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The IMF plans to merge its climate, development, inclusion, and gender units into its macro-financial division, signaling a shift away from its previous focus on climate change and gender issues. The move follows criticism from US critics and internal debates about the organization's priorities. The change will be formalized at October's fall meetings.
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As of November 10, 2025, the US government shutdown, the longest in history at over 40 days, is close to ending after bipartisan talks yielded a short-term funding deal. The impasse, rooted in disputes over healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, has caused widespread disruptions including unpaid federal workers, flight cancellations, and halted food aid for millions.
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Since October, the Trump administration has carried out mass layoffs at the CDC, targeting critical public health staff during a government shutdown. Despite rescinding some notices, about 600 employees remain terminated, raising legal and ethical concerns over the process and its impact on public health response capabilities.
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China has expanded restrictions on rare-earth metals, now controlling 12 of 17 key elements, as part of a broader trade and geopolitical strategy. The US has responded with port fees on Chinese vessels, escalating maritime tensions. Australia offers to supply critical minerals, signaling shifts in global supply chains. Today's date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:04:28 +0100.
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The US and Australia announced an $8.5 billion deal to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to reduce reliance on China amid export controls and trade tensions. The deal includes joint investments, processing projects, and strategic cooperation, with discussions also focusing on security pacts and trade relations. The story reflects ongoing geopolitical competition.
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President Trump signals readiness for high-level talks with China, including a visit early next year, while emphasizing the importance of trade, Taiwan, and strategic minerals. Meanwhile, US and Australian leaders focus on critical mineral supply chains and regional security, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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The US Senate advanced a bill to fund the government until January 30, amid ongoing negotiations over healthcare subsidies and federal worker protections. The measure still requires House approval and presidential sign-off, with the shutdown impacting millions of Americans.
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Former President Trump is exploring a potential replacement for Fed Chair Jerome Powell, amid discussions of sweeping policy ideas including 50-year mortgages, direct healthcare payments, and dividend payouts from tariffs. These proposals are at early stages and face legislative and legal hurdles as Trump’s influence on economic policy continues to evolve.
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President Trump has retroactively exempted key food imports, including beef, coffee, and bananas, from tariffs imposed earlier this year. The move aims to address rising grocery prices amid political pressure following recent elections where affordability was a key issue. The exemptions reflect a shift in trade policy and negotiations with trading partners.
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Economists warn of five key risks for 2026, including US growth, global manufacturing, political influence on the Fed, AI bubble burst, and rising debt issuance, amid ongoing economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics.