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The article discusses how China has been using America's own trade weapons against it by identifying and mitigating its weaknesses. Seven years ago, China's science and technology ministry published 35 articles detailing the country's vulnerabilities, specifically 'chokepoints' - critical technologies that China couldn't produce and had to rely on foreign imports for. China has since worked to address these weaknesses, using America's trade war tactics against the US.

The article discusses the sudden collapse of First Brands, a small Ohio-based manufacturer of automotive parts, which borrowed over $10 billion and has since had its CEO resign and is under investigation by the Department of Justice. The collapse has sent shockwaves through Wall Street, serving as a warning to investors and highlighting the need for greater oversight and regulation.

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 driven by pressure from constituents who are increasingly skeptical of Israel's actions. This development marks a shift in the traditionally strong support for Israel in the US Congress, with conditional aid to Israel becoming a new default position among Democrats. Republicans, too, are facing pressure from their constituents, leading to a more nuanced and critical stance towards Israel.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Argentine President Javier Milei as he approaches the congressional elections on October 26th. Milei's radical reform programme is at risk due to the strain on the Argentine peso, which is overvalued and under threat of crashing. Despite the difficulties, the article suggests that there is still a pathway for Milei to continue his efforts to tame Argentina's bloated state and end its decades of decline. The article analyzes the potential consequences of the election and the options available to Milei to address the economic crisis.

The article discusses the increasing screen time among older adults, particularly pensioners, and how it compares to the concern over children's screen time. While parents and academics worry about the effects of excessive screen time on children, the article argues that the screen time of older adults is also worth worrying about. The article highlights how a new generation of pensioners is glued to their smartphones and suggests that this trend has significant implications.

North Korea is becoming increasingly repressive and threatening under Kim Jong Un's dictatorship. Since the last round of negotiations with the US, Kim has expanded his nuclear arsenal, ramped up missile testing, and entrenched his regime, making it more controlling and closed. The country has cut ties with the outside world, expelled foreign diplomats and aid workers, and tightened its borders. The regime has also cracked down on information entering the country, introducing laws to ban foreign culture and punish those who consume it. Kim's new partnership with Russia has strengthened his hand, and he is now less susceptible to US blandishments. The article suggests that Kim's regime is becoming more isolated and authoritarian, posing a growing threat to regional and global security.

The article discusses the rise of temporary migration across the rich world, with a significant increase in short-term visas issued to working migrants between 2014 and 2023. Even countries with traditionally restrictive migration policies, such as Hungary, Italy, Japan, and South Korea, are embracing temporary migration schemes. The article highlights the benefits of temporary workers and suggests that this trend is likely to continue.

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. It highlights a case where nine tonnes of cocaine were smuggled into Belgium hidden in a shipment of passion fruit pulp from Peru. The article explains how traffickers use chemical masking to evade detection and how they utilize stablecoins for transactions. The decentralization of drug trafficking networks has made it challenging for law enforcement to keep up.

The article argues that to save the world's tropical forests, the international community should learn from Brazil's experience in managing its rainforests. Despite losing more rainforest than any other country last year, Brazil's approach offers valuable lessons. The article highlights the economic and social costs of deforestation, noting that the costs of clearing a typical patch of Brazilian Amazon are 30 times the benefits of rearing cows on it. The challenge is to make conservation pay, as the profits from cutting down trees go to a few individuals while the costs are spread across the global population.

The article discusses the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, arguing that China is gaining the upper hand despite the US's aggressive measures. The author highlights the poor communication between the two nations and the US's misguided belief that it has the upper hand. The article suggests that China's actions, such as wielding sanctions and restrictions on rare earths, demonstrate its strength in the trade war. The meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping is uncertain, reflecting the strained state of Sino-US relations.

The article argues that the Trump administration is focusing on the wrong aspect of Arctic security by being overly concerned with Greenland, while ignoring the more pressing issue of Russian and Chinese military activities near Alaska. Since 2020, there have been 95 incursions by foreign military aircraft into North American airspace, with 91 of those occurring near Alaska. The article highlights the increasing intensity of Russian and Chinese military presence in the region, including joint patrols and the appearance of nuclear-capable bombers. The author suggests that this trend poses a significant threat to regional security and that the Trump administration should shift its focus towards addressing this issue.

The article discusses the upcoming ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where US President Donald Trump is expected to meet with ASEAN leaders to discuss trade, security, and the shifting global order. The summit is considered one of the most consequential ASEAN summits ever, with ASEAN leaders seeking to extract trade and security commitments from Trump. The region is reassessing its ties with the US due to its unpredictable policies and the ongoing trade tensions. The article highlights five key things to watch out for during the summit, including trade deals and security agreements.

Beijing has urged Hongkongers to remain vigilant against attempts to disrupt the upcoming Legislative Council election, warning that law enforcement agencies will crack down on any disruptions. The central government's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and national security arm vowed to take action against anti-China forces seeking to jeopardize the election. The warnings came as the nomination period for the December 7 election began, with Beijing condemning 'outlandish theories' and 'smears' against the government and lawmakers.

China's Communist Party concluded its fourth plenum, where the Central Committee vowed to overcome internal and external challenges through technological advancements and self-reliance. Officials elaborated on the committee's conclusions at a press conference, emphasizing the need to 'face major tests' and 'tackle difficulties' to meet economic and social development goals.

A Chinese research team has developed a new smart and super-tough coating for stealth aircraft that can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. The coating is a flexible, ultra-thin metasurface with tunable impedance, making it suitable for aerospace electromagnetic wave absorption. Led by researchers from Peking University and other institutions, the study was published in Advanced Materials and has the potential to revolutionize fighter jet technology and close a critical technological gap in aerial stealth.

The article discusses the Global Innovation Index (GII) released by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (Wipo), where China ranked 10th overall despite topping the world in knowledge and technology outputs. Switzerland took the top spot for the 15th year in a row, raising questions among Chinese internet users about the methodology and bias of the index. Some users questioned whether the ranking was 'tailor-made' for Western countries.

China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation (Comac) is set to debut at the Dubai Airshow, seeking buyers for its C919 and C909 aircraft in the Middle East. Comac aims to disrupt the global Airbus-Boeing duopoly and has been looking for overseas buyers after experiencing growth in orders within China. The company's participation in the airshow is seen as a significant step in expanding its presence in the global aviation market, driven by growing trade ties between China and the Middle East.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven news stories from the past week, including China's development of a superfast analogue AI chip, a Hong Kong couple's harrowing experience in a Myanmar scam farm, and China's soybean imports surging as US imports hit zero amid the US-China trade war. The analogue AI chip, developed by Chinese scientists, can solve complex maths problems 1,000 times faster than Nvidia GPU while using less power. A Hong Kong couple was lured to Myanmar with promises of a job, only to be forced into labour in a scam farm, describing their experience as 'worse than death'. China's soybean imports remained high despite a drop in US imports to zero, amid an escalation in the US-China trade war.

Nexperia's Chinese subsidiary has defied its Dutch headquarters' order to remove John Chang as vice-president of global sales and marketing, citing that the dismissal violates Chinese company and labour laws. The dispute escalates a geopolitical conflict that threatens to disrupt the global automotive chip supply chain. Nexperia China declared that Chang's dismissal is 'legally ineffective in China' and that he will continue to lead global sales operations. The conflict began after the Dutch government seized control of Nexperia and ousted its Chinese CEO Zhang Xuezheng, citing national security concerns. Nexperia China reassured stakeholders that its operations are being carried out normally.

The United States has launched a 3-year training program for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strengthen its operational strategies and maritime law enforcement capabilities. The program, worth $2.4 million, will provide 110 training courses and on-the-job opportunities at US Coast Guard training centers and operational units across America. While seen as a commitment to Manila as an ally, some observers warn that it may deepen dependence on Washington under the guise of civilian capacity-building. The program is part of the US's efforts to promote its interests in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region.

A 33-year-old man, Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al-Muhtadi, accused of participating in Hamas' October 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel, pleaded not guilty in a federal court in Louisiana. Al-Muhtadi is charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a terror organization resulting in death and fraud and misuse of visa permits. Prosecutors claim he coordinated a group of armed fighters to cross into Israel and sent messages asking for ammunition and a bulletproof vest. Al-Muhtadi's attorney argued that his client is innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution noted that the case is complex and involves classified documents. The judge ordered al-Muhtadi's detention pending trial, citing possible deportation to Israel as a potential penalty.

The International Chess Federation is considering disciplinary action against Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik for persistently accusing American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky of cheating without substantial evidence. Kramnik's accusations, made on social media over the past year, were deemed to be harassment and bullying by several grandmasters, including Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen. Naroditsky had denied the allegations and accused Kramnik of trying to ruin his life. The chess community has been plagued by cheating allegations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many players feeling the need to speak out against suspected cheating. Naroditsky, who was 29 when he died, was a highly respected player who had won the U.S. National Blitz Championship in August. The federation has referred Kramnik's public statements to its Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for review and may sanction him if it finds that he made unfounded accusations.

A drone attack on Sudan's capital Khartoum has delayed the reopening of the main airport, Khartoum International Airport, which was scheduled to resume domestic flights after being closed for 30 months due to the ongoing civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military. The attack, attributed to the RSF, occurred just days after the Sudanese Civil Aviation authority announced the airport's reopening. Despite the delay, one Badr Airlines flight from Port Sudan landed in Khartoum later in the day. The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, with the RSF currently focused on capturing the city of el-Fasher in Darfur. The Sudanese government, led by President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is pushing to normalize life in Khartoum and has announced plans to relocate back to the capital.

The grandchildren of Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the UK, are seeking a posthumous pardon 70 years after she was hanged for murdering her abusive partner, David Blakely. Ellis, a 28-year-old nightclub hostess, shot Blakely outside a London pub in 1955. Her grandchildren argue that she was a victim of domestic abuse and that her case would be treated differently today, with a likely charge of manslaughter rather than murder. The family has formally applied to Justice Minister David Lammy for a pardon, highlighting the 'repeated and long-standing sexual, emotional, and physical abuse' Ellis suffered at Blakely's hands. Ellis' execution was a controversial case that contributed to the eventual abolition of the death penalty in the UK in 1969.

King Charles III met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, marking a historic first for the heads of the Church of England and the Catholic Church to pray together publicly in 500 years. The meeting comes as the Church of England and the Catholic Church continue to work towards rapprochement. The service, held in the Sistine Chapel, focused on conservation and protecting the environment, a cause championed by King Charles. The visit is significant as it marks a new era in relations between the two churches and comes at a time when the British royal family is facing challenges.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai opens up about her personal journey in her new memoir, 'Finding My Way.' In an interview on 'CBS Mornings,' Yousafzai shares her experiences with therapy, finding love, and redefining herself beyond her activism. She discusses her struggles with mental health, her transition to the UK after being shot by the Taliban, and her journey to self-discovery. Yousafzai also talks about her marriage to Asser Malik and the importance of therapy in her recovery. The article highlights Yousafzai's growth and evolution as she navigates various aspects of her life, including friendships, education, and personal relationships.

The body of a 56-year-old man has been found a year after being swept away by floods in the Valencia region of Spain, which killed over 230 people. The victim's body was identified through DNA analysis after being found in the Turia river, 19 miles from where he was initially swept away. The floods raised questions about the adequacy of alert systems and emergency response, with campaigners demanding the resignation of regional government head Carlos Mazon. A state funeral will be held to mark the one-year anniversary of the disaster.

An American Christian missionary has been kidnapped in Niger, West Africa, by suspected Islamist militants. The abduction occurred near the presidential palace in Niamey, where ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has been held since a coup in 2023. The U.S. government is aware of the situation and is working with local authorities to secure the missionary's safe return. The kidnapping is the latest in a series of incidents in West Africa, where militants have been operating with increased frequency. The U.S. Embassy in Niger has imposed new security measures, requiring personnel to travel in armored vehicles and restricting access to certain areas.

An American Christian missionary was kidnapped in Niger, West Africa, near the presidential palace in Niamey. The kidnappers are suspected to be Islamist militants, and the missionary may have been taken to an area controlled by an ISIS offshoot. Security expert Bryan Stern of Grey Bull Rescue warns that the first 48 hours are critical in recovering the hostage, as they are often traded or sold between groups with differing motives. The US government is working closely with local authorities to secure the missionary's safe return.

The plane carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made an emergency landing at St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri after a crew member was injured. The crew member was struck in the head by luggage believed to have fallen from an overhead bin and suffered a concussion. The incident occurred after Albanese's visit to Washington D.C., where he signed an $8.5 billion critical minerals deal with President Donald Trump. The deal aims to boost the U.S.-Australia relationship and reduce dependence on China for rare earth minerals.

Protests erupted in Dublin, Ireland, after an illegal migrant was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old Irish girl in state care. The protests turned violent, with demonstrators clashing with police, setting a police car on fire, and hurling glass bottles and bricks at officers. Six people were arrested, and one female police officer was injured. The incident has heightened tensions around mass immigration in Ireland, with locals demanding the removal of migrants from the City West Hotel, where the suspect was being housed. The Irish Prime Minister condemned the attacks on police, stating that there was 'no justification for the vile abuse against them.' The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of migrants and the effectiveness of the state's child protection services.

Legal experts have criticized the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its non-binding ruling that Israel must cooperate with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), despite the agency's ties to Hamas terrorists. The experts warn that the ruling poses a danger to US interests and could be used to justify continued US involvement with UN organizations that support terrorism. The ICJ's ruling was condemned by the State Department and Israel's Foreign Ministry, who argued that it was a politicized decision that failed to acknowledge UNRWA's deep entanglement with Hamas.

European space firms Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are forming a new space group to compete with global giants like Elon Musk's Starlink. The new venture, code-named 'Project Bromo', will combine their satellite manufacturing and servicing businesses, employing 25,000 people with revenue of €6.5bn. The deal aims to strengthen European sovereignty in the face of intense global competition, particularly from SpaceX, which has been gaining dominance in the satellite industry. The European firms are responding to the disruption caused by cheap, tiny satellites in low Earth orbit, and the growing role of space in defence, security, and communications.

King Charles and Pope Leo XIV held a historic joint prayer service at the Sistine Chapel, marking the first time an English monarch and a pontiff have prayed together since the Reformation 500 years ago. The ecumenical service was led by both Pope Leo and Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York. The King and Queen Camilla were on a state visit to the Vatican, where they also held a private audience with the Pope and discussed environmental protection.

A 21-year-old British man, Dylan Earl, has been convicted of orchestrating an arson attack and plotting to kidnap a Russian billionaire dissident. Earl's defense team claims he was 'groomed' by a Russian chatbot controlled by the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary company. The chatbot, called PrivetBot, allegedly manipulated Earl into participating in the plot by appealing to his desire for significance and importance. Earl had admitted to recruiting others to carry out the arson attack, which caused £1m in damages, including to vital Starlink satellite equipment destined for Ukraine.

Riots broke out in Dublin, Ireland, for the third consecutive night near the Citywest Hotel, where asylum seekers are housed, following an alleged sexual assault on a 10-year-old girl. Community leaders described the situation as 'urban warfare,' with children barricading themselves in hotels due to fear. Protesters clashed with police, throwing fireworks and bricks, while police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd. The incident has caused trauma to the local community, with many feeling fear and shock. 31 people have been arrested in connection with the disorder.

Ireland is holding a presidential election with 3.4 million eligible voters choosing between two candidates: Heather Humphreys, a former Fine Gael government minister, and Catherine Connolly, an independent member of parliament backed by Sinn Féin. The role is largely ceremonial but has national significance. Polling stations are open until 10 pm, with results expected late afternoon on Saturday. The Irish government has urged people to vote, as turnout is expected to be low.

A California man, Camden Nicholson, has been found guilty of murdering his parents and their housekeeper in their $6 million home in 2019. Nicholson, who was 27 at the time of the killings, had been struggling with mental health issues and addiction after returning from a Mormon mission. His parents had given him an ultimatum to seek help, which he refused, leading to the tragic events. The case is now entering a sanity phase to determine if Nicholson was criminally insane during the murders.

A harrowing video captured a tractor-trailer driven by an illegal immigrant, Jashanpreet Singh, plowing into at least eight vehicles on a California freeway, killing three people and injuring four others. Singh, 21, entered the US in 2022 through the southern border and was released under President Joe Biden's administration. He was arrested on vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence charges. The incident has sparked controversy over the US border policies, with Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating that the tragedy was a result of 'reckless open border policies.'

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe was injured during a fight with San Jose Sharks' Ryan Reaves in the first period of their game on October 23, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. Rempe exited the game with an upper-body injury and did not return. The Rangers ultimately lost 6-5 in overtime. The game saw several notable performances, including Taylor Raddysh's hat trick, the first by a Ranger on home ice since February 2024. Other news from the Rangers included Nathan Aspinall signing a three-year entry-level contract after a strong start in the Ontario Hockey League.

NBA veteran Terry Rozier was arrested for allegedly tipping off a group of individuals about his intention to leave a game early due to an injury. The game in question was on March 23, 2023, where Rozier played for the Hornets against the Pelicans. He appeared to be playing normally until he grabbed his right foot/ankle and later walked off the court slowly during a timeout. Rozier finished the game with 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in 9 minutes and 34 seconds. The defendants are accused of betting over $200,000 on the 'Unders' for prop bets that night, winning tens of thousands of dollars. The article details the moments leading up to Rozier's exit from the game and his subsequent arrest as part of a larger NBA gambling scandal.

White House communications director Steven Cheung accused former Rep. Adam Kinzinger of posting half-naked photos on the gay dating app Grindr. The accusation came after Kinzinger criticized Republicans for not denouncing President Trump's White House ballroom project. Cheung shared images that he claimed were of Kinzinger, but the authenticity of the photos could not be confirmed. Kinzinger, who is married and has a young child, has been a longtime Trump critic and served on the House panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, but they will still not be able to participate in the 2026 Winter Paralympics due to bans imposed by the governing bodies of the sports involved. Although the IPC voted to lift the suspensions on the two countries, three of the four international federations governing the six sports have decided to keep their bans on athletes from Russia and Belarus. As a result, no athletes from the two nations are likely to qualify for the Games. The decision is related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Belarus being a close ally of Russia. The IPC has expressed respect for the decisions of the international federations and hopes that the focus will now be on the athletes competing in the Games.

The city of Belgorod in Russia has been experiencing frequent blackouts and air-raid sirens due to a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks. The attacks are a retaliation against Russia's repeated bombardments of Ukrainian cities. The number of Ukrainian drone attacks on Belgorod has increased nearly fourfold since the start of 2025, with over 4,000 drones recorded in September. The region is a key logistics corridor for Russian forces, and Ukraine is targeting its energy infrastructure. The blackouts have affected around 77,000 people, and residents are struggling to cope with the lack of power and fuel shortages.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana's former First Lady and widow of Jerry John Rawlings, has died at 76 after a short illness. She was a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, known for her advocacy for women's rights and empowerment. As First Lady, she founded the 31st December Women's Movement, which helped women earn money and develop their communities. Agyeman-Rawlings also had political ambitions, but lost her bid to become the NDC's presidential candidate in 2012. Her death has been met with tributes from across the country, with Ghana's parliament adjourning to mark her passing.

The Chinese Communist Party has appointed Zhang Shengmin as the country's second-highest ranking general, following a major purge of nine generals suspected of serious financial crimes. Zhang, a veteran who has overseen anti-corruption efforts in the military, is seen as a trusted loyalist of President Xi Jinping. The appointment was announced at the end of a four-day Central Committee meeting, where a new five-year plan was also approved, emphasizing 'scientific and technological self-reliance', 'accelerating the green transition', and 'modernising defence'. The purge is part of a larger crackdown on the military, following smaller-scale public purges of other military officials in recent years.

The article discusses how Americans perceive President Donald Trump's legal retribution campaign against his perceived political foes. Despite Trump's efforts to target his enemies through the justice system, polls suggest that Americans see through this tactic and view it as politicized and unjustified. In contrast, Americans tend to view the charges against Trump as more serious and legitimate. The article analyzes various polls and surveys to support this claim, highlighting that even independents and some Republicans agree that Trump's actions are improper.

A Mongolian startup, MARS-V, is developing a 'Martian' bootcamp for tourists in the Gobi Desert, simulating life on Mars. The month-long survival challenge includes a three-month virtual astronaut training program, physical and psychological tests, and a stay in a mock Mars camp. The project aims to prepare for human travel to Mars and offers a unique tourism experience at a fraction of the cost of actual space travel. The camp will feature Martian habitats, analog spacesuits, and freeze-dried meals, with the goal of creating a realistic Martian environment. The project is expected to be completed within the next two to three years and will cost around $6,000 per person.

New Zealand Police have released photos of two secret bush camps used by fugitive father Tom Phillips to hide his three children in the wilderness for almost four years. The camps, located north and east of Marokopa, were 'heavily concealed' and contained basic structures made from logs and foliage. Phillips was shot dead by police last month after a prolonged search operation. Investigators believe he was assisted by a small number of people during his time on the run.

Scientists are working on growing human teeth in labs using stem cells and biomaterials. Researchers at King's College London have made a breakthrough in creating a hydrogel scaffold that mimics the environment where teeth grow, bringing them closer to developing lab-grown teeth for human use. Other researchers are exploring different techniques, such as antibody-based treatments and using pig cells to grow human-like teeth. The goal is to create biological teeth that can be implanted or grown in the jaw, offering advantages over traditional implants and crowns.

The US federal government has been shut down since October 1, 2025, causing disruptions to various services and programs across the country. The shutdown has affected over 42 million people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food aid. Federal workers, including Capitol Police, have gone unpaid, and many government services have been suspended. The shutdown has also impacted the National Flood Insurance Program, causing problems for would-be homeowners. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked, and efforts to pay federal workers have failed in the Senate. The shutdown has brought significant human cost, with thousands of federal employees laid off or furloughed.

The ongoing federal government shutdown is threatening to disrupt food aid for nearly 42 million people in the US who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the country's largest anti-hunger program, and most recipients are seniors, families with kids, and those with disabilities. If funding lapses, it would be the first time the program has been disrupted since its inception during the Great Depression. States are preparing for a spike in demand at food banks, and some are taking steps to help fill the funding gap. Advocates argue that the USDA has a legal obligation to continue funding SNAP, as it is an entitlement program. The shutdown is also putting pressure on other nutrition programs, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

The Trump administration has finalized a plan to open the coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, sparking debate over the potential environmental impact. The decision, announced by U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, paves the way for future lease sales within the refuge's 1.5 million-acre coastal plain, an area considered sacred by the Indigenous Gwich'in community. The plan fulfills pledges made by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to reopen the refuge to possible development. Conservationists have vowed to challenge the decision in court, citing concerns over the potential harm to the Porcupine caribou herd and the refuge's ecosystem. The decision is also opposed by some tribal leaders, who argue that it will harm their subsistence ways of life. In contrast, leaders of the Iñupiaq community within the refuge support drilling, citing the potential economic benefits.

J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has warned of 'cockroaches' in private credit markets, sparking fears of contagion and a potential repeat of the 2008 subprime lending crisis. Private credit investors are now emphasizing the importance of active portfolio management, tighter lending standards, and greater risk discipline. Central banks, including the Bank of England, are scrutinizing the sector, with the BoE launching a review to explore the impact of private equity and credit markets on the real economy. Experts stress the need for closer analysis and sharper differentiation between managers, but some argue that defaults are a normal part of the private credit market.

Japan's core inflation rate rose to 2.9% in September, the first increase since May, matching economists' expectations. Headline inflation also reached 2.9%, remaining above the Bank of Japan's 2% target. The data poses a challenge for new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who faces pressure to contain inflation without hindering growth. Experts warn that inflation will be a major concern for Takaichi, particularly for Japan's large retiree population. The government is reportedly planning an economic stimulus package to help households cope with inflation.

North Korea has begun constructing a memorial for its soldiers killed fighting in Russia's war on Ukraine, state media reported. The Memorial Museum of Combat Feats will be built in Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong-un attended a groundbreaking ceremony with Russia's ambassador to North Korea. At least 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded, according to estimates from South Korea. Kim hailed a 'historic peak' in ties with Moscow and praised North Korean troops for helping Russia achieve a 'decisive victory' in the Kursk region. The development highlights the deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia, who last year agreed to a strategic partnership agreement.

BAE Systems, the UK's largest weapons manufacturer, has grounded a fleet of aircraft that were delivering humanitarian aid to countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The decision was made after BAE Systems surrendered the type certificate for its Advanced Turbo-Prop aircraft, effectively revoking their airworthiness. The move has left millions of people without access to vital aid, with the UN warning of crisis levels of hunger and malnutrition in the affected regions. EnComm Aviation, the Kenyan air-cargo operator that used the BAE aircraft, has had to cancel several major humanitarian contracts and is now seeking £187m in losses and damages from BAE Systems.

President Donald Trump has canceled trade negotiations with Canada due to a Canadian TV advertisement opposing U.S. tariffs. The move casts a shadow over ties with a major U.S. trading partner. The decision was announced late on Thursday.

The article discusses the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela under the Trump administration, with a focus on the merging of the war on drugs with the war on terror. The Trump administration views Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's regime as an illegitimate drug crime network and is considering using hard power to bring it down. The article suggests that Trump's approach is driven by a desire to impose US will in its perceived neighborhood, rather than promoting democracy or peace.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and new infrastructure developments. 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 used by commuters but also by adventurers and nostalgia seekers who enjoy the scenic routes and cultural experiences. The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including reduced travel time, reliability, and the opportunity to see rural Malaysia.