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The article discusses the concept of 'white-collar warfare' in office settings, drawing parallels with military escalation strategies developed by Herman Kahn. It explores how office conflicts can escalate and provides insights into the various stages of escalation, using Kahn's 'escalation ladder' as a framework. The article is part of The Economist's business section and is categorized under 'Bartleby'.

The article discusses how Nestlé and Danone are focusing on premium bottled water brands, indicating a shift towards the high-end market in the bottled water industry. The trend is highlighted through an advertisement featuring Lily Collins and directed by Damien Chazelle, showcasing a sleek and upscale branding approach. The article suggests that the companies are 'doubling down' on these premium brands, signaling a strategic business move towards upmarket products.

The article discusses the growing issue of cybercrime affecting businesses worldwide, citing the example of a cyber-attack on Asahi, a Japanese brewer, which halted production and shipments. The attack highlighted the increasing ruthlessness and sophistication of cybercriminals, who are now leveraging digital currencies to facilitate their activities. The article suggests that businesses are struggling to cope with this new wave of cybercrime.

The article questions whether Britain has become too lenient in its stance towards China under the leadership of Sir Keir. It references a historical context of Britain's past aggressive actions towards China, such as the opium wars, and contrasts this with current accusations that Sir Keir is being too soft on China. The article discusses a recent spying fiasco and the opening of a new London embassy as factors fueling these accusations.

The article discusses the increasing number of Chinese business leaders being detained or disappearing, often without formal charges or due process. The practice, known as 'liuzhi,' is an extra-judicial form of detention that has been used to target executives and entrepreneurs in various industries. The article highlights the case of Yu Faxin, a scientist and entrepreneur who was taken away by China's anti-corruption agency. The phenomenon is contributing to a climate of corporate gloom in China, with many business leaders feeling vulnerable to arbitrary detention and public shaming. The article suggests that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to exert control over the private sector and suppress dissent.

The Conservative Party's annual conference in Manchester was marked by low attendance, but Kemi Badenoch's leadership was notable for its embrace of Javier Milei's economic policies. The party is considering adopting more radical measures, symbolized by Milei's use of a chainsaw, to revitalize its image. The article discusses the party's dire position and the potential risks and benefits of such a move.

The article 'What if OpenAI went belly-up?' by Schumpeter in The Economist explores the hypothetical scenario of OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence company, going out of business. It highlights OpenAI's recent significant deals with major chipmakers like Broadcom, Nvidia, and AMD, indicating its central role in the AI world. The article suggests that OpenAI's collapse would have substantial implications for the AI industry and its investors.

The article discusses the potential successors to Sir Keir Starmer as Britain's prime minister, given his low satisfaction ratings among Britons. Despite having a significant majority in Parliament and not being required to call a general election until 2029, speculation about his successor is already underway. The article touches on various political issues and current events in Britain, including the government's policies and the opposition's struggles.

The article discusses Britain's dominance in growing giant vegetables, attributing its success to a combination of climate, culture, and eccentricity. The Malvern Autumn Show in Worcestershire hosts the CANNA UK Giant Vegetables Championship, a prestigious competition that showcases enormous vegetables. Britain's favorable climate and the nation's cultural affinity for gardening contribute to its growers' ability to produce record-breaking vegetables.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 24 due to an off-field injury that he claims puts his life and limb at risk if he continues to play football. Bell was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and played in 32 games, recording 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns. He suffered a hip injury during the 2024 season and was placed on the active/non-football injury list. Bell thanked lawyer Brad Sohn in his announcement, who vowed to ensure that such an incident does not happen to anyone else again.

Samuel Lee Smithers, known as the 'Deacon of Death,' was executed by lethal injection on October 14, 2025, for the murders of two women, Christy Cowan and Denise Roach, in 1996. Smithers, a Baptist deacon, lured the victims to a property where he was doing landscaping work, engaged in sex with them, and then murdered them, dumping their bodies in a pond. The execution marks Florida's 14th execution this year, a record for the state. Smithers was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. at Florida State Prison in Bradford County.

New York health officials have confirmed the state's first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne illness, in Nassau County on Long Island. The individual, whose travel history is limited to within the US, contracted the virus, marking the first locally transmitted case in the US in six years. Health officials believe the person was bitten by an infected mosquito, although the exact source is unclear. The chikungunya virus is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and can cause symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and rashes. While the current risk of transmission is considered low due to dropping temperatures, health officials are monitoring the situation as the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which carry the virus, are present in parts of the New York City metropolitan area and Long Island.

New York City-area airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International, are refusing to play a video by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the video as 'false' and 'nakedly partisan.' The Port Authority cited its 'longstanding policies' against airing political content on airport-controlled screens. Other major US airports have also barred the video due to its political tone.

A violent brawl broke out at a Whataburger restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, after a food order mix-up, resulting in seven people being arrested and charged with assault. The incident occurred early last Sunday morning, with a viral video showing the fight and pictures revealing blood covering the booths and floor. The exact circumstances are still under investigation, but a mother of one of the individuals involved posted on Facebook, claiming that the staff's handling of the situation escalated the conflict.

President Donald Trump criticized ABC News host George Stephanopoulos during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, mocking Stephanopoulos' handling of an interview with Vice President JD Vance. Trump claimed that Stephanopoulos was overly aggressive and cut off Vance mid-sentence. The interview between Vance and Stephanopoulos had become contentious when Stephanopoulos questioned Vance about border czar Tom Homan allegedly accepting a bribe. Trump later stated that he would refuse to take questions from ABC News, referring to it as 'fake news.'

A 35-year-old woman was found safe after a video surfaced showing her being carried away by a man from a Kansas home, sparking fears of an abduction. The incident is believed to be a case of domestic violence involving the woman's boyfriend. The Wichita Police Department released the footage and offered a $2,000 reward for information, which led to the woman contacting the authorities. She was reunited with the police and reported to be unharmed.

The article discusses the upcoming NYC mayoral debate featuring Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa, focusing on Mamdani's controversial anti-Israel stance and its potential impact on the election. The author criticizes Mamdani's reaction to the end of the war in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages, accusing him of antisemitism and failing to condemn Hamas. The article also compares the candidates' positions on various issues, including law and order and education, portraying Cuomo as a more moderate alternative to Mamdani.

Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepalese student, was taken hostage by Hamas during an attack on Israel in October 2023. His friend, Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary, credits Bipin with saving his life by throwing back a grenade thrown by Hamas attackers. Bipin's body was among the four hostages returned by Hamas under a ceasefire accord. Dhan Bahadur shared his experiences and memories of Bipin with BBC Nepali, expressing sadness and grief over his friend's death.

The US government has seized over $14 billion in bitcoin and charged the founder of the Prince Group, Chen Zhi, with masterminding a massive cryptocurrency scam. The scam involved forced labor camps in Cambodia and targeted thousands of victims worldwide. The UK government has also sanctioned Chen and his accomplices, freezing assets including 19 properties in London. The joint operation between the US and UK aims to combat transnational crime and protect victims.

OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT will soon allow erotica content for verified adults as part of its push to 'treat adult users like adults'. The move has sparked concerns among lawmakers and critics about the need for tighter restrictions on chatbot companions, particularly regarding access by minors. OpenAI has faced lawsuits and criticism over its handling of mental health issues and parental controls. The decision comes as the company seeks to attract more paying subscribers and maintain its rapid growth in the AI market.

Two French nationals, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in Iran on spying charges. They were arrested in May 2022 while on a tourist trip and found guilty of spying on behalf of France and Israel. The sentences range from 6 to 10 years in prison, with additional 20-year exile terms. France has accused Iran of holding them arbitrarily and in conditions akin to torture. The case is part of a larger issue of Iran detaining Europeans on espionage charges, often using them as leverage in diplomatic negotiations.

A 38-year-old man, Cody Balmer, has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison for setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's official residence in April. Balmer pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated arson. The attack, which occurred during Passover, severely damaged the mansion but did not harm Shapiro, his family, or staff. Shapiro expressed that the incident has left lasting scars on his family, who have had to rely on their faith for support. The attack is part of a broader context of political violence in the US, including other incidents targeting high-profile figures.

US President Donald Trump has stated that the US will not 'waste our time' helping Argentina if libertarian leader Javier Milei loses the upcoming legislative elections. Trump welcomed Milei to the White House and acknowledged that a $20bn US lifeline to help calm Argentina's currency crisis is an attempt to sway the elections. Milei's party is facing challenges in the mid-term elections, with recent provincial elections showing poor performance and corruption scandals rocking the party. Trump's backing is seen as an effort to support his libertarian ally, but it is unclear if it will make a difference in the elections.

The US Supreme Court has rejected Alex Jones' appeal against a $1.5 billion defamation judgment for claiming the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. Jones was ordered to pay damages to Sandy Hook families in 2022. The court did not explain its decision, but Jones' lawyers had argued that the judgment infringed on his free speech rights under the First Amendment. The decision means Jones may still be forced to sell his Infowars media company to pay the damages.

Ecuador experienced two violent attacks on Monday, resulting in 14 deaths and 17 injuries, with some victims showing signs of torture. The attacks are linked to criminal groups involved in extortion and contract killings. The country has seen a surge in violence due to its role as a transit hub for cocaine shipments to the US and Europe. The Ecuadoran government has been dealing with the aftermath of these attacks and the rise in violence, including the extradition of a major drug lord to the US.

Twenty members of the Barrio 18 gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, escaped from a prison in Guatemala. The escape occurred at the Fraijanes II facility, southeast of Guatemala City. The prison director reported that they received an intelligence warning about the possible escape on Friday and are investigating possible acts of corruption. The U.S. embassy condemned the escape as 'utterly unacceptable' and called on the Guatemalan government to recapture the escaped gang members. Barrio 18 is known for its violence and extortion, and the U.S. has blacklisted it as part of its crackdown on drug trafficking. Guatemala is home to around 12,000 gang members and collaborators, with 3,000 in prison, and has seen an increase in its homicide rate.

A German woman has returned an ancient relic, the capital of a column, to Greece after stealing it over 50 years ago from the Leonidaion, a 4th-century BC guesthouse in Olympia. The relic was handed over to the University of Muenster, which returned it to Greece. The Greek culture ministry praised the woman's 'sensitivity and courage' and highlighted the importance of cooperation and mutual respect in the return of cultural artifacts. This is the third artifact returned by the University of Muenster in recent years, following the return of a twin-handled wine cup in 2019 and a Roman-era marble male head in 2024. The return of the relic is seen as a positive step in the repatriation of antiquities, with Greece having been trying to broker deals for the return of cultural artifacts without resorting to legal action.

Two hikers were hospitalized after being attacked by a grizzly bear on a popular trail in British Columbia, Canada. One hiker is in critical condition while the other is stable. The attack occurred in the McGregor Mountain area, northeast of Prince George, and an investigation is ongoing. The hiking trails in the area have been closed since the incident. The attack highlights the risks associated with grizzly bear encounters, which are rare but can be serious or fatal.

Indonesian authorities have found traces of radioactivity at a clove farm on Sumatra island while investigating Cesium-137 contamination in spices and shrimp exported to the US. The investigation was launched after the US FDA detected the radioactive isotope in samples from Indonesian companies. The government has banned the farm from selling its cloves and is testing samples to determine the source of contamination. The FDA has banned products from two Indonesian companies and requires import certification for shrimp and spices from certain regions of Indonesia. The contamination is linked to an elevated risk of cancer, and the Indonesian government has tightened restrictions in the affected area.

The Nobel Institute has stated that a potential leak preceding the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was 'highly likely' the result of espionage. The odds of Machado winning jumped from 3.75% to 73% overnight on a predictive betting platform, raising suspicions. The Nobel Institute's director, Kristian Berg Harpviken, said they would investigate and potentially tighten security. Machado was awarded the prize for her work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela.

China is raising the maximum hiring age for some civil service positions from 35 to 43 amid rampant age discrimination in the job market. The change applies to fresh master's and doctoral graduates for national-level civil service examinations. The move comes as part of an effort to address the country's tough labour market and rapid population ageing. Some local governments have already made similar adjustments, with the city of Suining in Sichuan province raising the age limit earlier this year.

Chinese researchers have successfully tested a submersible vehicle called Spider, designed to help build one of the world's largest neutrino observatories in the South China Sea. The Spider deployed a 700-meter string of 20 sensor balls at a depth of 1,700 meters, which will be used to study neutrinos, nearly weightless and electrically neutral particles that stream through the cosmos. The facility will help scientists reveal the origins of cosmic rays and could be easily upgraded to carry more sensors.

The article discusses the intensifying competition between Chinese and European carmakers, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, as China celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations with the EU. European carmakers, who formed joint ventures with Chinese firms decades ago, now fear losing their markets to Chinese upstarts. The article explores whether it's too late for EU carmakers to work together with their Chinese counterparts to clear the way for cooperation.

The article summarizes seven key stories related to China's electric vehicle (EV) industry, including Tesla's Shanghai factory achieving record deliveries, the impact of China's EV boom on EU carmakers, and record pure-EV sales in China driven by new models and expiring tax breaks. China's EV giants are expanding overseas, with BYD opening its largest plant outside Asia. The article highlights the competitive landscape and growth in China's EV market.

Hong Kong has welcomed 36 million tourists in the first three quarters of the year, a 12% increase year on year. The majority of visitors came from mainland China, with 28 million visitors, an 11% increase. Non-mainland tourists also experienced significant growth, with 8.5 million visitors, a 16% increase. The Hong Kong Tourism Board reported strong growth from Japan, Taiwan, and Australia. Overseas long-haul visitors increased by 18%, while overseas short-haul visitors rose by 17%.

Indonesia aims to resume shrimp exports to the US after a radiation scare led to a halt in shipments. The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has implemented stricter rules, requiring shrimp exporters in affected regions to obtain a safety certification to confirm the absence of the hazardous isotope Caesium-137. The move is seen as a step towards restoring the reputation of Indonesian shrimp and diversifying the local industry's markets. While one company remains on the US FDA's rejection list, 41 shrimp processing units in Java and Lampung are eligible for certification.

Major Chinese airlines have opposed a plan by the Trump administration to bar them from flying over Russia on US routes, citing increased flight times, higher air fares, and potential disruptions to some routes. The US Transportation Department proposed the ban last week, arguing that the reduced flight time gives Chinese carriers an unfair advantage over American airlines. Chinese airlines, including China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern, have urged the administration to abandon the plan, warning of significant impacts on passengers and airlines. United Airlines has also weighed in, suggesting that the prohibition should be extended to Cathay Pacific and other Hong Kong-based carriers.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke out after a man who set his home on fire pleaded guilty to attempted murder of Gov. Shapiro and other charges. The man had previously been accused of attempting to murder the governor. Shapiro spoke to CNN's Jake Tapper about the incident.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Udine, Italy, before a World Cup soccer qualifier between Italy and Israel, resulting in clashes with police. The mostly peaceful protest turned violent when some demonstrators threw firecrackers and barriers at anti-riot police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. The march was organized by the Committee for Palestine-Udine, calling for FIFA to ban Israel from international soccer competitions due to alleged 'occupation policies' in Palestinian territories. The Italy-Israel match proceeded as scheduled, with Italy winning 3-0. Local authorities had implemented significant security measures, including road closures and concrete barriers around the stadium. The protest and subsequent clashes drew condemnation from local officials, including the mayor of Udine.

Laurence Watkins, a 60-year-old retired security guard from Auckland, New Zealand, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest personal name with 2,253 names. He changed his name in 1990 to achieve this record, drawing inspiration from various sources including Latin, Old English names, and famous figures. Watkins' full name fills seven pages on his birth certificate, and he has to carry a copy of it when traveling. The record was initially for the longest Christian name but was later recategorized as the longest personal name. Watkins' decision to change his name was inspired by his fascination with 'Ripley's Believe It or Not!' and the Guinness Book of World Records. He spent a month deciding on his new name and paid a typist to record it on paper. Watkins' name change was initially rejected by the Registrar General, but he won his case in the High Court. The New Zealand government later changed laws to prevent others from adopting similarly long or unusual names.

The US Department of Homeland Security has created a video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown. The video is being played at some airport security checkpoints, but many airports are refusing to show it, citing concerns over its partisan content. The decision to play the video has sparked controversy and raised questions about its legality and whether the Department of Homeland Security can require airports to show it. Some airports have confirmed that the video is being played on TSA-controlled monitors, while others have refused to display it or noted that they lack the capability to do so. The video's content has been criticized for being in violation of the Hatch Act, a 1939 law that prohibits government employees from engaging in certain political activities. Experts have weighed in on the issue, with some suggesting that the video's display could lead to a slippery slope where other federal workers feel empowered to express their own political views.

The UK is facing a potential showdown between the government and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over the 'investability' problem caused by a mis-selling scandal involving Personal Contract Purchases (PCPs). The FCA has estimated that the industry will have to pay £11 billion in compensation for mis-sold PCPs, with lenders such as Lloyds Banking Group and Close Brothers raising their provisions accordingly. However, lenders and car manufacturers are unhappy with the FCA's methodology, arguing that it may lead to customers being refunded more than their actual losses. The government, led by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, may intervene to mitigate the impact on the banking sector.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced that ChatGPT will allow more explicit content, including erotica, for verified adults by December. This marks a significant shift in OpenAI's policy, which previously banned NSFW content. Altman stated that the company has mitigated serious mental health issues and developed new tools to safely relax restrictions. The move comes as OpenAI faces increased scrutiny over its safety practices, including an FTC inquiry and a lawsuit alleging ChatGPT contributed to a teenager's suicide. OpenAI has also announced a new expert council on well-being and AI to advise on healthy AI interactions.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani plans to end the country's $4 billion reliance on Iranian gas imports by 2028 as part of efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil. Iraq has signed deals with foreign investors, including TotalEnergies, Chinese, and Emirati firms, to capture gas currently being flared, worth $4-5 billion annually. The move aims to ease chronic power shortages and reduce dependence on Iranian gas, which currently fuels nearly a third of Iraq's electricity generation. Al-Sudani's government is also courting investments from various countries, including the US, China, and Gulf states, to improve infrastructure and the power grid. However, renewed sanctions on Iran could impact Iraq's economy and its relations with Tehran.

A recent Deloitte survey found that 57% of U.S. consumers expect the economy to weaken in the next year, the most negative outlook since 1997. Consumers plan to spend 10% less during the holiday season due to anticipated higher prices. Gen Z consumers are expected to cut spending by 34%, the largest decrease among all generations. The survey's findings suggest that consumers are becoming increasingly cautious, with 77% expecting higher prices on holiday items. Retailers should be prepared for a potentially challenging holiday season.

Exiled Hong Kong dissidents are concerned that the UK's plan to restart extraditions with Hong Kong could put them in greater danger. The UK government has amended its extradition laws to redesignate Hong Kong as a non-treaty state, allowing for extraditions to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Dissidents and advocates fear that Hong Kong authorities could exploit this process to target political figures, despite UK assurances that extraditions will not be for political purposes. The move has been criticized by Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith and others, who argue that it could lead to the extradition of individuals to face politically motivated charges.

Japan is experiencing a surge in births to non-Japanese parents, with a record number of over 22,000 babies born in 2024, while births among Japanese parents declined by 41,000. This trend highlights the country's demographic challenges and the need for more migrant workers to address labor shortages. However, the issue is politicized, with some politicians and parties opposing increased immigration, citing concerns over jobs and crime. The article argues that Japan's politicians must choose between economic decline and a more diverse population.

The Sudanese city of El Fasher is on the brink of collapse after being besieged by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for over 500 days. The city, which is the Sudanese army's last stronghold in the west, has been subjected to constant artillery and drone attacks, resulting in widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis. A recent report by MedGlobal found that most homes have been destroyed, and the population is experiencing extreme levels of malnourishment, with 1 in 5 children under 5 acutely malnourished. The RSF has prevented humanitarian access, and the situation is exacerbated by a communications blackout. The international community has condemned the violence, with the UN high commissioner for human rights denouncing the continued killing of civilians.

Chinese President Xi Jinping praised advances in women's rights at a global women's summit in Beijing, while simultaneously overseeing a crackdown on Chinese feminists and activists. Xi's government has silenced feminist voices, banned accounts promoting 'gender antagonism,' and restricted public discussion on women's rights. The article highlights the contrast between Xi's public statements on women's empowerment and the reality of the Chinese government's patriarchal turn in politics.

The UK's climate advisers have warned that the country is unprepared for extreme weather and must urgently adapt to global warming of at least 2°C above pre-industrial levels by 2050. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) highlighted six critical areas that need attention: public health, food security, infrastructure resilience, protection of cities and towns, maintenance of public services, and climate-resilient economic growth. The UK experienced its warmest summer on record in 2025, with droughts declared in several regions, impacting health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) rail network providing essential connectivity to rural areas and industrial parks. The Komuter Utara service, launched in 2015, has benefited many Malaysians, including commuters like Nuhairi Ismail who travel from Alor Setar to Penang for work. The KTM network, which stretches from Singapore to the Thai border, offers scenic routes like the Jungle Railway, attracting adventurers and nostalgia seekers. Infrastructure developments, such as the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit, are set to enhance the transport grid and boost economic growth. Ridership for intercity rail services has more than doubled in the past decade, while urban commuter ridership declined due to maintenance and upgrading work.

The NGO Handicap International has warned that unexploded ordnance in Gaza poses significant risks to displaced people returning home during a US-led ceasefire. The organization estimates that 70,000 tons of explosives have been dropped on Gaza since the start of the war, and the risks are aggravated by the densely populated urban areas. The UN's Mine Action Service (Unmas) has stated that it has not been able to conduct large-scale survey operations in Gaza due to restrictions, but has received requests for technical expertise since the ceasefire came into effect. The agency is working to ensure the safety of debris management operations and clearing rubble, particularly along roads used by returning displaced people.

The article discusses the medical conditions and experiences of 20 Israeli hostages released by Hamas from Gaza captivity. The hostages showed severe starvation and weight loss, with some having lost up to 40% of their body weight. They were subjected to harsh conditions, including being held in isolation, tunnels, and being chained. Medical professionals are concerned about the long-term effects of severe nutritional deprivation, vitamin deficiencies, and the risk of refeeding syndrome. The hostages also suffered from various injuries and medical conditions, including shrapnel injuries, burns, and gunshot wounds, which were left untreated during their captivity.

The Trump administration has revoked the visas of at least 50 Mexican politicians and government officials, mostly from the ruling Morena Party, as part of its crackdown on drug cartels and their suspected allies. The move is seen as part of Trump's security strategy and a new front in his 'drug war,' targeting political networks and traffickers. The revocations have been made under the premise that these individuals have violated U.S. law or acted against America's national interest. The Trump administration has taken a zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking, striking suspected drug boats from Venezuela and revoking visas of officials from other countries, including Colombia and Brazil.

A freed Palestinian prisoner, Akram al Basyouni, has alleged that he and other prisoners were subjected to systematic torture, humiliation, and death while in Israeli detention. Al Basyouni, who was held for nearly two years, described scenes of beatings, gassing, and psychological abuse. He claimed that many prisoners died from their treatment, including doctors who were beaten and denied medical care. The Israel Prison Service and Israel Defense Forces have been contacted for comment but have not responded. This account is consistent with previous reports of Palestinian prisoners being subjected to harsh treatment in Israeli detention.

The niece of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman allegedly murdered by a British soldier in 2012, met with UK Defence Secretary John Healey to push for the accused soldier's extradition to Kenya. Esther Njoki, now 21, was eight years old when her aunt's body was found in a septic tank near a British Army base in Nanyuki, Kenya. Kenyan prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant, but the soldier remains in the UK. Njoki expressed her determination to fight for justice, stating that the accused should not be excused due to his army uniform. Healey paid tribute to Njoki and pledged the government's support for the Kenyan investigation.

The Supreme Court has rejected conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' appeal of a $1.4 billion judgment against him for defaming the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims by claiming the event was a hoax. The court's decision leaves the judgment in place, which was awarded to relatives of victims and an FBI agent who responded to the shooting. Jones had argued that he was wrongly found liable for defamation and infliction of emotional distress without a trial on the merits. His lawyers claimed that the plaintiffs have no hope of collecting the entire judgment due to his bankruptcy filing. The decision is seen as a significant step towards holding Jones accountable for the harm caused by his actions.

President Trump posthumously awarded Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated last month, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The ceremony took place in the White House Rose Garden on what would have been Kirk's 32nd birthday. Trump praised Kirk's work in mobilizing young voters and credited him for his electoral victories. Kirk's widow, Erika, received the medal and thanked Trump for the honor. The award has been criticized due to Kirk's divisive rhetoric on issues such as gay and transgender rights and race. Trump has also announced plans to award the medal to Rudolph Giuliani and Ben Carson.