In other news

African leaders have called for recognition and reparations for colonial-era crimes at a conference in Algiers. The conference, attended by diplomats and leaders, aimed to advance an African Union resolution passed earlier this year. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf emphasized the need for a legal framework to ensure restitution is seen as a right, not a favor. The economic cost of colonialism in Africa is estimated to be in the trillions, and African countries continue to pay a heavy price in terms of exclusion, marginalization, and backwardness. The conference is a new push to have colonial-era crimes recognized, criminalized, and addressed through reparations.

The Chinese government is pushing to build 'world-class firms' by harnessing both state-owned and private sectors. The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) chairman, Zhang Yuzhuo, emphasized the need for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to act as anchors for strategic industries and for private firms to have a level playing field. SOEs are expected to promote the resilience and competitiveness of China's supply chains and invest in research and development. The government also pledged support for private companies, encouraging them to participate in major national research projects and expand into emerging industries.

The South China Morning Post article summarizes five news stories from the weekend, including China's halt on Brazilian soy imports due to contamination issues, a shift in Chinese consumer behavior towards Japanese products, and portraits of courage from domestic helpers during a Hong Kong fire. The article provides a roundup of news across Asia and beyond, highlighting key events and stories that readers may have missed.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its annual Top 100 list of the world's largest arms-producing companies, revealing that China's eight listed firms experienced a 10% decline in combined revenue to $88.3 billion, despite a record-breaking rise in global arms sales. The decline was largely attributed to government reviews and contract delays following anti-corruption investigations into several Chinese companies, including Norinco, which saw a 31% drop in revenue. In contrast, Japanese and South Korean companies on the list saw significant increases in revenue.

The article discusses China's economic outlook for 2026, with top investment banks forecasting moderate growth amid trade, property, and structural challenges. The economy is expected to grow between 4.2% and 4.8% in 2026, with policy easing continuing to stabilize growth. The article highlights the challenges China faces, including a trade war, domestic headwinds, and a fast-evolving geopolitical environment.

India and Indonesia are nearing a US$450 million deal for the sale of BrahMos missiles, marking a significant step in India's growing defence export ambitions and providing Southeast Asia with an alternative to dependence on the US or China. The deal, which has been negotiated between New Delhi and Jakarta, is pending Moscow's formal approval due to Russia's 49.5% stake in the BrahMos joint venture. Analysts view this as a sign of India's emerging role as a serious alternative security partner for Southeast Asia, offering high-tech arms without 'hegemonic baggage'.

US authorities believe that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant accused of shooting National Guard members in Washington DC, was radicalized after arriving in the US in 2021. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Lakanwal was not radicalized until after he came to the United States, and investigators are seeking more information from family members and others. The shooting, which occurred near the White House, killed one National Guard member and critically wounded another. The incident has sparked a debate about the vetting process for Afghans and other foreign nationals, with former President Donald Trump suggesting that his administration could pause asylum admissions into the US for an extended period.

The Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme was launched in Hong Kong on December 1, 2000. The scheme required employees and employers to make monthly contributions to a retirement fund. As of the launch date, about 54% of employers had signed up, and 71% of eligible employees had joined. The MPF Schemes Authority chairman and managing director warned employers against evading contributions, stating that action would be taken against non-compliant employers starting January 30, 2001. The response to industry MPF schemes for casual employees in the catering and construction sectors was low, with only 17% of workers joining.

Russia has accused the US and Germany of recruiting Filipino mercenaries to fight in Ukraine, which the Philippines has denied as 'fake news'. Analysts believe the claim is likely disinformation, but it highlights how Southeast Asian nations can be drawn into the information crossfire of global conflicts. The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that former Philippine police, security, and military personnel were being recruited and granted Schengen work visas by Germany before being sent to Ukraine.

The Chinese authorities have issued arrest warrants for two Taiwanese social media influencers, Chen Po-yuan (known as 'Minnan Wolf') and Wen Tzu-yu, for 'inciting secession' and 'slandering' Beijing's policies towards Taiwanese people. Chen, once a pro-Beijing rapper, had been studying law in Quanzhou, Fujian province, and had initially been seen as a poster boy for cross-strait harmony. The move is part of Beijing's escalating campaign against perceived pro-independence agitators. A bounty of 50,000 to 250,000 yuan has been offered for information leading to their capture.

The article discusses the growing demand for weight-loss drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists, which have reached $54 billion in global spending in 2024. New versions of these drugs are expected to be introduced in 2026, offering improved ease of use, effectiveness, and duration. Pharmaceutical companies are competing for market share, and the range of options is set to expand. These drugs not only aid in weight loss but also appear to reduce the risk of various heart, liver, and kidney diseases.

The article discusses the worsening state of China's property market despite government efforts to stabilize it. The Communist Party of China's Politburo, comprising the top 0.00002% of party members, met in September 2024 to address the issue but their remedies have been ineffective. The article highlights the challenges faced by the Chinese government in managing the property market and the potential consequences of its continued decline.

The article is an obituary for the American penny, announcing its demise in 2026. The piece reflects on the penny's long history and its eventual phasing out, with the final pennies being minted in Philadelphia on November 12th, 2025. The article is part of 'The World Ahead' series by The Economist, which provides analysis and predictions for the upcoming year. While the main focus is on the penny's obituary, the article also briefly mentions other content from 'The World Ahead' series, including predictions on conflicts, music genres, cinematic remakes, and the inclusion of podcasting in the Golden Globes.

A recent survey by the US Census Bureau found that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace has not been increasing as expected. In fact, the employment-weighted share of Americans using AI at work has fallen by a percentage point to 11%. This trend is particularly pronounced among large businesses with over 250 employees. The findings have significant implications for the technology industry and investors who have been expecting a surge in AI adoption.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to reform India's labor laws to free up its large workforce. Currently, many Indian firms are restricted in size due to socialist employment laws, resulting in most industrial firms employing fewer than ten workers. Modi's plans aim to remove these restrictions and allow businesses to grow, making them more competitive with international rivals like Bangladesh. The article highlights the peculiar patterns in Indian industry, such as the prevalence of contract labor and the small size of garment factories compared to their Bangladeshi counterparts.

The article discusses how Americans have historically reacted to high food prices, from boycotts and protests to government interventions like price freezes. It highlights that despite different economic conditions, the public's reaction to rising food prices remains similar, with calls for action from policymakers. The article suggests that one way to address the affordability crisis is through a 'purely nominal fix', implying that manipulating numbers or perceptions could be a solution.

The article discusses seven conflicts to watch in the coming year, including China v Taiwan, India v Pakistan, Russia v Ukraine, Israel v Hamas, Congo v Rwanda, Sudan, and Venezuela v Guyana. These conflicts have the potential to escalate into larger wars, causing significant humanitarian crises and global instability. The article analyzes the current state of each conflict, the factors that could lead to escalation, and the potential consequences of such escalation.

The article discusses the trend of cinematic remakes in the film industry, highlighting that remakes have been a part of filmmaking since its inception. It mentions early examples of remakes, such as those by Georges Méliès and Cecil B. DeMille, and notes that this trend will continue into 2026 with various remakes being released. The article is part of The Economist's 'The World Ahead' series, which provides predictions and analysis for the upcoming year.

A damning internal FBI report criticizes Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, labeling the FBI a 'rudderless ship' under their leadership. The report, based on 24 FBI sources, describes Patel as inexperienced and Bongino as 'something of a clown.' It highlights their arrogance, obsession with social media, and concern with building personal résumés. The report also details specific incidents, such as Patel's behavior during the Charlie Kirk assassination investigation, where he allegedly gave premature public remarks, took credit for others' work, and yelled at agents. The authors, a group of active-duty and retired agents and analysts, warn of 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' within the FBI and criticize past recruitment policies. Despite some positive notes on the rollback of DEI policies, the overall assessment is overwhelmingly negative.

Former Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain revealed on 'The Eddie Mata Show' that Kevin Youkilis was the player he disliked the most during his career. Chamberlain and Youkilis had a history of on-field run-ins, including incidents where Chamberlain threw pitches near Youkilis' head. Despite becoming teammates in 2013, Chamberlain felt that Youkilis ignored him initially and didn't perform well after signing a $12 million contract with the Yankees. Chamberlain expressed his disdain for Youkilis, stating that he didn't like him and that Youkilis 'can go fly a kite.' Their history dates back to when Youkilis was with the Red Sox, and they had several confrontations, including a home plate collision. Youkilis had a strong batting record against Chamberlain, hitting .333/.565/.900 with a home run and four RBIs in 23 plate appearances.

A United Airlines passenger was removed from a flight at Newark Liberty International Airport after she became irate and verbally abusive towards a flight attendant during a delay on the tarmac. The incident was captured on video by a fellow passenger and shared on TikTok, where it garnered nearly 500,000 views. The passenger's outburst included profanity and insults directed at the flight attendant, and she eventually had to be escorted off the plane by crew members. The incident occurred during a period of record-breaking delays and cancellations at the airport due to a government shutdown.

Lane Kiffin, the new head coach at LSU, was booed and given the middle finger by Ole Miss fans as he departed from Oxford after accepting the LSU job. The fans' discontent stems from Kiffin's abrupt departure from Ole Miss, where he had spent six seasons, to join LSU. Kiffin had led Ole Miss to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance just days before announcing his decision to leave.

The article discusses how Lane Kiffin, the head coach of the Mississippi Rebels, damaged his reformed legacy by leaving his previous team for a more lucrative opportunity, setting an ugly precedent in college football. Despite his achievements, such as producing NFL first-round picks and potentially becoming one of the all-time winningest coaches, his decision to leave his previous team will always be a part of his legacy.

The article argues that the value of a four-year college degree is diminishing for many Americans. A recent NBC News poll found that 63% of voters believe a four-year college degree is not worth the cost due to high debt and lack of job skills. The article attributes this to rising tuition costs, the proliferation of 'woke indoctrination' in colleges, and a shift away from practical skills towards liberal arts degrees. It suggests that alternative education paths like trade schools are becoming more appealing as they offer focused training for in-demand jobs. The article concludes that the traditional college path is no longer a guarantee for success and that Higher Ed institutions need to adapt to avoid being seen as a 'scam'.

A Nor'easter is expected to hit the Northeast on Tuesday, causing potentially chaotic conditions during the morning rush hour in New York City. While snow accumulation is not expected in NYC, the suburbs could see up to 3 inches of snow, and areas outside the city, such as Albany, could see up to 8 inches. The storm is forecast to bring a wintry mix of snow flurries and rain, leading to slippery roads and impacting both morning and evening commutes. The rain is expected to persist throughout the day, with up to 2 inches of rain falling in NYC. The weather is expected to clear out by Wednesday morning.

The city of Portland, Oregon, has sparked outrage after its annual tree-lighting ceremony avoided mentioning 'Christmas' or 'Christmas tree', instead referring to it as 'the tree'. The event, which took place on Native American Heritage Day, featured a speaker draped in a Palestinian flag leading the crowd in a 'free Palestine' chant. Despite the controversy, the ceremony went ahead with Santa Claus appearing and the city's mayor switching on the 10,000 bulbs on the 75-foot-tall tree. The event was met with criticism online, with many expressing frustration at the avoidance of Christmas terminology.

A mass shooting occurred at a child's birthday party in Stockton, California, killing four people, including three children, and injuring 11 others. The town's mayor, Christina Fugazi, stated that the shooting was gang-related and labeled it 'domestic terrorism.' Authorities are investigating the incident, with the possibility of multiple suspects. The victims who died were aged 8, 9, 14, and 21. The community is in shock, with faith leaders planning a vigil to honor the dead and pray for the wounded. Counselors will be available at city schools to help those grieving. The mayor has asked the US District Attorney to find the gunman, who remains at large.

One of two inmates who escaped from a French prison in Dijon using bedsheets has been recaptured, while the other remains at large. The escapees, aged 19 and 32, had sawn through the bars of their cell. The incident highlights France's prison overcrowding issues and the neglect of normal jails as resources are diverted to high-security prisons for narco criminals and jihadist suspects. The Dijon prison, built in 1853, is severely overcrowded with 311 inmates for 180 places. The escape comes after another prison break in Rennes and a high-profile theft at the Louvre museum in Paris.

A 39-year-old man with a criminal record has been arrested by French police in connection with the theft of France's crown jewels from the Louvre Museum on October 19. The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, stated that the man is believed to be the fourth member of the team responsible for the heist, which is estimated to be worth $102 million. The robbery was carried out by a four-person team using angle grinders, a freight lift, and subterfuge, with the thieves dressing as workers in bright vests. The stolen jewels include a diamond-and-emerald necklace given by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise and Empress Eugénie's pearl-and-diamond tiara. The man has been charged with robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, carrying potential sentences of 15 and 10 years, respectively.

Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot discussed the state of food insecurity in the United States on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.' She highlighted that food insecurity rates are higher than during the pandemic, with 47.4 million people living in food-insecure households in 2023. Babineaux-Fontenot attributed the rise in hunger to a broken system that doesn't incentivize people to move out of poverty. She emphasized the need for a sliding scale to help people move out of poverty and for a bipartisan approach to address the issue. The conversation also touched on the impact of changes to the SNAP program, which will result in a six billion meal per year gap.

The article is a transcript of an interview with Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council, on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on November 30, 2025. Hassett discusses the holiday shopping season, the impact of Trump tariffs on consumer spending, and the overall state of the economy. He highlights that despite some surveys indicating a modest outlook for holiday spending due to higher prices, actual sales data for Black Friday and online sales showed significant increases. Hassett attributes this to rising incomes and a strong jobs report. He also addresses concerns about inflation, the expiration of Obamacare premium subsidies, and speculation about his potential appointment as the next Fed Reserve Chair.

Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) appeared on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' to discuss various national security issues, including the vetting process for Afghan refugees, the situation in Ukraine, and the role of the National Guard in the nation's capital. Turner criticized the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, stating that it was a 'hasty' and 'flawed' process that put those who aided the US at risk. He also expressed concerns about the current negotiations with Ukraine and Russia, warning against being 'pro-Russia' and emphasizing the need to view Russia as a 'skeptical adversary'. Turner also discussed the deployment of National Guard troops to the nation's capital, stating that it had made a positive impact on crime rates.

Senator Tim Kaine was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' about the situation in Venezuela and the Trump administration's military actions. Kaine expressed concerns about the potential for military action without congressional approval and questioned the legality of recent boat strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific. He also criticized the administration's handling of asylum decisions and immigration policies, particularly after a recent shooting of two National Guard members. Kaine discussed the Trump administration's plans to pardon former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of conspiring with drug cartels. Kaine suggested that the President's actions were inconsistent and raised questions about the motivations behind the military effort in Venezuela.

The UK is expanding its sugar tax to include milk-based drinks, such as milkshakes and flavored milks, in an effort to combat obesity. The tax, which was introduced in 2018, has already led to a reduction in sugar content in many soft drinks. The new rules will come into effect in 2028 and are expected to further reduce sugar consumption. The tax has been successful in reducing obesity among children, with a study finding that it prevents 5,000 cases of obesity per year among 10- and 11-year-old girls. The UK's approach to reducing sugar consumption is in contrast to the US, where a national sugar tax is unlikely to be implemented.

Honduras is holding a general election with Nasry Asfura, backed by US President Donald Trump, narrowly leading in early results with 40.6% of the vote. Asfura is followed by Salvador Nasralla with 38.8% and Rixi Moncada, the ruling Libre party candidate, in third place. Trump's endorsement has been criticized as interventionist, and his threats to cut aid if Asfura doesn't win have raised concerns about the election's integrity. The outcome is uncertain, with many ballots still to be counted, and tensions are high due to pre-election accusations of fraud and potential post-election unrest. The election is seen as a test of the country's democratic process and its relationship with the US.

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide at the age of 92. Minelli founded Dignitas in 1998 and has since helped thousands of people to die. He was a passionate campaigner for the right to die and gave Dignitas the slogan 'dignity in life, dignity in death'. Minelli's work had a lasting influence, and he faced numerous legal challenges throughout his career. Dignitas has been at the center of debates around assisted dying, with some countries shifting their stance on the issue in recent decades. The organization's practices have been criticized by some, who argue that they could lead to vulnerable people being coerced into ending their lives.

A Japanese singer, Maki Otsuki, was stopped mid-show while performing the theme song of the anime 'One Piece' at a music festival in Shanghai. The abrupt cancellation was attributed to 'unavoidable circumstances' by her management. The incident is linked to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between China and Japan over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan. Fans and some international figures, including the US ambassador to Japan, criticized the move, comparing it to the removal of China's former leader Hu Jintao. The incident sparked a backlash on social media, with some accusing Chinese authorities of suppressing their citizens' freedom to enjoy culture, while others defended the cancellation, citing nationalist sentiments.

A mass shooting occurred at a family gathering in Stockton, California, killing four people, including three children, and injuring eleven others. The victims were aged 8, 9, 14, and 21. The suspect remains at large, and police believe the shooting may have been targeted. The incident has sparked outrage and concern about gun violence in the US.

Ukrainian naval drones have attacked two Russian oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea, as part of an escalation against Russia. The tankers are part of Russia's 'shadow fleet', used to bypass Western sanctions. The attacks, which caused significant damage and fires, are seen as a warning to ships carrying Russian oil. The incident has also affected a major consortium transporting oil from the Caspian region, which has suspended loading in the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister expressed indignation and concern over the impact on energy supply.

Australia is set to ban youth from popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, becoming the first democracy to do so. The ban, which will come into effect on December 10, will require platforms to block under-16s from holding accounts, with non-compliant companies facing fines of up to A$49.5 million. The move has sparked a global response, with policymakers from around the world watching closely and planning similar moves. The ban is a response to growing concerns about social media's harms, including toxic content and cyberbullying. While tech firms have expressed objections, some experts believe the ban could be a crucial step in regulating the industry.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly with the Laos-China Railway (LCR) and its impact on local tourism and economy. The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, investors, and businesses, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. However, the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with many local businesses struggling to compete with Chinese-owned operations. The article highlights concerns about Laos' heavy debt burden and the potential risks of relying heavily on Chinese investment.

The article discusses how climate change has affected the lives of people in Bangladesh, particularly in the southern coastal regions, leading to displacement and migration. The story of Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old man from the Sundarbans region, is highlighted. Emran left his village in July 2024 to work in Singapore, as his family's livelihood was impacted by recurring disasters and rising sea levels. The article explains how Bangladesh is one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, with storms and floods damaging homes and farmlands, and how this has led to an increase in climate migrants. It also mentions the predicted displacement of 28 million people by 2050 due to climate change.

US President Donald Trump stated that his administration's freeze on asylum decisions will last 'a long time' following a shooting incident near the White House that killed a National Guard member. The measure is linked to a list of 19 countries already facing US travel restrictions. Trump mentioned that he had 'no time limit' in mind for the pause, which was issued after a 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was arrested for the shooting. Lakanwal had been granted asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration.

Argentina has released declassified documents revealing how Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele lived openly in the country after World War II. The documents, made public by President Javier Milei, show that Mengele used false identities and obtained official ID cards, first under an Italian alias in 1949 and then under his real name in 1956. The files contain photographs, intelligence notes, and immigration records that track Mengele's movements across Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. They also include testimony from a victim, José Furmanski, who described Mengele's brutal experiments on twins in Auschwitz. The declassified archives shed light on Argentina's ambiguous post-war stance on Nazi fugitives and its disjointed bureaucracy.

A massive protest in Giessen, Germany, disrupted a conference for the youth wing of the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, with thousands of demonstrators, including Antifa activists, clashing with police. The AfD's youth organization, Generation Deutschland, was formed after the previous youth chapter was classified as an extremist organization. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel condemned the protests as 'undemocratic,' while the state's governor criticized the violence. The AfD has been gaining popularity, securing 20.8% of the vote in a recent election, but mainstream parties have refused to form a coalition due to the party's extremist views.

The US State Department has criticized the UK government's handling of the grooming gangs scandal, which involves the sexual exploitation of mostly white girls by gangs of mostly Pakistani men. The State Department has instructed its diplomats to track the effects of mass immigration and report on human rights implications and public safety impacts. The UK government has launched a national inquiry into the scandal, but it has faced criticism and resignations over allegations of a cover-up. The issue has been ongoing for years, with successive governments accused of failing to address the problem.

The founder of Dignitas, a Switzerland-based assisted suicide clinic, Ludwig Minelli, has died at the age of 92 through assisted suicide. Minelli founded Dignitas in 1998 and believed in the importance of giving people the option to end their life with dignity. The organization will continue its work, with Minelli having planned for a seamless transition. The article discusses the work of Dignitas, the laws surrounding assisted dying in Switzerland and the UK, and the impact of Minelli's death.

Sky News is launching a new digital-first format of its show 'Hotspots' which takes viewers into hostile environments. The show features correspondents Alex Crawford and Stuart Ramsay, and their teams, as they report from various locations including Syria, Haiti, Somalia, Colombia, The West Bank, and Libya. The new format provides an immersive and raw look at the journalists' experiences, using natural sound and action gathered in the field.

A UK special forces unit operating in Afghanistan had a 'deliberate policy' to kill fighting-aged males even when they didn't pose a threat, according to testimony given to an inquiry. A senior officer, codenamed N1466, raised concerns with the director of UK special forces about the policy, but a 'conscious decision' was made to cover it up. The inquiry has heard evidence of potential war crimes, including the shooting of women and children, and the alleged cover-up of such incidents. N1466 stated that the unit's actions did not align with the values of UKSF and that he was speaking out because 'it's not loyalty to your organisation to stand by and to watch it go down a sewer'.

The article discusses several major news stories from around the world. Severe storms have caused widespread flooding and landslides in Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has begun a three-day visit to Lebanon, calling for unity amidst recent conflicts. Other news includes a deadly fire in Hong Kong, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky resigning after an anti-corruption raid, and a rare Fabergé egg going up for auction in London.

A new winter storm is expected to hit the Midwest and Northeast United States, causing travel disruptions and potentially bringing heavy snow, ice, and rain to the regions. The storm is forecasted to intensify as it tracks east, with widespread rain expected in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Gulf Coast regions, and snow and ice expected in the Appalachians and interior Northeast. The storm is coming on the heels of a previous storm that caused thousands of flight cancellations and travel disruptions over the holiday weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop to their lowest levels of the season so far, with some areas potentially flirting with daily record lows.

The article discusses how some British small businesses are navigating the challenges posed by US tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Despite the increased costs and complexities, companies like Ruffians, a barbershop chain, Pinter, a beer-brewing machine manufacturer, and ETO, a wine decanter maker, are continuing to sell their products in the US market. They are absorbing the costs or passing them on to customers, with some making significant sacrifices to maintain their presence in the lucrative US market. The article highlights the importance of the US market for British businesses and the uncertainty surrounding the trade agreements between the two countries.

The article discusses the growing presence of Chinese food and beverage chains in the United States, with brands like Heytea, Luckin Coffee, and Haidilao expanding their operations despite the challenging economic relationship between the two countries. Chinese chains are offering unique offerings such as drinks topped with cheese foam, fried chicken sandwiches, and hot pot experiences, and are adapting to local tastes while navigating cultural differences. The expansion comes as many American brands are pulling back from China, and Chinese companies are seeking to escape intense competition at home.

Reece Chowdhry, founding partner of Concept Ventures, a European pre-seed venture capital firm, states that the primary reason startups fail within their first two years is due to co-founder conflicts or lack of shared vision. Chowdhry emphasizes the importance of co-founder chemistry and complementary skill sets when investing in startups. He looks for traits such as domain obsession, relentlessness, and grit in founders. Concept Ventures was an early investor in Eleven Labs, a $3 billion voice AI company, whose co-founders' strong relationship and complementary skills impressed Chowdhry. The article also references Paul Graham, Y-Combinator co-founder, who notes that successful startups often have multiple founders with strong relationships.

The article discusses the devastating impact of cuts in international health funding on HIV/AIDS care, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The cuts, which have resulted in a 30-40% reduction in external health assistance, have led to a rise in new HIV infections, AIDS-related deaths, and undiagnosed cases. The article highlights the stories of patients and healthcare providers who have been affected by the cuts, and notes that services that were previously effective in preventing HIV infections have been particularly hard hit. The article also notes that while there are signs of recovery, including new domestic funding in some countries, access to HIV care remains far from universal.