegal immigrant, has sparked outrage in Sweden. The court ruled that while Mohamed's crime was serious, it was not 'exceptionally grave' enough to warrant deportation. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Migration Minister Johan Forssell have condemned the ruling and promised stricter deportation laws. The case has reignited a nationwide debate over crime and immigration in Sweden, with many criticizing the country's justice system for being too lenient towards migrants. The government faces pressure to implement tougher policies, with Kristersson pledging to introduce 'the toughest legislation in all the Nordic countries' on deportation.

CCTV footage has been released showing a train crashing into a lorry at a level crossing in the Dutch village of Meteren. The collision occurred on Thursday, resulting in five injuries and prompting the train operator, ProRail, to release the video as a warning to drivers. The footage shows the lorry reversing onto the crossing before the train smashes into it. ProRail advises drivers of large vehicles to drive through safety barriers if stuck, while car drivers are told to evacuate their vehicle and get to safety. The incident has caused significant disruption, with the train's 200 passengers evacuated and taken to a nearby station.

Thousands of people gathered in Novi Sad, Serbia to mark the anniversary of a train station canopy collapse that killed 16 people. The incident sparked nationwide protests led by students, who have been marching across the country for 16 days. The protests, which have been mostly peaceful, call for accountability, new elections, and democratic reform. The movement has gained widespread support, with locals providing free food and medical treatment to the protesters. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic has played down the protests, but announced a national day of mourning. The protests have also highlighted concerns over media freedom in Serbia, with news organizations reporting threats and targeting by the government.

The article discusses how major tech companies such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are increasing their spending on artificial intelligence (AI) by billions of dollars. This surge in spending is driven by the demand for AI technology, but it is also raising concerns that the tech industry might be heading towards a dangerous bubble. The companies have made it clear that their investment in AI is not slowing down, despite the potential risks.

Finland's right-wing government, in power since 2023, has tightened immigration policies, leading to a sharp rise in deportations of undocumented migrants. The crackdown has sparked fear among migrants who face dangerous situations in their home countries. The number of deportations increased by 30% between January and September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Many migrants are staying in Finland illegally after their asylum applications were rejected or their residence permits expired. Organizations like the 'House of Hope' in Helsinki provide help to these individuals. Critics argue that the new policies have made it impossible for many to build a secure life in Finland.

The British legal system is relaxing its 300-year tradition of requiring lawyers to wear curly white wigs in courtrooms. The change allows lawyers to choose not to wear wigs, making room for those who may not want to adhere to this traditional attire while arguing cases.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has tested a nuclear-powered super torpedo called Poseidon, claiming it is unstoppable and more powerful than a nuclear missile. The announcement is the second in a week involving Russian nuclear-capable weapons systems. Experts are questioning the capabilities and implications of such a weapon, with some speculating about its potential to cause massive tsunamis or coastal destruction.

The article is the first part of a three-part series on migrant smugglers. It details the case of Idrees G., a notorious Iraqi Kurd smuggler known as the 'Great Haji', who organized a boat crossing that resulted in the deaths of seven Afghan migrants in August 2023. Idrees G. and his accomplice Tariq H. were arrested and are set to go on trial in Paris. The article explores the lucrative business of migrant smuggling, the tactics used by smugglers, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating this organized crime.

The UN special rapporteur on torture is being urged to investigate Lebanon's role in the alleged torture of Egyptian-Turkish poet and activist Abdulrahman al-Qaradawi, who was extradited to the UAE in January 2025. Qaradawi was arrested by Lebanese authorities after criticizing Emirati, Egyptian, and Saudi governments on social media. He has been held in solitary confinement in the UAE for over 10 months without access to a lawyer or formal charges. His lawyers claim that Lebanon's extradition of Qaradawi despite promises to uphold his human rights has created a chilling precedent for freedom of expression in the Middle East. The UAE has denied allegations of human rights abuses, but UN experts have expressed concern over Qaradawi's detention conditions.