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The article discusses the recent surge in gold prices and the potential risks associated with it. The author argues that the only plausible explanation for the rally is that investors are seeking safe-haven assets amid uncertainty. However, this does not reassure investors, as the rally may be driven by speculation rather than fundamental value. The article uses the analogy of poker to describe the dynamics of gold trading, where 'strong hands' are investors who remain loyal to gold regardless of price fluctuations, while 'weak hands' are those who sell at the first sign of trouble. The author cautions that if the price does not rebound after a market softening, the bullish narrative collapses.

The article discusses the psychological toll of Israel's recent military victory, highlighting the trauma, rebellion, and emigration that have surged alongside its military ascendency. The Nobel Prize award to Israeli citizen Joel Mokyr received little recognition due to the focus on the release of hostages from Gaza and the ceasefire. The article suggests that Israel is facing a psychological reckoning as it grapples with the consequences of its military actions.

The article discusses how AI is changing the way cover letters are written and potentially affecting job applicants' chances of getting hired. It highlights that a good cover letter is crucial in helping employers identify promising candidates, particularly those with non-traditional employment histories. However, with AI making it easier to generate cover letters, the signalling value of a well-written cover letter may be diminished, potentially leading to lower pay for job applicants. The article raises concerns that the increased use of AI in job applications may lead to a decrease in the quality of hires and ultimately affect the job market.

The article 'In defence of personal finance' discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of personal finance management, highlighting its advantages despite potential widening of inequality. The author shares their personal experience of meticulously managing household accounts and investments, finding it not only practical but also enjoyable. The article touches upon the complexities involved in personal finance, such as managing mortgages and investment portfolios, and suggests that while it may have its downsides, such as potentially exacerbating market crashes, it has several benefits.

Iraq's recent election may lead to stability but at the cost of militia control and weakened civil society. The presence of militia posters and leaders near universities highlights their influence. The election is the sixth since the 2003 American invasion, and its outcome may further entrench militia power while potentially limiting broader freedoms.

The article discusses the Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized their contributions to understanding economic growth. Joel Mokyr received half the prize, while Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt shared the other half. The article argues that Joel Mokyr's award is well-deserved and reflects the changing intellectual currents in the field of economics. The prize money was 11m Swedish kronor ($1.2m). The article highlights the significance of their work and its impact on the field of economic history.

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The article discusses the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's ex-jihadist president, who has become a new ally for Donald Trump. The Syrian government, led by al-Sharaa, has launched a crackdown on suspected Islamic State (IS) members, detaining over 70 individuals in Homs. This move is seen as an attempt to impress the United States as much as to root out jihadist remnants. The article highlights the complexities of the Syrian situation, with some of al-Sharaa's supporters still sympathizing with jihadists.

The article discusses a dispute between two wealthy individuals, Amelia Bond and Lisa Gorman, over trees on their adjacent properties in Camden, Maine. Bond poisoned Gorman's 70-foot oak trees to improve her view, sparking a public spectacle and legal battle. The article uses this incident to explore the economics of crime, highlighting how wealthy individuals may engage in destructive behavior to achieve their goals.

The article discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce and how it is leading to widespread job displacement. The author argues that while AI is being touted as a solution to increase efficiency, it is actually causing significant economic disruption and leaving many people without a safety net. The author suggests that this will lead to a rise in socialism as people become desperate and look to the government for support. The article highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to technological advancement, one that considers the human cost and provides a safety net for those displaced.

The Philadelphia Eagles narrowly defeated the Detroit Lions 16-9 on Sunday night, thanks in part to a contentious defensive pass interference call against Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. The call occurred with less than two minutes remaining and allowed the Eagles to maintain possession and ultimately run out the clock. The Lions' offense struggled throughout the game, and quarterback Jared Goff had a subpar performance. The loss dropped Detroit to 6-4 and third place in the NFC North. NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth criticized the call, stating it was 'terrible' and would decide the game's outcome.

New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd was shot outside a trendy Manhattan restaurant, Sei Less, early on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Boyd, 29, left the restaurant with two other Jets players moments before the shooting because he felt an off 'vibe' due to tension between other groups. He was critically wounded with two gunshots to the abdomen and is in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital. The NYPD is investigating, having obtained surveillance footage of a car with Michigan plates fleeing the scene. The shooter is believed to have fled in a BMW X6 SUV followed by a Mercedes-Benz Maybach, both with out-of-state plates. Sei Less has not cooperated with police, refusing to hand over security footage.

Filmmaker Dan Farah claims in his documentary 'The Age of Disclosure' that the existence of UFOs is no longer a question and that the US government is part of a 'secret Cold War race' to reverse engineer alien technology. Farah interviewed 34 senior members of the US government, military, and intelligence community, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who all had 'direct knowledge' of the issue. The documentary alleges an '80-year global cover-up' of extraterrestrial existence and suggests that the first country to crack the code on alien technology will be the leader for years to come. Farah believes that President Trump may be the first commander-in-chief to speak openly about the phenomena and alleged decades-long cover-up.

Actress Jane Seymour, known for her role in 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,' has shared her thoughts on finding love again in her 70s after being married four times. She met her current partner, John Zambetti, an emergency room doctor and musician, through their children two years ago. Seymour believes that age is just a number and that '70 is the new 50.' She feels fortunate to have found a healthy and loving relationship at this stage of her life, crediting their maturity and understanding of each other's needs. Seymour and Zambetti's relationship began at a Shwayze concert, a mutual friend they share, and she appreciates that Zambetti had not known about her acting career initially, allowing their connection to be genuine. Seymour emphasizes the importance of intimacy in their relationship, attributing their fulfilling experience to their maturity and knowledge of their bodies.

The article reports that Josh Naylor has agreed to a five-year contract to remain with the Seattle Mariners, marking the first major signing of the MLB offseason. Naylor, 28, was acquired by Seattle from the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline and had a successful stint with the team, boasting a .299 batting average, .831 OPS, nine homers, and 19 steals in 54 games. He also had a strong all-around year with 20 homers and 92 RBIs, helping the Mariners win the AL West and make a run to Game 7 of the ALCS. The signing gives the Mariners a second big bat alongside catcher Cal Raleigh. The article also mentions that Naylor was considered a potential fallback option for the Mets if they were unable to re-sign Pete Alonso, who had a strong 2025 season.

NFL fans were divided over American pop singer Karina Pasian's performance of the US national anthem at the first-ever NFL game in Spain. While some criticized her revealing outfit, others praised her powerful vocals. The game between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins was held at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, with the Dolphins winning 16-13 in overtime. Pasian, a Grammy-nominated singer, received both positive and negative comments on social media regarding her attire and performance.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is facing pressure from liberal Democrats and activists to support Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's tax-hike plans, which include increasing taxes on the wealthy and corporate tax rates to fund universal childcare and other social programs. The Democratic Socialists of America held a 'Tax the Rich' rally, where state lawmakers and activists urged Hochul to back Mamdani's agenda. Hochul has endorsed Mamdani but has not committed to raising taxes, citing concerns about the potential economic impact. The standoff reflects a broader tension within the Democratic Party between moderates and progressives.

A 14-year-old girl named Kylie Toberman was found dead in an RV behind her home in Vandalia, Illinois, hours after she was reported missing. Arnold B. Rivera, 43, was arrested and charged with her murder, as well as aggravated criminal sexual assault and concealing a homicidal death. Rivera had prior run-ins with the law, including charges of burglary and criminal sexual abuse of a child. Kylie's mother, Megan Zeller, expressed her grief and outrage on Facebook, criticizing the Department of Children and Family Services for their handling of the situation. The community is grieving the loss of Kylie, who was a member of the Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club.

China aims to double its middle-income population to 800 million in the next decade. Currently, over 400 million people out of 1.4 billion are considered middle-income. The government plans to achieve this goal by steadily expanding the middle-income cohort and creating an 'olive-shaped' income distribution chart. However, many individuals, like Xiao Mei, a kindergarten teaching assistant, feel stuck in low-income brackets due to stagnant wages and a sluggish job market.

Alibaba Group Holding has launched its multipurpose artificial intelligence app, Qwen, which offers a range of AI-powered services for free. The app is designed to be a comprehensive AI assistant in both professional and personal settings, challenging the subscription-based AI business model used by international competitors such as OpenAI and Anthropic. Qwen is available on both Apple's App Store and Google Play and has gained popularity since its release, with some users reporting service delays due to high traffic. The app directly competes with rivals like ByteDance's Doubao and Zhipu AI, which offer basic services for free but charge for premium access. Alibaba Cloud has been registering trademarks for Qwen across various sectors, including education, entertainment, social services, and finance.

The number of Chinese students studying in the US has continued to decline, with a 4% decrease in the 2024-25 academic year, while Indian students saw a 9% increase, widening the gap between the two groups. Despite this, Chinese students remain the second-largest group and contribute significantly to the US economy, with $14.6 billion in contributions. The decline is attributed to anxiety over the Trump administration's policies, including restrictions on travel and immigration.

Hong Kong has seen a 12% year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals for the first 10 months of 2025, with around 41 million visitors. The majority of visitors, 31.44 million, came from mainland China, while 9.62 million were foreign tourists. Both short-haul and long-haul tours saw significant increases, with 18% and 19% rises respectively. The Tourism Board reported a provisional number of 4.6 million tourist arrivals in October, a 12% year-on-year increase. Visitors from Taiwan, Australia, and the Middle East were noted to be more prominent, although exact numbers were not provided.

The article discusses China's new mid-course missile interceptor, the HQ-29, unveiled at the Victory Day parade in September. The HQ-29 is a land-based air-defence missile system capable of intercepting targets in near-space outside the Earth's atmosphere. It is considered a key supplement to China's multilayered ballistic missile defence system. The article compares the HQ-29 to its US rivals, the sea-based SM-3 and the silo-based Ground-Based Interceptor, and highlights its capabilities, including its ability to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at altitudes above 100km.

The article provides a live update on the 8th day of the 2025 National Games, focusing on Hong Kong athletes' performances. Key events include Ceci Lee's winning start in the omnium bid at the Velodrome and Coleman Wong's progress in tennis without dropping a set. Other athletes mentioned include Siobhan Haugey, Angus Ng Ka-long, Aaron Ho, Kaylin Hsieh, and Cheung Ka-long, competing in various events such as swimming, badminton, and fencing. The article highlights the anticipation and action-packed nature of the day's competitions.

The European Union is recalibrating its approach towards China, adopting a softer tone while pursuing harder policies, particularly in regards to rare earths and chipmaker Nexperia. The EU is seeking to convince China to issue more export licenses for critical minerals and is close to agreeing on a general licensing procedure for rare earths. This shift comes after China's export controls on rare earths and the Nexperia crisis roiled European industry.

A job listing in southern China's Guangdong province for a garbage supervisor with a PhD has sparked public debate over credential excess and degree inflation. The job, posted by the Shixing county sanitation office, requires overseeing landfills and transport stations, but critics say the advanced degree is unnecessary for the role. The listing has become a flashpoint in discussions about overqualification and mismatched roles amid an economic slowdown and a surge in college graduates entering the job market.

The US has launched an anti-scam 'strike force' to counter cryptocurrency fraud linked to Southeast Asia, which could help the region combat cybercrime. The initiative targets transnational criminal enterprises that exploit lax governance and human trafficking. Analysts say the US effort can serve as a coordination blueprint for Southeast Asia to push back against these crimes.

The Amazon rainforest is at risk due to efforts to overturn a long-standing ban on the sale of soya grown on land cleared after 2008. The ban, known as the Amazon Soy Moratorium, has been credited with curbing deforestation and is supported by environmental groups and major UK food companies. However, powerful farming interests in Brazil, backed by some politicians, are pushing to lift the restrictions, warning that it could lead to a new wave of land grabbing and deforestation. Scientists warn that ongoing deforestation, combined with climate change, is driving the Amazon towards a potential 'tipping point' beyond which the rainforest can no longer sustain itself.

A massive cybercrime racket in India was uncovered by police in Gujarat state, where hackers stole sensitive footage from at least 50,000 CCTVs across the country and sold it on the internet. The footage included videos from a maternity hospital, showing pregnant women undergoing medical exams. The hackers used default or weak passwords to access the CCTV systems, and sold the videos on Telegram channels. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, and the police have reached out to Telegram and YouTube to take down the videos. Experts warn that poorly installed or managed CCTV systems can threaten privacy, and that organizations must ensure their systems are properly secured.

A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence implicating two US marines, Lance Corporal Humberto Mendoza and Lance Corporal Stephen Tatum, in the killing of a family in Haditha, Iraq in 2005. The incident was part of the Haditha massacre, in which 24 Iraqi civilians were killed. Despite initial charges being brought against four marines, only one, Staff Sergeant Frank Wuterich, stood trial, and he was eventually convicted of a lesser charge. The new evidence, including statements and testimony from Mendoza and Tatum, raises questions about the US investigation and the accountability of US armed forces.

Iran has begun cloud seeding to induce rain in an attempt to combat its worst drought in decades. The process was conducted over the Urmia lake basin, and further operations will be carried out in east and west Azerbaijan. The country is experiencing record-low rainfall, with reservoirs nearly empty, and officials have warned that Tehran's water supply may be rationed and people evacuated if there is not enough rainfall soon. Iran's meteorological organisation reported a decrease of about 89% in rainfall this year compared to the long-term average.

Jurors in the trial of Rajwinder Singh, accused of murdering Toyah Cordingley in 2018, visited Wangetti Beach in northern Queensland, Australia, where the victim's body was found. The prosecution alleges that Singh stabbed Cordingley and buried her in a shallow grave, then fled to India. The defense claims Singh is a 'placid' and 'caring' man who was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time.' The trial is ongoing, with the jury hearing evidence about DNA found at the scene and Singh's sudden departure from Australia.

South Korean actress and K-pop star Nana fought off a home intruder alongside her mother. The intruder, a man in his 30s, broke into Nana's property in Guri with a weapon and threatened the two women. Nana and her mother managed to subdue the intruder until police arrived. The intruder was attempting to steal valuables and was detained on charges of aggravated robbery. Nana and her mother required medical attention after the incident. Nana rose to fame in 2009 with the K-pop girl group After School and has since gained popularity as an actor, starring in TV series such as Kill It and Justice.

The Canadian government is facing a challenge in balancing its economic ambitions with environmental concerns as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pushes for a new oil pipeline to the Pacific, while British Columbia Premier David Eby opposes it. The pipeline is seen as crucial for Canada's goal to double non-US exports in the next decade and become a global 'energy superpower.' However, environmental groups and some First Nations communities are likely to oppose the project, citing concerns over climate change and indigenous sovereignty. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is caught in the middle, with some suggesting that reviving the Keystone XL pipeline to the US might be a more feasible option.

YouTuber Jack Doherty, known for his provocative videos, was arrested in Miami on drug possession charges after attempting to engage with police officers and blocking traffic. He was found with a pill consistent with a Schedule II amphetamine and suspected cannabis cigarettes. Doherty has over 15 million subscribers on YouTube and is known for his prank videos.

Hundreds of climate protesters marched in Belem, Brazil, during the COP30 climate summit, demanding action from world leaders to address climate change. The protesters wore costumes and carried signs, with some disrupting the talks earlier in the week. The march was one of the largest climate protests in recent years, with participants from various environmental and social movements. The United States did not attend the talks due to President Trump's skepticism about climate change. Meanwhile, two U.S. governors, Gavin Newsom and Michelle Lujan Grisham, attended the summit to represent state-level efforts to curb emissions.

K-pop star Nana and her mother fought off a home intruder in their Seoul suburb home, resulting in the intruder's arrest. The suspect, a man in his 30s, broke in to steal valuables and threatened both women, demanding money. Nana was injured, and her mother suffered serious injuries and lost consciousness. They are both receiving treatment at a hospital. The suspect is in custody on charges of aggravated robbery. Nana, whose real name is Im Jin-ah, is a former member of the girl group Orange Caramel and has transitioned into acting, landing several leading roles in television dramas.

Pope Leo XIV hosted a star-studded audience at the Vatican to celebrate the power of cinema, featuring Hollywood stars like Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee, and Monica Bellucci. The Pope encouraged artists to use their work to include marginalized voices and praised film's ability to console and challenge audiences. He also acknowledged the financial difficulties facing movie theaters and urged institutions to cooperate in affirming their social and cultural value. The event is part of the Vatican's efforts to engage with the secular world and showcase its appreciation for the arts.

The Vatican has returned 62 Indigenous artifacts to Canada as a 'concrete sign of dialogue, respect and fraternity' between the Catholic Church and Indigenous peoples. The artifacts, including an iconic Inuit kayak, were part of the Vatican Museum's ethnographic collection and were given to Pope Pius XI by Catholic missionaries in 1925. Historians and Indigenous groups have questioned whether the items were truly 'gifts' given the power imbalances at play during colonial times. The return of the artifacts is seen as a significant step towards reconciliation and follows Pope Francis's apology for the Church's role in running Canada's residential schools. The artifacts will be taken to the Canadian Museum of History to be identified and preserved by Indigenous communities.

The article is a transcript of an interview between Margaret Brennan of CBS News and Dan Driscoll, the Secretary of the Army, on November 16, 2025. They discussed various topics including the U.S. military's preparedness for potential conflicts, the impact of government shutdowns on military families, and the growing threat of drones to military sites and civilian gatherings. Driscoll emphasized the need for the U.S. to lead in countering the drone threat and highlighted the Army's efforts in developing a layered defense system. He also touched on the importance of innovation and collaboration with industry leaders to address the rapidly evolving drone threat.

The UK government plans to overhaul its asylum policies, reducing protections for refugees and ending automatic benefits for asylum seekers. The measures, modelled on Denmark's strict asylum system, aim to slash irregular immigration and counter the rising popularity of the anti-immigrant Reform UK party. The plans include cutting the length of refugee status from five years to 30 months, making refugees wait 20 years before applying for long-term residency, and revoking the statutory duty to provide support to asylum seekers. Critics argue that the measures will not deter people from trying to reach Britain and will instead harm those who are genuinely in need of protection.

The UK government has announced a significant overhaul of its asylum policy, inspired by Denmark's strict approach. The changes include longer wait times for permanent residency, stricter rules around family reunions, and a forced return to the person's home country once it is deemed safe. The new policy aims to make the UK less attractive to illegal migrants and easier to remove people whose claims are denied. The move has been criticized by over 100 charities, who argue that it fuels racism and violence.

A memorial service was held in Jerusalem to honor Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was reportedly killed during a speaking engagement. The event drew around 300 attendees, including Israeli officials, clergy, and American Christians. Speakers praised Kirk's legacy, highlighting his commitment to conservative values, his ability to connect with young people, and his support for Israel. The gathering was described as a 'declaration of purpose,' with attendees vowing to continue Kirk's work.

U.S. Marines protecting the American embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members on November 13. The incident occurred as gang violence continues to plague the Caribbean nation, with armed groups controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince. The U.N. has authorized a multinational mission to neutralize gangs and support humanitarian access. The State Department has a 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' warning for Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest risks. No U.S. service members were injured in the incident.

A new investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Sistema project has found that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using identical offices in different locations to conceal his real whereabouts. The investigation analyzed over 700 Kremlin videos and identified telltale clues such as thermostat shapes and door-handle placement to determine that Putin has been filmed in at least three nearly identical offices - one at Novo-Ogaryovo near Moscow, another in Sochi, and a third in Valdai. The duplication of offices allows the Kremlin to maintain the illusion of a single, stable seat of power and makes it difficult to determine Putin's actual location. Analysts say that Putin's current pattern of secret locations and information control is similar to that of Saddam Hussein's, and that Valdai's dense forest and isolation make it easier to protect with air-defense systems.

The UK's Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is facing a challenging Autumn Budget on November 26, as she must address a multi-billion-pound hole in public finances without breaking her self-imposed fiscal rules. Markets anticipate tax hikes and spending cuts, but Reeves is caught between appeasing voters, shoring up public finances, and convincing money markets of her policies' soundness. Breaking her fiscal rules could rattle the bond market and dent her credibility. Experts predict a combination of tax hikes and spending cuts, with some expecting a 'market-friendly' budget. However, others warn that drastic spending cuts could be unpopular with Labour party lawmakers, and breaking the fiscal rules could lead to market volatility.

China's soybean imports from the US have not rebounded as expected following a trade truce between the two countries. Despite agreements to purchase large quantities of American soybeans, China has only bought 332,000 metric tons since the Trump-Xi summit in South Korea. China's stockpiles of soybeans are at record levels, and the country is instead increasing purchases from Brazil. US farmers are frustrated as they rely heavily on Chinese demand, and the slowdown has strained them financially. Analysts believe China is using soybean purchases as a bargaining chip in trade talks with the US.

Sammi Ekmark, a 29-year-old former star tennis player, co-founded Ink'd Greetings, a personalized greeting and gift card company, after tearing her ACL during a college tournament. Despite dedicating her life to tennis, Ekmark pivoted to entrepreneurship and now earns over $25,000 a month. Her story highlights the challenges faced by student-athletes who don't go pro and the importance of entrepreneurship in their transition. The article also discusses the changing landscape of college sports, including the recent House v. NCAA settlement, which allows athletes to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness.

The article discusses China's role in the global fight against climate change, highlighting its efforts to position itself as a leader in the green transition despite being the world's biggest polluter. China has pledged to reduce emissions by up to 10% from their peak by 2035 and is sending a large delegation to COP 30. However, the country continues to build coal plants, raising questions about its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Samsung billionaire Lee Kun-hee's vast art collection, amassed over seven decades, is being used as part of South Korea's 'K-culture' soft-power drive. Over 200 pieces from the 23,000 objects gifted to the country in 2021 are on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC. The collection spans 1,500 years and includes rare Buddhist sculptures, antique furniture, and 20th-century paintings. The exhibition aims to showcase Korea's modern identity and cultural heritage, with the Lee family's donation filling a gap in the history of contemporary Korean art. The collection also reflects the Lee family's attempt to grapple with Korean identity in a globalized era.

President Trump has called for NBC to fire late-night host Seth Meyers, claiming he has 'no talent' and suffers from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' Trump posted on Truth Social, criticizing Meyers' show as a 'Ratings DISASTER.' The FCC chair, Brendan Carr, reposted Trump's message, drawing criticism from free speech advocates who argue it was an attempt to pressure media companies to toe the line for Trump. The FCC has limited authority over content due to the First Amendment.

Thanksgiving is expected to be more expensive this year due to rising prices of key ingredients such as turkey, beef, and canned vegetables. Wholesale turkey prices have jumped 40% from last year, largely due to outbreaks of avian influenza and increased demand. Beef prices are nearly 15% higher, and canned vegetables are 5% more expensive due to higher packaging costs resulting from steel and aluminum tariffs. However, some grocery items like eggs and domestic wine have seen price decreases. Experts recommend planning meals in advance, buying private label brands, and shopping early to mitigate the impact of higher prices.

The Afghan Taliban foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, visited India and received a warm welcome, defying Pakistan's influence over the Taliban. Pakistan responded with airstrikes on Afghanistan, escalating tensions between the two countries. The visit highlighted the Taliban's growing independence from Pakistan and its ideological ties to India. The article discusses the historical context of the Taliban's relationship with Pakistan and the implications of the visit for regional geopolitics.

The number of new international students enrolling in American colleges and universities decreased by 17% this fall, according to a survey by the Institute of International Education. The decline is attributed to the Trump administration's policies on immigration and student visas. While the overall number of international students remained steady, the decrease in new enrollments suggests that the US could see steeper declines in the coming years. The survey found that 57% of institutions reported decreases in new international enrollments, with concerns about obtaining student visas and travel restrictions being major factors. The decline is a continuation of a trend from last year, when new international enrollments decreased by 7%. International students are a crucial source of income for American universities, and the decline has raised concerns among higher education officials.

The article discusses China's growing influence in Laos through its Belt and Road Initiative, specifically the Laos-China Railway (LCR). The LCR has brought Chinese tourists, investors, and workers to Laos, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. While the railway has boosted tourism and trade, Laotians are questioning whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Local businesses feel left out as Chinese operators dominate the tourism industry, and concerns about cultural heritage and uneven distribution of benefits are rising. The article highlights the complexities of China's investment in Laos and the challenges faced by local communities.

The article reports on a trend where burglars target the homes of Asian immigrants in the US while they are working. The Kims, owners of a grocery store in Eugene, Oregon, were victims of such a burglary in August. Their house was ransacked, with thieves emptying drawers, turning clothes pockets inside out, and stealing or prying open safes. The incident highlights the vulnerability of immigrant families who often work long hours and leave their homes unattended, making them easy targets for burglars.

Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will be closed on Monday due to concerns over asbestos contamination in colored play sand. The sand, sold by Kmart and Target, has been recalled after asbestos was detected in some samples. A comprehensive audit is underway to assess the extent of the issue. While the risk to human health is considered low, authorities are taking a precautionary approach to minimize potential risks. The government has assured that the affected schools will be cleaned and remediated before reopening.

Multiple schools in New Zealand have temporarily closed and hundreds of education facilities are seeking advice from officials after asbestos was detected in several brands of widely used coloured play sand. The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed a voluntary recall was under way for six coloured sand products sold in New Zealand after testing in Australia found asbestos in similar products. Education providers and individuals who had brought the products have been advised to immediately stop using the sand and follow guidelines for safe disposal. New Zealand's Ministry for Education reported that 150 schools and 90 early childhood centres had sought advice from officials by Sunday.

The article discusses the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela under President Donald Trump's administration. Trump has been vague about his plans for Venezuela, but has indicated that he has 'sort of made up his mind' after meeting with top advisers. The White House's campaign of military pressure is intensifying, but the end goal is unclear. Some speculate that the US may be seeking regime change or even a full-blown invasion. The article also notes that many commenters are skeptical of Trump's actions, believing that the true motive is to divert attention from domestic issues, such as the Epstein scandal. The situation remains uncertain, with the US Army Secretary stating that the army 'would be ready to act on whatever the president and the Sec. War needed'.