In other news

The article discusses the potential risks and challenges facing Britain in a post-Brexit world, particularly in relation to trade wars between the EU and the US. The EU's announcement of harsh tariffs on steel imports is expected to have a significant impact on Britain, given its reliance on the European market for steel exports. The article highlights the vulnerability of Britain's steel industry to EU trade policies and the potential consequences of being caught in the middle of an EU-US trade war.

The article discusses the deteriorating relationship between America and Israel, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Gaza. The author argues that the war has exposed deep-seated differences between the two nations and that the American public is increasingly critical of Israel's actions. The article highlights the growing estrangement between the two countries and the potential consequences of this drift. The author also touches upon the historical context of the alliance between America and Israel and how it is being tested by the current conflict.

The article mourns the death of Jilly Cooper, a renowned British author known for her novels that often featured themes of sex and horses. The piece reflects on Cooper's impact on British literature and culture, referencing a controversy surrounding the reprinting of her book 'Riders' in 2015, where the cover was altered to remove a suggestive image.

The article discusses the close collaboration between British Jews and the police to prevent attacks, highlighting a recent incident in Manchester on Yom Kippur where an attacker breached security. It also notes the rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK, with over 1,500 reported hate incidents against Jews in the first six months of the year. The article sets this within the context of protests in London and other cities on the anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israel two years ago, which the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, described as 'un-British'.

The article discusses the potential impact of Donald Trump on America's press, questioning whether he can 'muzzle' the media. It highlights Trump's history of bullying certain outlets and examines the challenges he faces in intimidating the press as a whole. The article touches on Trump's recent executive order regarding TikTok and other global issues, providing context to his influence on media and politics.

The article discusses the growing issue of cybercrime affecting big businesses, citing examples of Jaguar Land Rover, Asahi, and Marks & Spencer, which were hacked and took significant time to recover. The author suggests that banning the payment of ransoms could be a starting point to mitigate the problem. The article highlights the far-reaching consequences of such attacks, including disruption to the firms and their suppliers, and the potential need for government intervention.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's protectionist policies, including tariffs and immigration restrictions, are harming the US economy by isolating it from global trade and talent. The article argues that these policies will have long-term negative consequences and that the damage will not be easily reversed.

The article discusses the strained relationship between Israel and America, particularly after recent visits by Israeli officials to Washington. They were met with criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, indicating a shift in the traditionally strong support for Israel. The article suggests that the war in Gaza has undermined one of the world's closest alliances and that America is falling out of love with Israel.

The article discusses the recent selection of Takaichi Sanae as the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), making her poised to become the country's first female prime minister. The author describes her as brash, nationalistic, and polarizing, fitting a global trend in politics. The article suggests that Japanese politics has entered a 'heavy-metal phase' with Takaichi's ascension, marking a significant shift from its traditionally calm and ambient nature.

The article discusses the law firm Leigh Day, which is portrayed as a significant opposition force to the British government. The firm has been involved in several high-profile cases, including equal-pay claims, environmental pollution, and infrastructure projects. The article suggests that Leigh Day's legal challenges have been a thorn in the side of the government, with ministers complaining about delays to infrastructure projects. The firm's cases have had significant impacts, such as pushing Birmingham City Council to the brink of bankruptcy. The article argues that Leigh Day is the 'real opposition' in British politics, as its legal actions have more tangible effects than traditional opposition parties in Parliament.

The new term of the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) is set to reshape America's constitution as it tackles crucial cases that could impact the balance of power among the government's branches. The article highlights the importance of checks and balances in the US system, noting that the constitution's unwritten aspects, such as beliefs, behavior, and legal precedents, play a significant role in governing the country. The justices' level of ambition will be crucial in determining the court's decisions, particularly in cases involving an overmighty president. The article emphasizes that the court's rulings will have far-reaching consequences for the country.

The article discusses Russia's increasing use of 'micro-aggressions' against Europe, particularly in Germany, as a means to undermine support for Ukraine and highlight America's ambivalence. These actions include drones flying over critical infrastructure in Germany, suggesting a coordinated effort to survey and potentially disrupt key targets. The article suggests that Russia is employing a strategy of subtle aggression to erode European support for Ukraine without triggering a significant response from NATO or the US.

The Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are preparing contingency plans for mass evacuations in the event of a potential Russian attack, amid heightened concerns over Russia's military spending and aggressive actions since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite Russia's denials of any plans to attack NATO, the three countries have doubled their defense spending and are cooperating on civil protection. Officials are planning for the possibility of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing a Russian troop buildup or attack.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, reaffirming the two countries' commitment to deepening their traditional friendship and cooperation. Li emphasized China's dedication to advancing a 'more just and equitable' international order alongside North Korea. The meeting is part of a series of high-level exchanges between the two nations in recent weeks, highlighting their 'unwavering' ties.

Scientists from China and Spain have discovered that adding salt to ice enables it to generate electricity when bent, potentially leading to a new form of green power in cold climates. The research, published in Nature Materials, found that salt-doped ice can produce an electrical response comparable to some ceramic materials. This breakthrough could harness the energy potential of the Earth's ice-covered surface, which covers around 10% of the planet.

Chinese regulators, led by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), are stepping up efforts to curb disorderly price competition in key industries. The regulators have published a joint policy paper outlining measures to limit intense competition that has led to price wars and self-destructive cost-cutting practices. The measures include state-sanctioned cost assessments, firm actions against below-cost bidding, and price inspections. The goal is to promote healthy development of the national economy by preventing negative effects on industry development, product innovation, and quality and safety.

Hong Kong authorities have pledged to improve their care home respite services after an ombudsman's investigation found that some facilities were unduly selective in admitting applicants and were underused. The Social Welfare Department has demanded that operators remove unnecessary background and medical checks, and has vowed to issue warnings to those who fail to rectify the situation. The ombudsman's investigation found that some facilities required additional checks, such as meetings or home visits, and asked applicants to pay for extra medical examinations. The department has promised to take action against operators who do not comply.

Hong Kong's 'cold dew' day, traditionally marking a transition to cooler weather, was unusually hot due to global warming, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius. Former Hong Kong Observatory director Lam Chiu-ying warned that low-income residents would be the first to suffer from rising temperatures, but eventually, everyone would be affected. Social workers are calling for measures to mitigate the effects on low-income families and workers.

The Qin dynasty, China's first unified imperial dynasty, was established by Qin Shi Huang in 221BC after conquering six other warring states. Despite its short reign of only 15 years, the Qin dynasty had a profound impact on Chinese culture, introducing standardized writing, currency, and governance. Qin Shi Huang's rule was marked by ruthless policies, including the burial of scholars alive, but also brought about significant technological advancements and cultural developments. The article explores the significance of the Qin dynasty in Chinese history and its lasting legacy.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven news stories from the past week, including the US pressing unlikely buyers to purchase American soybeans, Malaysia's Petronas CEO apologizing for participating in a champagne-spraying celebration at the Singapore Grand Prix, and the Indonesian consulate helping the family of a domestic helper killed in a Hong Kong car crash. Other stories cover Japan's highest hotel tax in Kyoto, China's increasing use of industrial robots, and tensions in global trade. These stories shed light on topical issues and resonated with readers.

South Korean analysts warn that Seoul should maintain pragmatic diplomacy amid growing US pressure to counter China, as leaning too far towards the US under President Donald Trump could trap the country diplomatically. They emphasize that South Korea cannot afford to lose China, its largest trading partner, especially with the US imposing harsh tariffs and its defence commitment wavering. Analysts suggest that Seoul should chart its path case by case, keeping national interests front and centre.

The US Senate has passed a measure that limits Nvidia and AMD's AI chip exports to China, requiring them to prioritize American companies' access to their products. The bipartisan legislation aims to bolster US competitiveness in cutting-edge industries and curb exports to China and other foreign adversaries. The bill has been met with criticism from US tech leaders and groups, who argue it will restrict competition and weaken innovation. The measure was approved as part of the annual defence policy bill, but its path to becoming law remains unclear.

The article discusses the growing skepticism among Chinese intellectuals and the general public towards the Western version of world history, particularly in relation to ancient Egyptian history. A recent exhibition on ancient Egypt at the Shanghai Museum has sparked debate, with some Chinese scholars questioning the authenticity and age of the artifacts on display. The exhibition was a major collaboration between the Shanghai Museum and the Egyptian government, marking the largest display of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt in over two decades. The skepticism has added an unexpected twist to the long-term partnership between China and Egypt, with Egypt being a major partner in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

At least 13 people were killed and 16 others injured after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled the Saudi hospital in el-Fasher, a Sudanese city under siege. The attack has been condemned as a war crime by a group of Sudanese medics. The RSF has been besieging el-Fasher for over 17 months, causing widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis. The city's health facilities have been severely impacted, with most shutting down due to the fighting. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged for urgent measures to protect civilians.

Mali's capital, Bamako, is experiencing severe fuel shortages due to a blockade imposed by al-Qaeda-linked militants, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The blockade has led to long queues at petrol stations, with many businesses shutting down or struggling to operate. The military government has assured residents that the issue is temporary and has taken steps to import fuel from neighboring countries. However, there are fears that the new stock will quickly run out, and prices may rise further. The blockade is part of a larger insurgency by JNIM, which has been targeting highways and trade routes, causing widespread disruptions.

The NBA is returning to China for the first time since 2019, with two pre-season games between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns in Macau. The games mark a reconciliation between the NBA and China after a row over pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The NBA's value in China is estimated to be around $5 billion, and the organization has cast the games as part of efforts to tap into a growing viewership of American basketball in the country. Chinese fans have expressed excitement about the games, with some traveling from across the country to attend. The return of the NBA to China comes against a backdrop of tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade.

A Dutch beekeeper, Harold Stringer, has spoken out about the destruction of his 10 beehives in an arson attack in Almere, Netherlands, resulting in the death of approximately half a million bees. The attack occurred in Beatrixpark on Tuesday evening, with police appealing for witnesses and confirming the use of an accelerant. Stringer expressed his shock and devastation at the loss, highlighting the already precarious state of bee populations in the Netherlands, where over half of the country's 360 bee species are at risk of extinction. Despite the setback, Stringer is determined to rebuild his bee colony.

A South African farm worker, Adrian De Wet, testified in court that he was forced by his boss, Zachariah Johannes Olivier, to feed the bodies of two black women to pigs to dispose of evidence after they were shot. The women, Maria Makgato and Lucia Ndlovu, were allegedly killed while looking for food on a farm near Polokwane in South Africa's Limpopo province. De Wet, who was also previously accused of murder but turned state witness, described how he and Olivier armed themselves with hunting rifles and waited for trespassers before opening fire. The case has sparked outrage across South Africa, exacerbating racial tensions between black and white people.

The article discusses how some tech billionaires, including Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, are preparing for potential catastrophic events by building bunkers and buying land in safe locations. The article explores the reasons behind this behavior, including the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential risks associated with it. Some tech leaders believe that AI could become a powerful force that could either greatly benefit humanity or pose an existential threat. The article examines the different perspectives on the development of AI and its potential consequences, including the possibility of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial super intelligence (ASI).

The US government has launched an investigation into Tesla's self-driving cars after reports of traffic law violations, including driving on the wrong side of the road and failing to stop at red lights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received 58 reports of such incidents involving Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised)' mode, which allows cars to make lane changes and turns but requires drivers to remain alert. The investigation will assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of these incidents, which involved an estimated 2.9 million cars equipped with the technology. Tesla has faced previous investigations and criticism over its autonomous driving features.

The parents of Tom Phillips, a New Zealand man who went on the run with his three children for nearly four years, have apologized for the trouble caused by their son's actions. Tom Phillips was killed in a shoot-out with police in September, and his parents, Neville and Julia Phillips, have made their first public comments since his death. They stated that they did not support their son's actions and were sorry for the inconvenience, loss of privacy, and property caused. The family had been living in hiding in the New Zealand wilderness, and Tom Phillips was known as an experienced hunter and bushman. The police had been searching for them, and the operation's main goal was to locate and return the children safely. One of the children was with Tom Phillips during the shoot-out and helped the police locate the other two children.

At least 14 soldiers were killed and several others injured in South Sudan after a suspected 'love triangle' dispute led to a deadly shootout among members of the Unified VIP Protection Force. The clash occurred near the oil-rich Abyei Box region, straddling the border between Sudan and South Sudan. The incident has raised concerns about renewed tensions in the country, which has been experiencing a fragile power-sharing deal between President Salva Kiir and his rival, Riek Machar. The UN rights chief has warned that South Sudan is on the brink of renewed war, with nearly 2,000 civilians killed in surging violence this year. The international community is calling for calm, with the UN, African Union, and neighboring countries urging restraint.

Dutch authorities discovered two hand grenades, dating back to 1925, hidden among onions in a delivery from France to a factory in the Netherlands. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) examined the grenades and identified them as pre-1925 French and German manufactured chemical weapons. The grenades will be destroyed and transferred to a specialized facility in Belgium. This unusual discovery comes shortly after a live grenade was found by a toddler in Washington state.

Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was shot dead in a targeted attack in Sydney's northwest suburb of Riverstone. The 33-year-old was on an early evening walk when he was gunned down. Police believe it was a targeted attack and are investigating a possible link to a foiled 'kill team' incident the day before. Mokhtarian had survived an attempt on his life last February and had fought twice in the UFC before moving into coaching.

Indian police have arrested the owner of a pharmaceutical company, G. Ranganathan, in connection with the deaths of at least 21 children who were prescribed a contaminated cough syrup manufactured by his company, Sresan Pharma. The syrup, sold under the brand name Coldrif, was found to be contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic substance used in industrial solvents. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of pharmaceutical products manufactured in India, which is the third-largest producer of drugs and pharmaceuticals by volume. The World Health Organization has sought clarification from Indian officials about whether the toxic cough syrup had been exported to other countries.

Pope Leo XIV met with El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz and a delegation of Catholic leaders, who shared letters and a video detailing the struggles of immigrant families under the Trump administration's crackdown. The Pope expressed his support for the migrants and urged the U.S. bishops to speak out against the administration's policies. The meeting comes as the Catholic Church continues to denounce the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have been criticized for being inhumane and causing fear among migrant communities.

Mexican prosecutors have launched an investigation into soldiers involved in the shooting deaths of six people on a highway in Tamaulipas, a northern state plagued by drug cartel violence. The incident occurred when a white pickup truck allegedly tried to ram an army vehicle, prompting the troops to open fire. The region has seen numerous violent clashes between security forces and gang members, with accusations of extrajudicial killings. The latest incident has sparked further scrutiny of the military's actions in the area, which has been marred by violence and crime, including the killing of a top federal official in August.

President Trump said he may travel to the Middle East this weekend, potentially visiting Egypt and Gaza, as his administration's negotiators work to broker a peace agreement between Hamas and Israel. The trip would be contingent on the success of the negotiations, which have been ongoing in Egypt. Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are currently in Egypt facilitating indirect talks between the two parties. The negotiations center around a 20-point peace proposal unveiled by Trump last month. Hamas has accepted some elements of the proposal, which includes the release of remaining hostages within 72 hours. The potential trip comes amid a federal government shutdown.

China's Commerce Ministry has designated TechInsights, a Canadian-based semiconductor research firm, as an 'unreliable entity' due to national security concerns. This decision prohibits Chinese individuals and organizations from sharing information with TechInsights. The move comes after TechInsights reported that Huawei's latest AI chips contained components sourced from outside mainland China, including from companies under US export controls. The crackdown may add to the opaqueness of China's chip industry and fuel concerns about the effectiveness of US export controls. TechInsights is known for its in-depth coverage of Chinese-made chips and has reported on breakthroughs by companies like Huawei. The findings by TechInsights about Huawei's latest 'Ascend' AI chips are consistent with those from other research firms, indicating that Huawei relies on technology from memory chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC).

China's real estate market is expected to decline more sharply than expected in 2025, with sales of new homes projected to drop by 8% to between 8.8 trillion and 9 trillion yuan. This is a steeper decline than the 3% drop predicted in May. The S&P Global Ratings report attributes the weaker outlook to fragile homebuyers' sentiment and a lack of aggressive policy easing by Beijing. The government is expected to continue supporting the sector to restore homebuyers' confidence. The property market is expected to halve in four years, from 18.2 trillion yuan in 2021. The report also notes that sales are expected to fall by another 6% to 7% in 2026, with primary home prices down by 1.5% to 2.5%.

European markets are expected to open mixed on Friday as investors react to a potential Israel-Gaza peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump. The Israeli government has approved the first stage of the deal, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, it remains unclear whether Hamas will disarm and disband as outlined in the plan. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has survived two no-confidence votes. Investors are also awaiting economic data releases from Italy, Russia, and Switzerland. Overnight, Asian chip stocks rallied after a week of AI deals, while US stock futures were little changed.

The collapse of First Brands Group, a US auto parts manufacturer, has sent shockwaves through the banking sector on both sides of the Atlantic. The company's rapid demise has highlighted the risks associated with private credit's often 'aggressive' funding structures. Lenders such as Jefferies and UBS O'Connor have significant exposure to First Brands' debt, with Jefferies' Leucadia Asset Management unit having a $715 million exposure. The collapse has drawn comparisons to the subprime mortgage crisis and Greensill Capital's collapse. Industry insiders warn that the private credit market's lending standards are the weakest they've ever been, with aggressive financing structures and covenant-lite loans creating more risk. The debacle has raised questions about the broader systemic risk and the potential for more defaults and lower recoveries in the private credit market.

The article discusses the possibility of France adopting a technocratic government to address its current political instability. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister soon, and outgoing PM Sebastien Lecornu has suggested that the next PM should be 'completely disconnected from the presidential ambitions for 2027.' The article compares France's situation to Italy's, where technocratic governments have been led by central bankers. The potential benefits and challenges of a technocratic government in France are explored, including its ability to reassure investors and make tough decisions.

The UK's largest retail investment platform, Hargreaves Lansdown, has warned investors to avoid cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, despite the recent lifting of a ban on retail investors accessing crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs). The firm believes that cryptocurrencies lack intrinsic value and are too volatile to be included in investment portfolios. However, some experts argue that digital assets can provide a hedge against traditional market volatility and have entered the financial mainstream.

The article discusses the skepticism surrounding a ceasefire deal in Gaza brokered by former US President Donald Trump, with many questioning its legitimacy and long-term prospects. The deal, which aimed to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas, was met with acclaim from Trump's supporters, with some even calling for him to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. However, critics argue that the deal lacks concrete details and that Trump's motivations are suspect.

Israeli ministers have approved an initial ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, aiming to end two years of devastating war. The deal involves releasing 48 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and halting Israel's bombardment of Gaza. Despite cabinet approval, skepticism remains about the agreement's potential to lead to lasting peace, with critics questioning Prime Minister Netanyahu's intentions.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has pledged to accelerate the development of the 'Taiwan Shield' or 'T-Dome' air defense system and increase defense spending to counter the military threat from China. The president announced that defense spending will be raised to more than 3% of GDP and reach 5% by 2030. The move is seen as a response to the growing military threat from China.

The Christian community in the West Bank is dwindling due to violence, restrictions on movement, and economic hardship. The community, which makes up only 1-2% of the West Bank's population, is struggling to maintain its presence in the Holy Land. Clergy and residents express fear and frustration with the current situation, citing settler violence and Israeli military operations. Many families are leaving or considering leaving due to the lack of security and economic opportunities. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has devastated Gaza and affected the tiny Christian community there. Despite the challenges, many Christians remain committed to staying in the region, citing their faith and identity.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. The prize is highly coveted but notoriously unpredictable, with the committee focusing on the durability of peace, international fraternity, and the work of institutions that strengthen these goals. Experts say the committee's decisions are often surprising, and the prize can be awarded to individuals or organizations working towards peace and conflict resolution.

The article discusses CNN's Laura Coates' legal analysis of the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James. The video analysis breaks down the indictment and its implications. The article also includes links to other CNN news videos on related and unrelated topics.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has responded to her recent indictment in federal court by posting a video on X (formerly Twitter), calling it 'baseless' and accusing President Donald Trump of 'weaponizing our justice system.' The indictment has sparked a political debate, with various CNN contributors discussing its implications.

The US Army is accepting a roughly $1 million donation from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) to cover travel and lodging expenses for senior leaders to attend a professional development conference in Washington, DC, amid a government shutdown that has put troops' paychecks at risk. The conference, which includes events like the Leader Solarium, is typically attended by Army leaders, defense industry executives, and foreign military representatives. Officials expressed concern that the shutdown's impact on troops' finances, particularly for junior service members, is 'devastating'.

The Trump administration is rolling out a video at TSA security checkpoints across the US, featuring Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown and its impact on TSA employees' pay. The video is part of an effort to inject politics into travelers' experiences. Noem states that Democrats' refusal to fund the government has affected TSA operations and employees are working without pay. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the video's rollout, echoing Noem's message. The move is unusual as TSA checkpoint videos typically do not contain political messages.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen has called for a stronger response to Russia's 'hybrid warfare' campaign, citing recent incidents of Russian drones and warplanes violating the airspace of six European nations. Von der Leyen stated that these incidents are part of a deliberate and targeted gray zone campaign against Europe and that the EU must respond. She highlighted the EU's efforts to counter Russia's aggression, including mobilizing nearly $930 billion in defense expenditures through 2030. Germany has also taken new action to counter Russia's gray zone tactics, allowing local police forces to shoot down drones. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for a 'new mindset' when it comes to EU security and for the public to be aware of the threat posed by Russia's hybrid warfare.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg faced backlash after using an image of an emaciated Israeli hostage, Evyatar David, in an Instagram post allegedly showing Palestinians suffering. The post, which was part of a collaboration with other activists, compared the suffering of Palestinian prisoners to that of detainees arrested when Israel intercepted their fleet. Thunberg's use of David's image, taken from a Hamas propaganda video, was widely criticized, with many accusing her of ignorance and hate. The post was later edited to remove the image, but not before it sparked a heated debate on social media.

A 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, Jihad Al-Shamie, carried out a deadly car and knife attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur, killing two people and injuring four others. Al-Shamie allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State before being shot by police. The investigation is ongoing, with police arresting six people in connection with the attack. Authorities are assessing whether Al-Shamie acted alone and determining the motive behind the attack.

The UK government has introduced a mandatory Digital ID system, dubbed 'Brit Card', sparking concerns over mass surveillance and digital control. Over 2.8 million Britons have signed a petition to reverse the decision, citing privacy concerns. The system is set to be rolled out by August 2029 and will bar anyone without a digital ID from working in the UK. Critics argue that the system's impact on illegal immigration will be minimal and that it poses significant privacy risks. Security expert Eric Starr argues that the controversy stems from poor conception and a lack of understanding, and that decentralized digital ID systems can mitigate concerns over surveillance and data breaches.

A California woman, Libby Adame, known as 'the butt lady,' was convicted of second-degree murder and practicing medicine without a license in connection with the death of actress Cindyana Santangelo. Santangelo died after receiving a silicone injection at her Malibu home. Adame was on probation at the time of the incident due to a previous involuntary manslaughter case related to another client's death. The defense argued that Adame was only a consultant and did not perform the procedure, but the jury found her guilty. Adame's sentencing is scheduled for November 5, and she faces a minimum of 15 years in prison for the murder conviction.

The article discusses NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's campaign funding, revealing that he has received significant contributions from extremist groups and individuals, including Islamist organizations linked to terrorism and anti-Israel activists. Despite this, Mamdani's supporters argue that he is not an extremist and that accusations of antisemitism are 'bad faith smears.' The article suggests that Mamdani's campaign is being financed by groups with radical ideologies, raising concerns about his potential mayoralty.

The New York Giants secured a dominant 34-17 victory over the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, ending a long-standing losing streak against their divisional rivals. The win was largely attributed to the outstanding performances of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo. Dart completed 17 of 25 passes for 195 yards with one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown, while Skattebo rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns. The Giants' victory was seen as an exorcism for the team and its fans, who had endured numerous losses to the Eagles in the past. The win improved the Giants' record to 2-4 and was a much-needed boost for the team, its players, and its fans.

The article reports on the firing of David Del Rio from the CBS legal drama 'Matlock' due to an alleged sexual assault incident involving co-star Leah Lewis. Lewis has spoken out on social media, stating that she is 'moving forward in love and strength' and thanking her supporters. The incident allegedly occurred on September 26, and Del Rio was axed and escorted off the lot on October 2 after CBS launched an investigation. The show will continue filming without Del Rio, and his character will be written out of future episodes.

The Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) are preparing contingency plans for mass evacuations in case of a Russian attack, driven by concerns over Russia's military spending and aggressive actions since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The plans involve evacuating hundreds of thousands of people, with preparations underway to house them in schools, universities, and other facilities. The countries are also considering scenarios such as sabotage, civil unrest, and a mass influx of migrants. While there are no detailed plans to move people beyond their borders, the countries are aware of the risk of being cut off from their only border with a fellow-NATO state through the Suwalki Gap.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas expressed hope for peace between Palestinians and Israelis in a rare interview with Israel's Channel 12, following a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Abbas stated that the Palestinian Authority (PA) has implemented reforms, including changes to a payment scheme for prisoners' families, and is working on reforms in education, economy, health, and security sectors. The interview comes as the PA faces pressure from the US and Israel to reform, with US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan calling for PA reform as a step towards Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

Malaysia's train travel is experiencing a resurgence, with improved services and infrastructure drawing commuters, adventurers, and nostalgia seekers. The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service has seen a significant increase in ridership, with the intercity rail service more than doubling to over 8.75 million passengers in the past decade. The Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service has benefited rural communities, providing essential connectivity to towns and villages. The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and other infrastructure projects are set to further enhance the transport grid and boost economic growth.

The Trump administration proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on US routes, citing unfair competitive advantages due to reduced flight times and fuel consumption. This move escalates trade tensions between the US and China, particularly after Beijing tightened controls on rare earth exports. US airlines have long criticized the allowance of Chinese carriers using Russian airspace, which they claim puts American carriers at a disadvantage. The proposal could affect flights operated by major Chinese airlines and comes ahead of a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The Gaza Strip has been devastated by two years of war, resulting in significant human suffering and destruction. At least 67,194 people have been killed, and 92% of homes have been destroyed. The war has left 4,900 people with permanent disabilities and orphaned 58,556 children. A possible ceasefire is taking shape, but uncertainty remains over its success. The destruction is visible from space, with 60% of buildings damaged or destroyed. The international community is calling for a surge in humanitarian aid to address the crisis.

Scientists have developed a new 'uncertainty-aware AI' technology that provides a 'confidence rating' for its answers, making it more trustworthy in safety-critical situations. The AI assistant, called the Uncertainty Engine, is being tested at sea to help with maritime route planning and has the potential to be used in various industries such as energy, healthcare, and shipping. It can help reduce fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions by providing the most efficient route. The technology is being developed by the start-up digiLab, which is collaborating with a major manufacturer in the design of new generation small-scale nuclear reactors.

Belgian police have thwarted a suspected plot to attack the country's politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Three men, described as 'young adults' born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, were arrested in Antwerp after an anti-terrorism judge ordered searches of their homes. The suspects were found to have an improvised device, a bag of steel balls, and a 3D printer believed to be used to make parts for the alleged attack. Prosecutors stated that there were indications of a 'jihadist-inspired terrorist attack' targeting politicians. Two of the suspects were still being questioned and were due to appear before the investigating judge, while the third was released.

The Palestine Branch, a notorious prison in Damascus, Syria, was a major torture center during the Assad regime. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians were imprisoned and tortured there, with many women and children being subjected to rape and other forms of abuse. The prison, which was run by the Syrian military intelligence services, was known for its inhumane conditions and brutal treatment of prisoners. After the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, the prison was left empty, but the physical evidence and testimonies of former inmates reveal the atrocities that took place there.

The 2025 Nobel Prizes in science fields honor achievements rooted in fundamental research from decades ago, emphasizing the importance of slow, basic science. The awards in physiology or medicine, physics, and chemistry recognize discoveries and developments that have led to significant advancements in various fields, including cancer treatment, quantum mechanics, and materials science. Experts argue that these prizes demonstrate the value of curiosity-driven research and the need for continued investment in basic science, despite the difficulty in predicting immediate returns.