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On September 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve announced a 0.5 percentage point cut to its key interest rate, lowering it to a range of 4.75% to 5%. This marks the first rate cut in over four years, aimed at supporting the economy amid signs of a cooling job market and easing inflation.
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Meta has announced a global ban on Russian state media outlets, including RT and Rossiya Segodnya, across its platforms. This decision follows U.S. allegations of foreign interference and disinformation campaigns linked to the Kremlin, particularly in relation to the upcoming presidential election.
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Instagram is launching new 'teen accounts' for users under 18, defaulting to private settings and limiting interactions. This move comes amid increasing regulatory pressure and aims to enhance safety for young users. Parents will gain more control over their children's accounts, including time limits and messaging oversight.
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On September 18, 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months. The vote, which passed 124-14 with 43 abstentions, follows a July ruling by the International Court of Justice declaring Israel's presence unlawful. The resolution calls for reparations to Palestinians and halting arms transfers to Israel.
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Inflexion, a private equity firm, is reportedly considering a takeover of Advanced Medical Solutions Group (AMS Group), valued at over £500 million. While no active negotiations are confirmed, AMS Group's upcoming half-year results may prompt investor inquiries about potential buyout discussions.
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China's economy is under pressure from rising tariffs imposed by multiple countries, including the US and EU, targeting key exports like solar panels and electric vehicles. Economists warn that these tariffs could exacerbate existing economic weaknesses, particularly as domestic demand remains low and external pressures mount.
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A heated exchange has erupted between former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi regarding Taiwan's status. Keating criticized Pelosi's past visit to Taiwan, while Pelosi dismissed his comments as 'stupid,' highlighting the growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. This dispute underscores the complexities of US-China relations.
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Airlines are exploring innovative methods to reduce carbon emissions, such as Lufthansa's use of sharkskin-inspired technology on aircraft. Meanwhile, the UK faces challenges in meeting its climate targets, with a recent report highlighting insufficient plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The urgency for effective carbon removal strategies is emphasized globally.
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Alimentation Couche-Tard has made a preliminary bid to acquire Japan's Seven & i Holdings, owner of 7-Eleven, potentially valued at over $38 billion. This bid could mark the largest foreign acquisition of a Japanese company, reflecting a shift in Japan's approach to foreign investments. The proposal is currently under review by Seven & i's board.
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On August 24, 2024, a Canadian arbitrator ordered employees of Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) to return to work following a labor dispute that threatened significant economic disruption. The Teamsters union plans to comply but will pursue legal action against the arbitration ruling.
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Canada's two largest railroads, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, locked out nearly 10,000 workers on August 22, 2024, halting freight operations. The labor dispute stems from failed negotiations over wages and working conditions, with significant economic implications for both Canada and the U.S.
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As the cost of living rises, schools in England and Australia report increased demand for free meals. Many students arrive without packed lunches or breakfast, prompting schools to enhance their meal programs. This trend highlights the nutritional challenges faced by families amid economic hardship.
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The U.S. has expanded access to its asylum appointment app, CBP One, allowing migrants in southern Mexico to apply for appointments. Meanwhile, Brazil is imposing visa restrictions on Asian migrants, while Panama announces deportation flights for apprehended migrants. These developments come amid rising migration pressures in the region.
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The Teamsters union has filed lawsuits against the Canadian government's back-to-work order, which forced nearly 10,000 rail workers to resume operations amid ongoing labor disputes. The union argues that the government's intervention undermines collective bargaining rights, while the government aims to prevent economic disruption from the rail stoppage.
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Canadian police have issued a 'duty to warn' notice to Inderjeet Singh Gosal, an aide to assassinated Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This follows a recent assassination attempt on another Sikh separatist, Satinder Pal Singh Raju, in California, raising concerns about the safety of Khalistan advocates amid allegations of Indian government involvement.
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On August 26, 2024, Canada announced a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated the measures aim to counter China's unfair trade practices, aligning with similar actions by the U.S. and EU. The tariffs will take effect on October 1, 2024.
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Canada will impose a 100% tariff on electric vehicles made in China starting October 1, 2024. This decision aligns with similar tariffs from the U.S. and EU, aimed at protecting domestic auto industries from subsidized Chinese competition. Critics warn this could hinder the adoption of affordable electric vehicles in Canada.
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As trade tensions escalate, China maintains a firm stance against proposed EU tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs). Upcoming negotiations on September 19 aim to address these duties, with a critical vote scheduled for September 25. China's refusal to concede follows Canada's recent imposition of a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs.
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The UK government has suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision has sparked significant backlash from Israeli officials and UK political figures, highlighting the contentious nature of arms sales in conflict zones.
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Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York Governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, was arrested and charged with acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government. Prosecutors allege she blocked Taiwanese officials from accessing state resources and received millions in kickbacks, including luxury gifts and real estate, in exchange for promoting Chinese interests.
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The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh announced the termination of a support agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, raising the possibility of an earlier federal election. This decision disrupts the stability of the minority government, which has relied on NDP support since 2022.
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Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen living in Canada, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn. The attack was intended to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and was motivated by support for ISIS.
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Peter Nygard, the 83-year-old former fashion mogul, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for four counts of sexual assault against women and a minor in Toronto. The sentence accounts for time served, and he will be eligible for parole in about two years.
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Jack Draper faced a challenging Davis Cup match against Argentina, losing to Francisco Cerundolo after Dan Evans' earlier defeat. This loss jeopardizes Britain's chances of advancing in the tournament, following Draper's recent US Open semi-final appearance.
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The cost of bearskin caps worn by the King's Guards has surged by 30% to over £2,000 each, prompting calls from PETA to switch to faux fur. The Ministry of Defense remains open to alternatives but cites durability concerns. The caps, made from black bear fur, have faced ethical scrutiny for years.
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On the night of September 12, 2024, the northern lights, or aurora borealis, were visible across parts of the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England. The phenomenon was attributed to a recent coronal mass ejection from the Sun, with another chance to view the lights expected on the night of September 13.
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The UK government is considering a private member's bill to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill individuals. A citizens' jury has shown overwhelming support for the change, with 20 out of 28 jurors in favor. However, political divisions remain, with key figures expressing differing opinions on the issue.
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The documentary 'Russians at War' by Anastasia Trofimova has sparked outrage for its perceived pro-Kremlin stance. Initially canceled at TIFF due to safety threats, it will now have screenings, drawing condemnation from Ukrainian officials and critics who label it as propaganda.
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The Bloc Quebecois secured a significant victory in the Lasalle-Emard-Verdun by-election, a seat previously held by the Liberal Party. This outcome raises questions about Prime Minister Trudeau's leadership as his party faces declining support ahead of the next federal election scheduled for late 2025.
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The US State Department has accused RT of evolving from a media outlet into a covert intelligence operation, engaging in disinformation and military procurement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged allies to treat RT's activities as intelligence operations, highlighting its global influence and recent sanctions against its personnel.
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In a significant political setback, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party lost the LaSalle-Emard-Verdun by-election to the Bloc Quebecois, marking their second defeat in three months. The Bloc's Louis-Philippe Sauve secured 28% of the vote, narrowly defeating Liberal candidate Laura Palestini, who garnered 27.2%. This loss raises questions about Trudeau's leadership ahead of the next federal election.
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Instagram has launched new 'Teen Accounts' with stricter privacy settings for users under 18. These accounts will be private by default, limit messaging to known contacts, and include features like sleep mode to mute notifications overnight. The changes aim to enhance online safety amid growing concerns over social media's impact on youth.
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Authorities worldwide have infiltrated the encrypted messaging platform Ghost, leading to the arrest of 51 individuals, including 38 in Australia. The operation, which involved multiple countries, aimed to dismantle organized crime networks using the app for drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Jay Je Yoon Jung, the app's alleged creator, faces serious charges.