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The article discusses how Dan Gilbert, a billionaire, has been instrumental in rebuilding downtown Detroit through various projects. It highlights the history of Hudson's department store, a once-iconic store in Detroit that closed in 1983 and was demolished in 1998. The article questions whether Gilbert's efforts to revitalize the area might eventually lose momentum.

California has passed a significant housing reform bill, SB 79, despite opposition from various groups and individuals, including former reality TV star Spencer Pratt. The bill is seen as a major victory for the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, which advocates for increased housing supply. The article discusses the contentious nature of the bill and the efforts of opponents like Pratt, who has used his social media presence to urge Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the bill.

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 entire press. The article also touches on Trump's recent executive order regarding TikTok and its implications.

The article discusses Ken Burns's new documentary on the American Revolution, suggesting that it is a complex and multifaceted portrayal of the event that goes beyond traditional narratives. The documentary is described as a 'bloody epic' that includes themes of cruelty, rape, betrayal, and dispossession, alongside heroic deeds and idealism. The author argues that this nuanced portrayal could be appreciated by Donald Trump, as it reminds Americans of their shared history and what unites them.

The article discusses the strained relationship between Israel and America, with Israeli officials facing criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers during recent visits to Washington. The criticism is largely driven by the ongoing war in Gaza, which has put pressure on US politicians to reevaluate their support for Israel. Israeli leaders are beginning to acknowledge the need to address the estrangement between the two countries.

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The article discusses North Korea's increasing repression and threat under Kim Jong Un's dictatorship. Despite recent diplomatic overtures, Kim has expanded his nuclear arsenal, ramped up missile testing, and entrenched his regime, making it more repressive and controlling. The country has also isolated itself from the rest of the world, cutting ties with foreign diplomats and aid workers, and cracking down on information entering the country. The regime has introduced laws to suppress foreign culture and has redefined its relationship with South Korea, now considering it an enemy. The article suggests that Kim's enhanced sense of security, backed by a new partnership with Russia, will make him less susceptible to diplomatic pressure.

The article discusses the criminal case against John Bolton, former national security adviser to Donald Trump, who is accused of releasing classified material. Bolton's tenure in the White House and his subsequent falling out with Trump are highlighted, with the article suggesting that Trump still harbors animosity towards Bolton. The case against Bolton is presented as serious, although the article does not take a definitive stance on his guilt or innocence.

The United States is revamping its approach to combating drug trafficking by adopting tactics from the war on terror in its 'backyard', primarily referring to regions near its borders, such as Puerto Rico and Mexico. The article highlights the revitalization of the Roosevelt Roads naval base in Puerto Rico, which has been reactivated to support anti-drug operations with the return of fighter jets, helicopters, and cargo planes ferrying supplies. This renewed effort signifies a shift in strategy, drawing parallels between the war on drugs and counter-terrorism efforts. The article suggests that this new approach is part of a broader strategy to tackle drug trafficking more effectively.

The article discusses how traffickers are winning the war on drugs due to new decentralized networks that are harder to disrupt than the hierarchical gangs they replaced. The use of chemically masked cocaine, narcosubs, and stablecoins has made it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to track and intercept drug shipments. The article highlights the challenges faced by authorities in Peru, Colombia, and other countries in combating the drug trade.

The article discusses the issue of gerrymandering in Utah, specifically the border between the state's 1st and 2nd congressional districts, which runs through Salt Lake City. The author argues that the current district boundaries are unfair and that Utahns are fighting for fair maps. The article highlights the impact of gerrymandering on the community and the need for reform.

The article discusses Russia's increasing use of 'micro-aggressions' against Europe, specifically highlighting a recent incident where drones flew over critical infrastructure in Germany. The drones' flight patterns suggested they were surveying the area, and the incident is seen as part of Russia's efforts to undermine support for Ukraine and highlight America's ambivalence. The article suggests that Russia is escalating its grey-zone tactics, which are short of outright war but can still have significant effects.

Alibaba Cloud has introduced a new computing pooling system called Aegaeon, which has been shown to reduce the number of Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs) needed to serve its artificial intelligence models by 82%. The system was beta tested in Alibaba Cloud's model marketplace for over three months and reduced the number of Nvidia H20 GPUs required to serve dozens of models from 1,192 to 213. This development has the potential to reshape AI workloads and improve efficiency in cloud services.

The article discusses the surge in sales of Chinese-made cars in South Africa, with Chinese brands like Chery and Haval gaining market share at the expense of established Western, American, and Japanese brands. Chinese carmakers are now eyeing manufacturing and assembly plants in South Africa, driven by growing demand for affordable and feature-rich vehicles. According to S&P Global Mobility, Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) grew their sales volume by 86% between January and August, boosting their total market share to 15%.

Chinese energy storage companies are rapidly expanding overseas, with many firms offering high salaries to attract executives. The industry has seen a surge in demand, with Chinese firms securing nearly 200 overseas orders totaling 186 GWh in the first half of the year. While larger companies are driving this expansion, smaller players are also seeking to establish themselves globally. The sector is expected to continue growing, with the National Energy Administration planning to create 180 GW of new energy storage capacity by 2027.

The article discusses the generosity of Hongkongers in supporting World Vision's humanitarian efforts worldwide. According to Andrew Morley, president and CEO of World Vision International, the city supported 4.5 million people in need across the globe over a year. Morley attributes this success to the city's charitable spirit and highlights the growing need for humanitarian aid due to increased global conflicts and natural disasters. He also notes a 25% decrease in government funding for humanitarian aid this year, emphasizing the importance of continued public support. World Vision operates in over 100 countries and focuses on helping children in need.

A popular Chinese television drama, Silent Honour, has sparked an outpouring of praise for real-life Communist Party undercover agents who perished during the 1940s civil war. The series chronicles the party's espionage activities in Taiwan during the war's final months. Inspired by the show, people in Beijing have laid flowers on the tombs and statues of intelligence agents featured in the drama, including Chen Baocang, Nie Xi, Wu Shi, and Zhu Feng, at the Unknown Heroes Memorial Square.

The article discusses Admiral Liu Huaqing, a visionary who transformed China's naval forces into a modern presence in the South China Sea. Liu was a key figure in China's military modernization and was instrumental in the development of China's aircraft carrier program. He is compared to Alfred Thayer Mahan, a renowned US naval strategist. The article highlights Liu's career, from joining the Red Army at 13 to becoming the commander of the Chinese navy, and his role in shaping China's naval ambitions.

Top US and China trade envoys, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, held a 'constructive' video call and agreed to meet in person next week to continue discussions on bilateral trade relations. The call was described as 'frank and detailed' by Bessent, while China characterized it as 'candid, in-depth and constructive'. The two sides agreed to convene a new round of China-US economic and trade consultations at the earliest opportunity, although no details on the timing or location were provided.

The Philippines' US$30 billion business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, which employs nearly 2 million Filipinos, is facing threats from a proposed US call centre bill and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The industry accounts for 7% of the Philippines' GDP and 15% of the global market. The US bill aims to protect American jobs, while AI poses a significant risk to BPO jobs, with one-third of jobs in the Philippines potentially at risk. The industry's success is now under siege from US protectionism and technological advancements.

South Korean author Baek Se-hee, known for her memoir 'I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki', has died at 35. The book, which explores her struggles with depression, was a cultural phenomenon and resonated with readers worldwide. Baek had donated her organs, saving five lives, and her death has sparked tributes on social media, with readers expressing gratitude for her honesty and the comfort her writing brought them.

John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges of mishandling classified information. Bolton was accused of sharing or retaining sensitive materials, including top-secret information, through personal messaging apps and email. He was released on his own recognisance and is scheduled for a hearing on November 21. Bolton has denied the charges, claiming his actions were 'lawful conduct' and that he is being targeted by the Justice Department for being a political opponent of Trump.

A new blood test, Galleri, has shown promising results in detecting over 50 types of cancer, including those without screening programs. The test, developed by Grail, detected cancer in nearly 1 in 100 participants, with 62% of those later confirmed to have cancer. The test correctly identified the origin of cancer in 9 out of 10 cases and detected three-quarters of cancers at an early stage. While the results are encouraging, scientists caution that more evidence is needed to determine if the test reduces cancer deaths. The NHS is currently trialling the test, with results expected next year.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker won $1.4 million playing blackjack in Las Vegas, as revealed in his recent tax filing. Pritzker, a Democrat with a net worth of $3.9 billion, plans to donate the winnings to charity. He and his wife reported a total income of $10.6 million in 2024, mostly from dividends and capital gains. Pritzker has been critical of US President Donald Trump, clashing with him over the deployment of national troops to Chicago. Pritzker intends to seek a third term as governor in 2026.

The north Pacific Ocean has experienced its warmest summer on record, with sea surface temperatures between July and September exceeding the previous high by more than 0.25C. Climate scientists are struggling to explain the cause of this 'warm blob', but it is believed to be linked to climate change and may have consequences for weather patterns in the UK and Europe. The warming is thought to be partly due to natural weather variability, but also potentially linked to changes in shipping fuels and air pollution reduction efforts in Chinese cities. The 'warm blob' may lead to a colder start to winter in the UK, but the outcome is uncertain due to the complexity of the science.

Shohei Ohtani delivered an extraordinary performance as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1, sweeping the series 4-0 and advancing to the World Series. Ohtani hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters, setting a Major League Baseball post-season record. He was awarded the Most Valuable Player award for his heroics. The Dodgers' victory sets up a World Series showdown against either the Toronto Blue Jays or Seattle Mariners.

The European Union's top court has ruled that a dog traveling in an airplane's cargo hold is considered 'baggage' for airline liability purposes, limiting the compensation that can be claimed if the animal is lost. The decision stems from a case involving a passenger's dog, Mona, who escaped while being taken to a flight from Buenos Aires to Barcelona in 2019 and was never seen again. The passenger's lawyer expressed disappointment with the ruling, calling it a 'missed opportunity to give visibility to the rights of animals and the people who care for them.'

Col. Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as the new president of Madagascar after weeks of youth-led protests and the impeachment of former President Andry Rajoelina. The protests were sparked by a lack of jobs, water, and power cuts, and resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries. Randrianirina, who led the military coup, denied that it was a coup and promised to appoint a civilian prime minister and hold elections within two years. The international community, including the UN and African Union, has condemned the military takeover and called for a return to constitutional order.

A 33-year-old man, Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al-Muhtadi, living in Louisiana has been accused by US federal prosecutors of participating in Hamas' October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. Al-Muhtadi allegedly coordinated a group of armed fighters to cross into Israel and sent messages asking for ammunition and a bulletproof vest. He entered the US on a fraudulent visa in September 2024 and lived in Oklahoma before being located by FBI agents in Lafayette, Louisiana, in early 2025. Al-Muhtadi has been charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and visa fraud.

Seven fully preserved skeletons found in an ancient city in Croatia have been identified as Roman soldiers who lived 1,700 years ago. The skeletal remains were discovered in a water well in the Roman city of Mursa, which was an important trade and craft center that bordered an active military zone. Analysis suggests the men were likely soldiers who participated in a battle for the city or died in a skirmish afterward. The skeletons showed signs of early-life stress and injuries consistent with combat. DNA analysis revealed that none of the four skeletons tested were local to the area, with origins tracing back to northern or Eastern Europe and the Byzantine Empire.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized a local authority's decision to ban Israeli soccer fans from attending a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa in Birmingham, England. The ban was implemented due to safety concerns and previous incidents of violence involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. Starmer stated that the decision was wrong and that the police should ensure all fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation. The decision to ban the fans was made by a safety advisory group and supported by U.K. police authorities, citing previous violent clashes and hate crimes. Following Starmer's comments, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner asked the Safety Advisory Group to review its decision.

Federal agents arrested two Venezuelan men outside a Times Square hotel used as a migrant shelter, accusing them of belonging to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The arrests, which took place in broad daylight, rattled migrants residing at the shelter and shook the theater district. City officials said the agents did not enter the shelter, and the city's mayor's office stated that the city does not participate in civil immigration enforcement. The arrests were part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to target migrant shelters and carry out mass deportations.

The U.S. Marine Corps plans to fire artillery shells over Interstate 5 in Southern California on Saturday as part of a demonstration to celebrate the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary. The event has sparked controversy, with Governor Gavin Newsom expressing outrage and concern over the safety of the operation. Newsom criticized the lack of coordination between state and federal officials, while the Marine Corps and Vice President JD Vance's office maintained that the exercise is safe and routine. The event is expected to be attended by high-ranking officials, including Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The celebration coincides with planned protests against President Trump across the country.

A federal prosecutor, Elizabeth Yusi, who resisted President Trump's pressure to charge New York Attorney General Letitia James, was fired along with her deputy. The firings are the latest fallout from Trump's efforts to use the Justice Department to target his perceived enemies. Yusi had pushed back against Trump's calls for James' indictment, citing a lack of probable cause. Despite this, Trump's handpicked prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, secured an indictment against James on mortgage fraud charges. The U.S. attorney's office in the Eastern District of Virginia has been plagued by dismissals and resignations related to these cases.

Seven Tennessee officials, including the mayor of Shelby County and six local and state lawmakers, have sued to stop the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, citing constitutional concerns. The lawsuit, backed by liberal-leaning nonprofits, argues that Gov. Bill Lee overstepped his authority by sending troops to Memphis without evidence of 'rebellion or invasion' as required by the state constitution. The deployment is part of a broader effort by President Trump to crack down on crime in Democratic-led cities. Memphis Mayor Paul Young has voiced some opposition to the National Guard's presence but is not part of the lawsuit. The city's chief legal officer stated that the city will not participate in the litigation, emphasizing the focus on protecting residents and reducing crime.

The article discusses how Italian cities, particularly Palermo, are struggling with the impact of mass tourism on their food culture and local life. While tourism has brought economic benefits, it has also led to the proliferation of restaurants serving stereotypical Italian cuisine, driving out local shops and changing the character of historic city centers. The article explores the concerns of locals, officials, and experts, who worry that the authenticity of Italian culture is being undermined by the tourism industry.

The global secondhand luxury market is projected to reach $360 billion by 2030, driven by a 10% annual growth rate, three times faster than the firsthand market. As the resale market expands, authentication has become a critical factor in separating credible platforms from others. Online marketplaces like Carousell and Bunjang are investing heavily in verification processes, including proprietary databases and AI-powered authentication systems, to build trust with buyers. The shift towards secondhand luxury is driven by affordability and the desire for rare or discontinued collections, particularly among younger shoppers.

The article discusses Warren Buffett's views on gold as an investment, highlighting his skepticism towards its value. Buffett's master class on the problem with gold is analyzed, providing insights into his investment philosophy and the pitfalls of investing in gold. The article is part of the Warren Buffett Watch newsletter, which provides news and analysis on Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway.

CNBC's Jim Cramer expects companies to post 'better-than-expected' earnings next week, despite skepticism. He predicts strong numbers from stocks including Coca-Cola, GE Aerospace, T-Mobile, and more. Cramer believes that earnings, not other factors, drive stocks higher or lower. He shared his 'gameplan' for next week's earnings, highlighting companies that may report positive results.

Proxy advisor Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has recommended that Tesla shareholders vote against a nearly $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk. The 'mega performance equity award' is designed to retain Musk long-term but has been criticized for its 'astronomical grant value.' Tesla's board disagrees with ISS, accusing them of missing 'fundamental points of investing and governance.' The vote is scheduled for Tesla's 2025 annual shareholder meeting on November 5. ISS also recommended voting against giving Tesla's board authorization to invest in xAI, an AI company founded by Musk, and against reinstating Tesla board member Ira Ehrenpreis. Musk's pay plan, if approved, would be the largest ever awarded to a public company CEO, potentially giving him an additional 12% stake in Tesla.

A 28-year-old Norwegian former security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for spying on behalf of Russia and Iran. The guard, whose identity has not been released, was convicted of five espionage-related charges after handing over details about the embassy's diplomats, floor plans, and security routines. The guard claimed he had security clearance to impress agents from other countries but his defense attorneys argued that the information shared was worthless and did not harm any state's security interests.

The article discusses how the alliance between former US President Ronald Reagan and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher set a precedent for modern US-UK relations, particularly in the context of the current relationship between US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Experts convened in London to celebrate Thatcher's centennial birthday and reflect on her partnership with Reagan, highlighting the personal relationship and shared dedication to countering communism as key factors in their successful alliance. The article also touches on Trump's recent interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and how the US-UK relationship is being tested by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

An 18-year-old street musician, Diana Loginova, also known as Naoko, has been jailed for 13 days in St. Petersburg, Russia, for leading a crowd in singing an anti-Putin rock song. Loginova was charged with organizing an unauthorized public gathering and will face an additional administrative offense of 'discrediting' the Russian military after serving her sentence. The song, 'Swan Lake Cooperative,' was written by exiled rapper Noize MC, who is critical of the Kremlin and has been added to Moscow's list of 'foreign agents.' The song was banned in St. Petersburg in May due to its potential to 'contain signs of justification and excuse for hostile, hateful attitudes towards people.'

The United Nations has condemned Iran's execution spree, with over 1,000 executions carried out since the start of the year. In response, around 1,500 Iranian prisoners on death row in Ghezel Hesar Prison staged a hunger strike on October 13. The prisoners, including 17 members of the Iranian dissident organization Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), are protesting the regime's use of the death penalty. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) claims that prison officials have attempted to break the strike and that executions have increased in recent days. The international community, including the US State Department and the UN Secretary-General, has been called upon to intervene and condemn the Iranian regime's actions.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief, Kristalina Georgieva, expressed hope that the US and China would ease trade tensions to avoid a negative impact on the global economy. The IMF's annual meetings took place amid a fresh flare-up in the trade war between the two largest economies, with discussions dominated by concerns about growing trade tensions, advances in artificial intelligence, and shifts in global markets. The IMF forecast global real GDP growth at 3.2% for 2025, but noted that the latest threats raised by the US and China were not reflected in this forecast. Member countries voiced concerns about a host of risks facing the global economy, including low economic growth, high debt, extreme weather events, and wars.

The article discusses Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy towards US President Donald Trump, focusing on flattery and potential business deals to appease him, particularly during rising tensions between the two nations over Ukraine. Putin has invested significant time in flattering Trump and dangling the prospect of Russian-American business deals. The Kremlin initiated a phone call between the two leaders on October 16, highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with Trump.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and improved infrastructure. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with various rail arteries operated by KTM, including the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service. The train service is not only a convenient mode of transportation for commuters but also a tourist attraction, with the Jungle Railway route being a popular destination. The Malaysian government is investing in rail infrastructure, with plans to extend the Electric Train Service (ETS) to Johor Bahru by end-2025 and develop other rail projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara line.

A man wielding a gun disrupted a Wikipedia conference in Manhattan, threatening to kill himself. Two Wikipedia volunteers, Richard Knipel and Andrew Lih, quickly intervened, with Knipel grabbing the gunman from behind and Lih helping to disarm him. The gun was loaded, but no shots were fired. The gunman's motivations were unclear, but he was wearing a sign protesting Wikipedia's policy on pedophiles. The man was taken into custody, and the conference was cancelled. The volunteers were hailed as heroes, with Knipel being awarded 'Barnstars' by the Wikipedia community.

The article reports on Israel's decision to extend the detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian pediatrician and director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital, who is being held without charge at Ofer military prison in the occupied West Bank. Many had hoped for his release as part of a ceasefire agreement that included the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The article highlights the concerns of Abu Safiya's legal representatives and the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched a spot in the World Series after a four-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series, led by an extraordinary performance from Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters in a six-inning shutout, becoming the first player in league history to achieve this feat. The Dodgers are set to defend their World Series title and have lost only one game in the postseason so far, with a formidable pitching rotation and lineup. The team is now waiting to face the American League champion, either the Seattle Mariners or the Toronto Blue Jays, in the Fall Classic.

The article discusses the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war by the Syrian regime, led by Bashar al-Assad, against women during the Syrian revolution. The regime arbitrarily arrested and detained thousands of men, women, and children, subjecting them to torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence in notorious detention centers. The article shares the testimonies of several Syrian women who were victims of these atrocities, including Asma, Houda, and Yasmine. Experts and organizations, such as the Syrian NGO Lawyers and Doctors for Human Rights, have documented these crimes and highlighted the systematic and repetitive nature of the violence. The article concludes that the Syrian regime used women as weapons of war to break the revolution and terrorize the population.

The article exposes the Syrian regime's use of sexual violence as a weapon of war against women and men who opposed Bashar al-Assad's rule since 2011. It details the experiences of three women, Asma, Houda, and Yasmine, who were arbitrarily arrested and subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence in prisons known as 'branches of security' in Damascus. The article highlights the systematic nature of these abuses, documented by human rights organizations, and how they were used to terrorize and break the opposition.

Professor Noa Eliakim-Raz, head of returning hostages at Rabin Medical Center in Israel, warns that hostages returned alive after being held captive by Hamas face life-threatening health challenges. The hostages, released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, may have lost their ability to make decisions and are being treated for various health issues, including refeeding syndrome. Despite potential health problems, the hostages arrived in good spirits, and medical staff are working to restore their health and identity.

Italian anti-mafia police are investigating the explosion of a car belonging to journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, who has been investigating ties between mafia groups and far-right organizations. The blast occurred on the eighth anniversary of the murder of Maltese journalist Caruana Galizia. Ranucci has faced threats and intimidation, including a 'general climate of isolation and delegitimisation', after reporting on organized crime and mafia links. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has condemned the attack as 'a serious act of intimidation' and expressed solidarity with Ranucci. The International Federation of Journalists has also condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.