In other news

The article discusses the unique phenomenon of Die Mennonitische Post, a German-language newspaper that is widely read among Mennonite communities in Bolivia and other parts of Central America. Despite being written in a language that many of its readers do not fully understand, the newspaper remains a vital connection to the outside world for these tight-knit Christian communities. The article explores the newspaper's significance and its continued relevance in the modern era, highlighting the cultural and linguistic ties that bind the Mennonite communities across different countries.

The article discusses the recent financial developments in Argentina, particularly the intervention by the US government to support the Argentine peso. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a potential $20bn swap line with the Argentine central bank and expressed willingness to purchase Argentina's USD bonds. This move comes as Argentine President Javier Milei, a libertarian, receives backing from US President Donald Trump, who praised Milei's performance. The article highlights the surreal nature of Argentina's finances and the significant role of the US in stabilizing the country's economy.

The article discusses Armin Papperger's ambitious plans for Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer. Papperger aims to expand the company's presence in the defence industry, diversifying its products and services beyond traditional tank and ammunition production. Rheinmetall has already made significant moves into new areas such as satellites, drones, and parts for fighter jets. Recently, the company acquired Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), a shipbuilder based in Bremen, for an estimated €1.5bn-2bn. Papperger's vision is for Rheinmetall to become a major player in multiple domains: land, sea, air, and space.

The article discusses the potential sale of TikTok US to a consortium led by American investors, as part of an arrangement between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The author argues that ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, will be better off without its American offshoot. The article highlights that there is more to ByteDance than TikTok and that the Chinese tech giant has a diverse portfolio. The sale is seen as a resolution to the prolonged saga of TikTok's American misadventures, which has been ongoing for years. The article also touches on the bipartisan law signed in 2024 that threatened to ban TikTok in the US if it didn't comply with certain conditions.

The article discusses how a MAGA-aligned Republican candidate, Jack Ciattarelli, has made the New Jersey gubernatorial race competitive, despite the state's historical Democratic leanings. New Jersey has traditionally been unfavorable to Donald Trump, with his businesses failing and his presidential campaigns losing the state to Democratic opponents. However, Ciattarelli's candidacy has put the Democratic stronghold in play, making the election a bellwether for the state's political landscape.

The article discusses how bosses can unwittingly exert power over their employees through subtle cues, using the example of J. Edgar Hoover, the former director of the FBI. Hoover's actions and comments were often misinterpreted by his agents, leading to unthinking obedience. The article suggests that this phenomenon can occur in any organization, where employees may misinterpret their boss's intentions or cues, resulting in unintended consequences.

Brazil's former hard-right president Jair Bolsonaro is facing a difficult situation as his potential pardon and support from Donald Trump have not improved his circumstances. Tarcísio de Freitas, the right-wing governor of São Paulo and Bolsonaro's potential savior, has decided not to run in the next presidential election. Instead, Freitas will seek re-election as governor. Several centrist governors are now positioning themselves to replace Freitas as the right-wing candidate. However, none of them appear willing to pardon Bolsonaro if they win the election. Bolsonaro was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup.

The article discusses Mark Carney's vision for handling the challenges posed by Trumpian America, suggesting that liberalizing at home and leading a new free-trade revolution could be a viable approach. The article is based on an interview with Mark Carney that will be featured on The Economist Insider. It touches upon various issues related to trade policies and their impacts, referencing figures like Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, and discussing trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The article discusses the ongoing debate about wolf populations in the western United States. Historically, wolves were nearly exterminated due to government-funded programs aimed at protecting agriculture. After their reintroduction in the 1990s, around 2,600 wolves now inhabit Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. However, some groups, particularly Republicans in the West, are advocating for increased wolf culling, reigniting the conflict between farmers and conservationists.

The article discusses how the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has shielded Mexico and Canada from the full impact of Donald Trump's tariff policies. Despite being among the first countries targeted by Trump's tariffs, Mexico and Canada have managed to maintain a relatively low overall tariff rate due to the protections afforded by the USMCA. The agreement, negotiated during Trump's first term, has excluded most covered products from tariffs, thereby limiting the extent of Trump's tariff assault on these countries.

The article discusses the current state of the US Supreme Court and its impact on the president's agenda. The court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, is expected to make significant decisions on core principles of American government. The article notes that the court's summer recess is no longer a quiet period, but rather a time of emergency petitions and on-the-fly judgments. The author analyzes the court's recent decisions and predicts that the president's agenda is generally safe, with a few exceptions. The article also touches on other US news, including the upcoming shutdown and its potential impact on the Democratic party.

Three scientists, Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi, have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in medicine for their discoveries related to peripheral immune tolerance. Their work revealed a previously unknown T cell subtype, regulatory T cells, and a gene, Foxp3, that controls their development. This breakthrough has led to a new field of immunology and potential treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The scientists' findings have significantly advanced the understanding of how the immune system functions and why some people develop autoimmune diseases.

Fishermen in Trinidad and Tobago are living in fear due to the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. The US has carried out military strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, prompting Venezuela to place its military on high alert. Trinidad and Tobago's fishing industry is being affected as fishermen are forced to fish in shallower waters, resulting in fewer catches. The country's prime minister has expressed support for the US, while Venezuela has accused the US of aggression.

A Canadian military aircraft, a CP-140 Aurora, was on a mission to track North Korean vessels engaged in illicit trade in the East China Sea as part of Operation NEON, a multinational effort to enforce UN sanctions against North Korea. The mission, which involved gathering intelligence and documenting suspicious vessels, was intercepted multiple times by Chinese fighter jets, including supersonic jets and those carrying missiles. The Canadian crew remained professional and continued their mission despite the close encounters. The article highlights the ongoing tensions between North Korea and the international community, as well as China's role in supporting the North Korean regime.

Egyptian authorities are investigating the theft of a rare 4,000-year-old limestone relief from a tomb in the Saqqara Necropolis. The relief, which depicted the three ancient Egyptian seasons, was discovered missing from a Fifth Dynasty tomb belonging to a high-ranking official named Khenti Ka. The theft is the second major apparent theft of an antiquity in recent weeks, following the discovery that a golden bracelet had been stolen from the Egyptian Museum and melted down. Experts believe the thief may have known the relief's true value and significance.

A French appeals court revisits the Gisèle Pelicot rape case, in which her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men were convicted of sexually assaulting her while she was under chemical submission. The case drew international attention due to its shocking nature and Pelicot's determination to have the trial held publicly. One of the convicted men, Husamettin Dogan, is appealing his nine-year sentence, claiming he was deceived by Dominique Pelicot. The trial is expected to last four days, with a verdict on Thursday. Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence in France, and the case has sparked a national reckoning over rape culture.

A 60-year-old man was arrested in Sydney, Australia, after firing up to 100 bullets at passersby on a busy street, injuring 20 people. The gunman was arrested on Monday after a large police contingent swarmed the area and locked down the street. The motive behind the shooting is unclear, but police have stated that there are no known links to terrorism or gang activity. The incident has been described as 'serious and terrifying' by the New South Wales Police Commissioner. Mass shootings are relatively rare in Australia due to a ban on automatic and semi-automatic weapons implemented in 1996.

Australian prosecutors have appealed the sentence of Erin Patterson, who was convicted of murdering four of her estranged husband's relatives with death cap mushrooms. Patterson was sentenced to life in prison but will be eligible for parole after 33 years. The prosecutors argue that the sentence was 'manifestly inadequate' and that Patterson should never be eligible for parole. Patterson's lawyers had requested a 30-year non-parole period. The case has sparked controversy, with the judge noting that Patterson's victims were her relatives by marriage who had been good to her and her children. Patterson's motive remains a mystery, and her lawyers have announced plans to appeal her convictions.

Sanae Takaichi is set to become Japan's first female prime minister as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She faces immediate challenges, including regaining public support, addressing inflation, and navigating diplomatic issues with President Trump. Takaichi's ultra-conservative politics may lead to the loss of the LDP's coalition partner, Komeito, and she must decide whether to stick to her ideology or shift to the center. She is expected to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and expand trilateral partnerships with other countries. Takaichi's appointment of key party posts and potential coalition partners will be crucial in determining her success as prime minister.

Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of Bangladesh's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has announced his return to the country after two decades in exile to contest the upcoming elections. The BNP is expected to win the election, and Rahman is likely to become the next prime minister. The elections are seen as a crucial test for Bangladesh's democracy after the mass protests that ousted Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024. Rahman has criticized the Awami League's rule and promised to ensure democratic reforms and freedom of speech if he comes to power. The BNP has also been critical of India's decision to shelter Hasina, and Rahman has warned that it could damage relations between the two countries.

Bari Weiss, a former New York Times opinion writer, has been appointed as the editor-in-chief of CBS News following a deal between CBS's parent company Paramount and Weiss's digital outlet, The Free Press. The deal, reportedly worth $150m, is part of Paramount's efforts to reshape CBS News under the leadership of David Ellison, son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison. Weiss is known for her criticism of 'cancel culture' and her support for Israel. The appointment has drawn scrutiny due to Ellison's ties to Trump and concerns about potential bias. Ellison has stated that his goal is to make CBS News a 'most-trusted name in news' by providing balanced and fact-based coverage.

A skydiving instructor, Justin Fuller, died after falling without a parachute during a jump in Nashville, Tennessee. The incident occurred when Fuller became separated from his student during a tandem jump. The student, a 46-year-old man, survived the fall after being trapped in a tree with the emergency parachute. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. Fuller was an experienced skydiver who had recently written about his passion for teaching others how to skydive.

Lithuania's Vilnius Airport was shut down for hours due to dozens of weather balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes entering the country's airspace from neighboring Belarus. The incident resulted in 30 flight cancellations and affected 6,000 passengers. The balloons were used to smuggle black-market cigarettes, with at least 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs recovered. This is not an isolated incident, as 544 such balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year, and 966 last year. The smuggling method is considered rudimentary and cheaper than using drones.

An Indian lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, threw a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a court proceeding in Delhi, apparently angered by the judge's remarks about Hinduism. The incident is seen as a serious public insult and security breach. The chief justice remained calm, and Kishore was later suspended from practice. The incident relates to a recent court petition rejected by a bench headed by the chief justice, where he made remarks about the Hindu god Vishnu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shoe attack, calling it 'utterly condemnable'.

US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had a 'friendly' video call, discussing trade and tariffs imposed by the US on Brazilian goods. Lula requested the removal of a 50% US tariff and sanctions on some Brazilian officials. Trump agreed to further discussions and potentially meeting in the near future. The call marked an improvement in relations between the two leaders after a period of tension.

The US Supreme Court has rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal against her sex-trafficking conviction, upholding her 20-year sentence. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in luring underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein to exploit. Her lawyers argued that she should not have been tried or convicted, but the court declined to hear the appeal without explanation. Family members of Epstein's victims expressed gratitude for the court's decision, while Maxwell's lawyers vowed to continue exploring legal avenues. The case has sparked speculation about a potential presidential pardon, with the White House stating that 'no leniency is being given or discussed.'

A 45-year-old New York City Sanitation worker was allegedly decapitated by his girlfriend's 19-year-old son inside their Staten Island home. The victim, who was nearing retirement and had severe vision loss, was found with multiple stab wounds and his head chopped off. The teenager, who has a history of mental health issues, was arrested at the scene but has not been charged. Friends of the victim described him as a kind and gentle person who was about to retire and live his life to the fullest. They also expressed concerns about the city's handling of mental health issues, suggesting that the tragedy could have been prevented with proper support.

A survey by City Councilman Lincoln Restler’s office found that hundreds of vehicles, mostly driven by city workers and contractors, are illegally parked in downtown Brooklyn, creating dangerous road conditions. The survey found an average of 457 illegally-parked cars daily across 60 blocks, with many using government placards or phony signs. Restler is pushing legislation to revoke 60,000 city-issued parking placards and calling for street safety redesigns. The NYPD has refuted Restler’s claims, stating they have aggressively addressed illegal parking.

The article discusses how Taylor Swift's new album 'The Life of a Showgirl' is being criticized by social media users for alleged racism, homophobia, and support for conservative ideologies. Critics have misinterpreted lyrics from songs like 'Opalite', 'CANCELLED!', and 'Wishlist', accusing Swift of promoting white supremacy, eugenics, and the patriarchy. The article argues that these criticisms are unfounded and reflect a broader societal trend of finding offense where none is intended. It also highlights Swift's consistently Democratic political record and her friendship with Brittany Mahomes, wife of NFL star Patrick Mahomes, as evidence that the criticisms are misplaced.

The article criticizes the Democratic Party's stance on political violence, citing the example of Jay Jones, a Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate who sent violent texts about a Republican politician. The author argues that Democrats are encouraging law-breaking and division by painting opponents as evil, and that this rhetoric is fueling leftist violence across the country. The article highlights various incidents of violence and lawlessness, including protests in Portland and Chicago, and argues that sane Democrats need to speak out against the radicalizing rhetoric that is spurring violence.

A man named Daniel Boycott purchased a used 2022 Tesla Model 3 from an Illinois dealership, only to discover that it was banned from using Tesla's Supercharger network due to a previous 'minor accident' that rendered the vehicle 'salvaged.' Despite the car's clean CARFAX report, Tesla deemed it unsupported for supercharging and voided its warranties. Boycott is now locked in negotiations with the dealership, feeling misled as he specifically bought the Tesla for its Supercharger accessibility.

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was arrested and charged with felony battery after allegedly attacking a 69-year-old truck driver in Indianapolis. Sanchez, who was in town to work as a Fox Sports analyst, got into a confrontation with the driver, Perry Tole, after Tole parked his truck in an alley where Sanchez was doing 'wind sprints'. The situation escalated, resulting in Sanchez being stabbed multiple times and Tole suffering significant injuries, including a cut to his cheek and tongue. Sanchez's friends and former teammates are shocked by the incident, describing him as a 'nice guy' who is not aggressive.

The family of former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez has spoken out after he was stabbed during a fight outside a pub in Indianapolis. Sanchez's brother, Nick, thanked fans and first responders for their support, saying that Mark is focused on his recovery. Sanchez was stabbed by 69-year-old Perry Tole, a grease truck driver, after allegedly attacking him while intoxicated. Sanchez was hospitalized with critical injuries, but his condition was later upgraded to stable. He faces charges of Level 5 felony battery, and Tole is suing him for damages.

The article discusses how artefacts from a Tang dynasty shipwreck, an ancient replica Chinese sailboat, and Western art, specifically a Claude Monet painting, intersect to highlight China's rich maritime history and its influence on global trade and cultural exchange. Li Yicheng, founder of Eureka Griffin Fine Arts in Singapore, shares her insights on how these masterpieces reflect the essence of art that transcends borders. The article is part of a series exploring China's science and technology developments as the country drafts its 15th five-year plan.

China's pharmaceutical sector has experienced significant growth driven by strong sales and licensing income from international partners. According to HSBC, the H-share innovative drug index rose 107% this year, outperforming the broader Hang Seng Index. Chinese pharmaceutical companies accounted for 50% of global licensing deals in the first eight months of the year, up from 30% in 2024. HSBC expects the growth momentum to continue, with 10% product sales growth and 11% earnings growth in 2025 for covered pharmaceutical companies.

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr revealed that he was approached by a group of eight retired generals and colonels who urged him to take action against corruption, which sources described as a 'soft coup' attempt to undermine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and support Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio. Brawner rejected their request, citing the military's long memory of past uprisings and its resistance to political adventurism. The incident occurred on the eve of nationwide protests over a 1.9 trillion peso flood control corruption scandal.

The expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a 25-year tariff-free trade pact between the US and Africa, is seen as a significant blow to African economies and a boost to China's influence in the continent. The lapse of AGOA has left over 6,000 African exports subject to higher US tariffs, affecting countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Lesotho, and Madagascar. Observers believe that the US retreat is paving the way for China to deepen its influence across Africa.

Hong Kong authorities have attributed irregularities in three light public housing projects to improper assembly of prefabricated units, while a structural engineer disputes this, citing manufacturing flaws. The government has stepped up inspections and plans to dismantle some units to investigate. The projects, located in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun, and Chai Wan, are managed by Able and Chun Wo Joint Venture. Director of Architectural Services Michael Li Kiu-yin stated that the MiC modules were factory-made and certified before being sent out, but were assembled incorrectly on site. The controversy highlights concerns over the quality of public housing construction in Hong Kong.

A Chinese firm is constructing a 182-meter glass lift at Kelingking Beach in Bali, Indonesia, to transport tourists down the cliffside. The project is a symbolic investment by China in Indonesia's infrastructure development. While some locals have expressed concerns about the project's impact on the local landscape, officials have welcomed the investment. The lift is expected to be completed in a year and will make it easier for tourists to access the beach.

The article discusses Bill Nye's criticism of President Trump's plan to cut NASA's funding. CNN's Kaitlan Collins interviews Bill Nye about the potential impact of the proposed cuts. The article also touches on other news stories related to the Trump administration, including the deployment of National Guard troops to Oregon and Chicago, and the government's shutdown. Other topics include a judge blocking Trump's move to send troops to Portland, and the Trump administration's trolling of Democrats.

The ongoing US government shutdown is affecting air travel, causing delays and staffing shortages at major airports. Air traffic controllers, deemed essential workers, are working without pay, leading to increased stress and some calling in sick. Twelve FAA facilities reported staffing shortages, with the Burbank airport control tower shutting down entirely. The shutdown is also impacting smaller cities that rely on subsidized flights, with the Essential Air Service program set to expire. Airlines are working to maintain services, but may stop if the shutdown continues.

The article discusses Lawrence Bishnoi, a 32-year-old Indian gangster who is currently jailed in a high-security prison in India. Despite being behind bars, Bishnoi is accused of orchestrating various terror acts, including threatening a Bollywood superstar, murdering a pop icon, and orchestrating a political assassination. Canada has recently designated Bishnoi as a terrorist entity, accusing him of carrying out crimes against Sikh dissidents on Canadian soil. Bishnoi denies many of the charges against him, and his lawyer has stated that they will investigate Canada's latest allegations. The article provides a detailed background on Bishnoi's life, from his childhood in a small village in Punjab to his transformation into a gang leader while studying at Panjab University in Chandigarh.

A medical helicopter operated by REACH Air Medical Services crashed on eastbound Highway 50 near 59th Street in Sacramento on October 6, 2025, at around 7 p.m. The three people on board, a pilot, nurse, and paramedic, were injured and taken to local hospitals in critical condition. The crash caused significant disruption to traffic, with eastbound lanes completely blocked temporarily. The cause of the crash is not yet determined, and investigations are ongoing by various authorities including the FAA and California Highway Patrol. Weather conditions were clear and calm at the time of the crash.

Two years after the Hamas attack on a music festival on October 7, families of the victims are demanding answers about what led to the deadly incident. CNN's Jeremy Diamond spoke with Israelis fighting for their loved ones, both alive and dead. The article highlights the ongoing impact of the attack on the families and the community, and the need for accountability and understanding of the events that led to the attack.

A South American trade bloc, the Andean Community, has ruled that Peru is failing to curb illegal gold mining and mercury trafficking, posing a threat to Indigenous communities and the Amazon environment. The bloc has ordered Peru to reform its laws, seize mining equipment, and end extensions of a registry for informal miners that critics say shields illegality. The decision supports Indigenous groups who claim that their rivers and food supply are being poisoned by mercury contamination.

The Nobel Prize in Physics is to be announced on Tuesday by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. This will be the second award announced this year by the Academy, following the announcement of the Nobel Prize in medicine the previous day. The physics prize has been awarded 118 times to 226 Nobel laureates between 1901 and 2024.

Two years into the Gaza war, thousands of people remain missing, leaving families tormented as they search for clues about their loved ones' fates. The article follows the story of Mohammad al-Najjar, whose son Ahmad went missing during an Israeli bombing raid. The family's desperate search for Ahmad reflects the broader tragedy of the war, where many families are still seeking answers about their missing relatives.

The Donetsk region in Ukraine is a crucial location in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. A 33-year-old soldier from the region is fighting to defend her home, which has been embroiled in conflict since 2014. The region has become a key indicator of the fortunes of both sides in the war, with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 marking a significant escalation. The article highlights the human cost of the conflict and the importance of the Donetsk region in understanding the war's progress.

The Mexican government has launched a national music contest, 'Mexico Sings,' to promote wholesome lyrics and counteract the popularity of narcocorridos, a genre that often glorifies drug cartel culture and violence. The contest, which drew over 15,000 contestants, aims to shift the focus of Mexican music towards more positive themes such as love, immigration, and Mexican culture. The winners of the contest received record label contracts and will go on a government-run tour of Mexico and the US. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the impact of organized crime on Mexican society and culture.

The article reports on flight delays caused by air traffic controller staffing shortages at several major US airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Hollywood Burbank Airport, amid a government shutdown. The transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, had warned that flying could be disrupted due to the shutdown, and air traffic controllers are required to work without pay until the shutdown ends. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a 'ground delay program' to manage the situation, holding flights from departing other airports if they were headed for one with limited capacity. The delays were exacerbated by a 'slight tick-up' in sick calls from controllers since the shutdown began.

The Pentagon has relaxed its new restrictions on press access after negotiations with national news organizations. The revised rules clarify that journalists do not need approval from the department before publishing articles with unclassified information. However, the rules still outline conditions under which journalists could be deemed 'security risks' and have their credentials revoked. The changes are seen as a response to concerns from media lawyers and news organizations about the initial draft, which was perceived as restrictive. The Pentagon's actions are part of a broader trend of tension between the Trump administration and the news media.

The article discusses the current record-high price of Bitcoin and whether it is sustainable. While some experts argue that the cryptocurrency's value will continue to rise due to its limited supply and increasing demand from institutions, others are skeptical, citing its lack of intrinsic value and volatile price fluctuations. The article highlights the factors contributing to Bitcoin's surge, including the US government shutdown, high inflation, and the 'debasement trade' where investors turn to 'hard' assets like Bitcoin and gold. Experts on both sides of the debate share their views, with some predicting a significant price increase and others warning of a potential crash.

Ukraine's military claims to have struck a major Russian explosives factory and an oil terminal in Crimea, as part of a strategy to reduce Russia's 'offensive potential.' The attacks come after a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine over the weekend, which killed at least five people and injured many more. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more protection and faster implementation of defence agreements, especially on air defence, to stop Russian 'aerial terror.'

Malaysia's train travel is experiencing a resurgence, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) providing both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia. The Komuter Utara service has benefited many Malaysians, including workers like Nuhairi Ismail who commute to Penang's industrial parks. The Jungle Railway, also known as Shuttle Timuran, is a scenic route that journeys through Malaysia's rugged interior and provides essential connectivity to rural towns and villages. The Electric Train Service (ETS) has drastically shortened travel times between stations, and ridership for intercity rail service has more than doubled in the past decade. The Malaysian government plans to improve infrastructure and public connectivity under the 13th Malaysia Plan, with developments such as the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit line.

The article discusses the remaining comfort women survivors in Asia, 80 years after World War II. It highlights the story of 97-year-old Park Pil-geun, a South Korean survivor who was forced into providing sexual services to Japanese Imperial Army troops during the war. The article notes that the number of surviving comfort women is dwindling rapidly, with only six known survivors in South Korea, seven in China, and about 40 in the Philippines. The issue remains a contentious topic between South Korea and Japan, with ongoing protests and demands for justice and closure. The article also mentions the installation of comfort women statues around the world to advocate for justice for survivors.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz aims to reform the UN by reducing 'bloat' and restoring its effectiveness. He believes President Trump's Gaza peace plan is a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity for Middle East peace.' Waltz criticizes the UN's aid delivery in Gaza, stating that nearly 90% of its aid trucks were intercepted by armed groups or crowds. He vows to 'make the UN great again' by implementing America First policies and eliminating 'woke' programs. Waltz emphasizes the need for the US to remain engaged globally to protect its interests and prevent bad actors from filling the void.

The Trump administration has appointed Frank Bisignano, the current Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, to the newly created position of CEO of the IRS. Bisignano will oversee day-to-day IRS operations while continuing to serve as SSA Commissioner. The move has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the impact on both agencies. Critics argue that Bisignano's dual roles could compromise the independence of the SSA and IRS, and that the appointment may have been made to avoid Senate confirmation. The appointment is part of a larger leadership shuffle at the IRS, with several acting commissioners having served in the role since Trump's inauguration.

Rescue operations have ended at the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in East Java, Indonesia, where a building collapse during afternoon prayers resulted in 67 confirmed deaths. The collapse, attributed to foundational failures and illegal construction, has sparked widespread anger and grief in the local community. The school, which was adding two levels without a permit, is one of thousands nationwide operating without proper authorization.