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The article discusses how California Governor Gavin Newsom's handling of gerrymandering has positioned him as a potential Democratic nominee for president. It highlights Newsom's strategic response to Donald Trump's redistricting efforts and how this move may boost his national profile. The article also touches on Newsom's political rise, from his early days as a volunteer on Willie Brown's mayoral campaign in San Francisco to his current role as governor.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Alfred Montgomery, the sheriff of St Louis, Missouri, who was accused of nepotism and faced a lawsuit to remove him from office. The accusation was based on his alleged hiring of his half-brother as a deputy, but it was later revealed that the deputy, Malik Taylor, was not actually his sibling, but rather someone he referred to as 'brother'. The charge was eventually dropped in August. The article explores the implications of this event for Democratic cities in Republican states.

The article discusses how Jamaica will receive a $150m payout from a catastrophe bond issued in 2024 to help with relief efforts after being hit by Hurricane Melissa, the worst storm ever to hit the Caribbean island. Catastrophe bonds are debt instruments that pay out when a natural disaster occurs, spreading the cost between affected countries and investors. The payout is expected to aid Jamaica's recovery from the hurricane.

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The article discusses the paradox of globalization in the age of Donald Trump, where national autonomy requires deeper integration. Using Brazil as an example, it highlights how external pressures, such as Trump's tariffs, can impact a nation's politics and economy. The article suggests that Brazil's experience provides a lesson on how to conduct trade policy in Trump's world.

The article discusses the rise and fall of Stacey Abrams's political machine, specifically her get-out-the-vote group, The New Georgia Project. Abrams was credited with helping Joe Biden win Georgia in the 2020 presidential election and flipping the Senate by rallying voters. However, her organization has since folded, marking the end of an era. The article reflects on Abrams's impact and the potential implications of her organization's demise.

The article discusses the potential negative effects of universal child care on children, citing its growing popularity in America as a concern. It highlights the high costs of child care in the US, which can be as much as housing for a household with two working parents and two young children, leading families to space out or have fewer children. The article suggests that high child care costs also keep women out of the labor force.

The article discusses the trend of American women leaving the labour force, exploring possible reasons behind this phenomenon. Historically, women have been gaining ground in the workforce, with their participation rate increasing from 32% in 1948 to around 60% by the end of the 1990s. Although the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many workers out of the labour force, women recovered faster, narrowing the gap between the sexes to a record low of 10.1 percentage points by early 2025. The article considers whether women are opting out of the workforce to become 'tradwives' or if there are other explanations for this trend.

Australian convicted murderer Erin Patterson is appealing her guilty verdict for killing three people with toxic mushrooms, claiming a 'substantial miscarriage of justice' took place during her trial. Patterson was sentenced to life in prison with parole after being found guilty of murdering her husband's parents and aunt. Her lawyer alleges irregularities during the jury's deliberation and unfair cross-examination by the prosecution. The appeal has been lodged but not yet accepted by the Court of Appeal.

David Beckham was knighted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle for his services to sport and charity. Beckham called it his 'proudest moment', saying it was beyond anything he thought he'd receive. The honor marks the pinnacle of Beckham's efforts to rehabilitate his image after a career marred by controversy. Beckham has had a distinguished soccer career, playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the England national team, and has been involved in various charitable efforts, including working with UNICEF.

The Guatemalan government has announced that the FBI will assist in capturing Barrio 18 gang leaders who escaped from prison, triggering a security crisis. The escapees are part of a notorious gang with a history of violence and extortion. The US government has classified Barrio 18 as a terrorist organization, and the FBI's Joint Task Force Vulcan will participate in the operation. The escape has led to the dismissal of Guatemala's Interior Minister and a request to lift President Bernardo Arevalo's immunity for alleged breach of duty.

Japan has deployed troops to the northern prefecture of Akita to contain a surge in deadly bear attacks. Since April, over 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed in bear attacks across Japan, with Akita being one of the hardest-hit areas. The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) will set up bear traps, transport local hunters, and help dispose of dead bears, but will not use firearms to cull the bears. Experts attribute the growing bear problem to Japan's aging and declining population in rural areas, which has led to abandoned neighborhoods and farmland that attract bears. The government has set up a taskforce to create an official bear response, including bear population surveys, bear warnings, and revisions to hunting rules.

The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in New Zealand is shutting down due to financial difficulties and will euthanize seven elderly lions as a result. The sanctuary, which has been home to big cats including lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs, has been struggling to maintain the costly care of its animals. Despite attempts to rehome the lions, no realistic options were available, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize them. The sanctuary's operator, Janette Vallance, expressed devastation at the decision.

A German court has sentenced a 44-year-old palliative care nurse to life imprisonment for murdering 10 patients and attempting to murder 27 others through lethal injections between December 2023 and May 2024. The nurse was found guilty of the offenses committed at a hospital in Wuerselen, near Aachen. The court determined that the nurse's actions carried a 'particular severity of guilt,' making him ineligible for early release after 15 years. Prosecutors accused the nurse of playing 'master of life and death' over his patients, citing his lack of empathy and motivation. The case is reminiscent of other similar cases in Germany and the UK, including nurse Niels Hoegel, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019 for murdering 85 patients.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his government to submit proposals on resuming nuclear weapons testing in response to US President Donald Trump's comments on restarting nuclear testing. Trump claimed that Russia, China, and other countries are testing nuclear weapons, prompting him to order the Pentagon to do the same. Putin stated that Russia has adhered to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty but would take reciprocal measures if other countries, including the US, conduct nuclear tests. The US has not detonated a nuclear device since 1992, and it is unclear what type of testing Trump is ordering. Russia's last known nuclear explosive test was in 1990, and China's was in 1996. North Korea is the only country known to have conducted nuclear detonations since the 1990s.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing a crucial test in the Indian state of Bihar, where over 74 million people are eligible to vote in a two-phase election. The election is seen as a precursor to several key state polls and is being closely watched due to the participation of influential leaders like Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav. The BJP is contesting the elections in alliance with the Janata Dal (United), while the opposition Congress party has tied up with the Rashtriya Janata Dal and smaller parties. A new political party led by Prashant Kishor has also entered the fray. The election comes after a controversial revision of electoral rolls, which the opposition alleged would exclude genuine voters and give an edge to the BJP.

French police have launched an investigation into sex-trafficking allegations linked to the late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed. The investigation, ordered by the Paris prosecutor's office, will focus on 'potential acts of aggravated human trafficking… with multiple victims.' The allegations include claims that Al Fayed moved young female staff from his Ritz Hotel in Paris to his private residences and yachts, where they were subjected to abuse. An American woman, Pelham Spong, played a key role in triggering the investigation after coming forward with her own experiences of being sexually assaulted by Al Fayed. The investigation marks a new twist in a series of legal battles linked to Al Fayed's violent crimes and the search for justice for his victims. Al Fayed is also being investigated in the UK, where more than 140 people have reported him to the Met Police. Harrods has set aside more than £60m to compensate alleged victims of Al Fayed's abuse.

A German palliative care nurse was sentenced to life in prison for murdering 10 patients and attempting to murder 27 others between December 2023 and May 2024. The nurse, who remains unnamed, injected patients with painkillers and sedatives to ease his workload during night shifts at a hospital in Wuerselen, western Germany. The court found that he showed a lack of empathy towards patients requiring higher care and played 'master of life and death.' The sentence includes a 'particular severity of guilt,' making him ineligible for early release after 15 years. Investigators are looking into additional suspicious cases, and exhumations are underway to identify potential victims, potentially leading to another trial. The case is reminiscent of Niels Högel, a former nurse who received a life sentence in 2019 for murdering 85 patients.

The South African government has received distress calls from 17 citizens who joined mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and are now trapped in Ukraine's Donbas region. The men, aged 20-39, were lured by lucrative contracts and are from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation and is working through diplomatic channels to secure their return. The government has condemned the exploitation of young people by foreign military entities.

The US Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, has warned that the ongoing government shutdown will lead to a 10% reduction in air travel capacity at 40 major US airports starting from Friday. The decision is due to air traffic controllers reporting fatigue issues as they continue to work without pay. The shutdown has affected 1.4 million federal workers, with many experiencing financial difficulties. The flight reductions will be gradual, starting at 4% on Friday and rising to 10% by next week, potentially affecting 3,500 to 4,000 flights per day. Airlines such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are awaiting further information from the FAA to determine which flights will be cancelled.

The Chinese government has criticized a group of New Zealand lawmakers for attending a reception held by Taiwan's de facto embassy, citing a breach of the one-China principle. The Chinese ambassador, Wang Xiaolong, wrote to the parliamentarians warning them that their attendance was 'unacceptable.' New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, responded by saying that the ambassador's letter was a 'mistake.' However, the Chinese embassy reiterated its complaints, stating that Taiwan is a 'core' issue for Beijing and that the lawmakers' attendance was a serious violation of New Zealand's one-China commitment.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is adding the Chinese yuan to its clearing house settlement currencies, allowing airlines and aviation suppliers to make payments in yuan. This move is seen as a boost to China's efforts to promote the internationalisation of its currency. The yuan will be available for settlements from next month, following a trial period with domestic carriers China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. IATA's clearing house already offers seven currencies for payments and provides settlement services to 581 airlines. Industry experts view this development as a positive step for the air transport industry in China, as it could help avoid costly currency conversions, speed up settlements, and reduce currency exchange risks.

A new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the influx of Chinese students in US universities has created more opportunities for American students, rather than crowding them out. The study revealed that for every 100 Chinese master's students, US universities added about one new STEM master's programme, and each additional Chinese master's student was associated with an increase of approximately 0.26 American master's students. The findings contradict claims made by some American politicians that Chinese students are taking places from American students.

China's key trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, has urged the US to create a favourable atmosphere for agricultural cooperation between the two countries. Li made the statement during a meeting with a visiting US agricultural trade delegation in Beijing, attributing fluctuations in agricultural trade to the unilateral tariffs imposed by the US. The comments come after China paused purchases of US soybeans amid mounting trade tensions, but pledged to resume imports after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea.

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) revisits their award-winning photo essay on the living conditions in Hong Kong's cramped subdivided flats. The original essay was published last year, ahead of the government's announcement to introduce new regulations for subdivided flats. The regulations will require a minimum size of 86 sq ft, proper windows, and adherence to fire and structural safety standards. The SCMP found that most subdivided flats in Sham Shui Po fail to meet these standards, with residents living in cramped conditions. Photographer Eugene Lee's work won the top prize for best human interest photography in the World Association of News Publishers' Asian Media Awards 2025.

The Bank of England is set to make its last interest rate decision before the Autumn Budget on November 26, 2025. Economists predict that the central bank will likely hold interest rates steady at 4%, but a rate cut is possible as soon as December or February. The decision is complicated by the upcoming Autumn Budget, which is expected to include tax rises to fill a fiscal black hole. Economists believe that the BOE will cut interest rates in response to cooling inflation and softening labor market data. The tone of the article is neutral/informative with a slightly cautious tone. The sentiment is generally negative due to the economic challenges faced by the UK. The primary intent is to inform readers about the upcoming interest rate decision and its potential implications.

Chinese autonomous driving companies Pony.ai and WeRide debuted on the Hong Kong stock exchange, with Pony.ai's shares dropping 12% and WeRide's falling 13%. Both companies, already listed in the US, raised significant funds in their initial public offerings (IPOs), with Pony.ai raising $860 million and WeRide raising HK$2.39 billion. The listings are part of a trend of Chinese companies seeking dual listings in Hong Kong amid geopolitical tensions and regulatory uncertainty in the US. The funds raised will be used to scale efforts, develop Level 4 autonomous driving, and enhance AI capabilities. The companies face competition from larger players like Baidu's Apollo Go and Alphabet's Waymo, and their US plans are hindered by a rule banning Chinese technology in connected vehicles.

India's global capability centers (GCCs) are evolving from back offices to leadership hubs for global companies, with many multinational firms hiring senior leaders and relocating critical research and development work to these centers. Companies like Vanguard, Maersk, and Lowe's are appointing global function heads to be based in India, and GCCs are now managing enterprise-wide mandates. This shift is driven by India's talent pool and the need for leaders who can think globally and execute locally.

Microsoft has introduced a new internal portal for its employees to report concerns about the company's technology usage, following controversy over its work with an Israeli military unit. The 'Trusted Technology Review' form allows employees to raise misgivings about how Microsoft builds and uses technology, with the option to remain anonymous. The move comes after Microsoft stopped providing services to the Israeli defense unit and amid internal stress due to layoffs, return-to-office mandates, and controversy surrounding Microsoft's contracts.

An avalanche occurred on Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal, killing 7 climbers, including 5 foreign nationals and 2 Nepali guides. The incident happened at the base camp, located at 16,070 feet, and injured 5 other foreigners. Rescue efforts were hindered by bad weather, but a helicopter attempt is planned for Tuesday at dawn. The U.S. Department of State is monitoring the situation and ready to provide consular assistance. Mount Yalung Ri is an 18,370-foot peak considered suitable for beginners. Nepal is home to eight of the world's 14 tallest mountains, including Mount Everest.

A 24-year-old Jewish woman received a rejection text from an Australian nursery, The Garden of Eden Nursery, after applying for a job. The text was deemed antisemitic, stating the position was filled by 'someone with a semblance of humanity' and included the phrase 'Free Palestine and end genocide NOW.' The incident sparked widespread backlash, with protesters gathering outside the nursery. The nursery later apologized for the message, but the Anti-Defamation Commission Chairman criticized the apology as insufficient. The incident has raised concerns about antisemitism and discrimination in Australia.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised South Korea's commitment to increasing its defense spending and taking a larger role in defending itself against North Korean aggression during a visit to Seoul. Hegseth met with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back for annual security talks, where they discussed boosting South Korea's conventional defense capabilities and modernizing its military. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced an 8.2% increase in defense spending for the next year to reduce reliance on the US. The US and South Korea reaffirmed their alliance and commitment to responding to potential North Korean aggression, while also acknowledging the need to address other regional threats.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is making significant progress toward EU membership, according to the European Commission's 2025 Enlargement Package Report. The report praised Ukraine for its resilience and commitment to EU accession, but noted concerns about corruption and the independence of anti-corruption agencies. Ukraine has been an EU candidate country since February 2022 and aims to provisionally close accession negotiations by the end of 2028.

Tesla shareholders are voting on a pay deal for Elon Musk that could make him the world's first trillionaire. The package would grant Musk 425 million shares, tightening his grip on the company. Some investors are questioning whether Musk is still a smart investment due to concerns about his leadership, distraction by other ventures, and the size of the pay packet. Norway's sovereign wealth fund and several US pension funds have declared they will vote against the deal.

The article discusses how young people are challenging the establishment in various parts of the world, including New York and Iran. In New York, Zohran Mamdani, the youngest person to be elected mayor in 100 years, has won the mayoral race, raising questions about the implications for America and the Democratic party. Meanwhile, in Iran's capital Tehran, young people have been protesting and defying authorities, sparking debate about the current status of the regime. The article also touches on the situation in Sudan, where horrifying images are emerging and the Sudanese ambassador to the UK warns of a unfolding genocide.

Japan has deployed troops to tackle a surge in bear attacks in the north of the country, particularly in Akita and Iwate prefectures. The authorities have reported over 8,000 bear sightings this year, six times higher than normal, and a record 12 people have been killed since April. The troops will help transport, set, and inspect box traps to capture the bears, which will then be culled by trained hunters. The bear attacks have forced residents to change their daily lives, with some schools temporarily shutting and people carrying bells to deter bears.

Prince William visited Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to mark the fifth year of his Earthshot Prize, a global environmental competition. During his trip, he recreated a iconic photo taken of his mother, Princess Diana, in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in 1991. William met with the 15 finalists of this year's Earthshot Prize and learned about their environmental projects. The Earthshot award ceremony will take place later in the week, where five winners will be awarded £1 million. The Prince will also attend the Cop30 climate change summit in the Amazonian city of Belem.

The article discusses the fifth annual Call to Earth Day, a CNN editorial series focused on environmental challenges and solutions. The theme for 2025 is 'Guard Your Green Space,' encouraging individuals and communities to protect natural areas. People around the world are taking action by cleaning up their environment, planting green spaces, and promoting sustainability. CNN reporters are visiting schools and communities to document their efforts, and conservationists are sharing their work on air.

The Qianlong Garden in Beijing's Forbidden City has reopened to visitors for the first time in nearly a century after a 25-year restoration project. The garden, built in the 1770s, was a personal retreat for Emperor Qianlong and features a unique compact design inspired by private gardens in southern China. The restoration is part of the Palace Museum's long-term conservation efforts, which have seen the reopening of various areas within the Forbidden City. The garden's reopening has attracted significant attention, with visitors lining up to see the beautifully restored site despite unfavorable weather.

Qatar Airways is selling its 9.6% stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for $896 million, ending its eight-year investment in the Hong Kong-based airline. The sale is part of Qatar Airways' strategy to optimize its investments and position itself for long-term growth. Cathay Pacific will buy back the shares at $1.4 per share, subject to independent shareholder approval. The transaction will increase the holdings of Cathay's two largest shareholders, Swire Pacific and Air China. The airlines will continue to collaborate through existing codeshare and alliance agreements.

Two 19-year-old men from Montclair, New Jersey, Tomas Kaan Jimenez-Guzel and Milo Sedarat, were arrested for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack and planning to join ISIS. They were charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist group. The suspects, who came from affluent families, were found to have ISIS-inspired messages on their phones and had discussed plans for a Halloween attack. The arrests were part of a larger crackdown on terrorist activities, with similar arrests made in Michigan.

A Queens family is heartbroken after a real estate agent, Autumn Valeri, scammed them out of their home through a deed fraud scheme. Despite being convicted, Valeri received no jail time, sparking outrage from the family. The family had owned the home since 1999 and had many sentimental items stolen or lost during the ordeal. Valeri and three others forged documents to take over three Queens homes worth over $3 million. The family expressed their emotional distress and felt that justice was not served.

A woman was found chained in the backyard of a Texas home after allegedly being held captive by five suspects for months. The suspects, including Michelle Garcia, Crystal Garcia, Mache Carney, Juan Pablo Castro, and Maynard Lefevers, were arrested and charged with various crimes. The victim was subjected to physical and emotional abuse, including being fed only one meal a day, beaten, and shot with BB guns. The suspects allegedly held the victim captive because they 'no longer liked her.' The victim sustained severe injuries, including open wounds, severe swelling, and significant facial trauma. The case remains under investigation.

The Republican chairmen of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, Senator Charles E. Grassley and Representative Jim Jordan, have written to Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. seeking an investigation into federal judges who criticized the Supreme Court in a New York Times article. The judges, who remained anonymous, expressed frustration with the Supreme Court's handling of its emergency docket, stating that its orders were too brief and lacked clarity. Grassley and Jordan argue that the judges' comments damaged the public's faith in the judicial system and potentially violated the code of conduct for federal judges. The Times defended its article, stating that it brought important issues about the federal judiciary to light. Some advocates for Supreme Court reform agree that the judges' comments may have been misguided, but argue that they also highlight the need for greater transparency and reform within the court.

The New York Times article discusses whether Elon Musk would work harder for a $1 trillion pay package than $1 billion if Tesla achieves ambitious goals. The article examines the assumption that financial incentives are the primary motivator for human effort and questions whether this is true for ultra-rich individuals like Musk. Research suggests that other motivations, such as personal fulfillment, a desire to achieve, and a need for connection, can be just as powerful. Tesla's board argues that the pay package is necessary to keep Musk focused on hard-to-achieve goals, but critics argue that it is excessive and not supported by evidence that high compensation leads to better performance.

UK academics critical of China face 'extremely heavy' pressure from Beijing, with some being targeted, sanctioned, or forced to self-censor. The pressure is linked to the UK higher education sector's reliance on Chinese student tuition fees. Academics and experts call for a re-evaluation of this reliance and its impact on academic freedom.

A troubled New Zealand wildlife park, Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, has euthanized two of its elderly lions due to financial difficulties and the owner's decision to put the property up for sale. The fate of the remaining five lions is unclear, with the sanctuary exploring potential buyers who could continue to care for them. The decision has sparked public outcry and pleas for a reprieve for the remaining lions.

Ukrainian forces are struggling to maintain their position in the besieged city of Pokrovsk as Russian forces continue to advance. Experts are debating whether Ukraine should tactically retreat from the city to save lives and equipment, but this could be seen as a propaganda victory for Russia. The loss of Pokrovsk could open a path for Russian advances towards other Ukrainian regions, but analysts believe that it would not be a game-changer in the overall conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and top officials are facing a difficult decision, weighing the need to preserve troops against the political implications of withdrawing from sovereign territory.

Singapore has introduced caning as a punishment for online scammers and scam mules, with the mandatory punishment ranging from 6 to 24 strokes of the cane. The move is aimed at combating a surge in online scams, which have resulted in nearly $385 million in losses in the first half of this year alone. Scams are the most prevalent type of crime in Singapore, accounting for 60% of all reported offenses. The amendment to the criminal law also includes members and recruiters of scam syndicates under its purview. Human rights groups have criticized Singapore's use of caning as a form of torture under international law.

A federal judge has ordered prosecutors in the case against former FBI Director James Comey to produce evidence by the end of the day on Thursday, expressing concerns that the Justice Department may have 'indict first' and investigate second. Comey is charged with lying to Congress in 2020 and has pleaded not guilty, with his lawyers arguing that the prosecution is vindictive and brought at the direction of President Donald Trump. The judge's order includes producing grand jury materials and evidence seized from Columbia University law professor Daniel Richman, a close friend of Comey's.

Tech firms are exploring the idea of building data centres in space to meet the growing power demands of artificial intelligence. US startup Starcloud has sent a satellite containing an Nvidia graphics processing unit (GPU) into orbit, while Google plans to launch test satellites by 2027 as part of its Suncatcher project. The concept involves using solar energy and lasers to connect space computers to terrestrial systems. Experts believe that space data centres could be commercially viable in about a decade, but critical technical aspects need to be resolved. The main advantages of space data centres are a constant power supply, easier cooling, and reduced environmental impact. However, the cost of launching servers into orbit is a significant obstacle, although reusable rockets like SpaceX's Starship promise to slash launch expenses.