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As of early September 2025, Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund has divested from Caterpillar and five major Israeli banks over ethical concerns tied to Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The fund cited violations of international humanitarian law linked to Caterpillar's bulldozers and the banks' financing of Israeli settlements. It is ending contracts with external Israeli asset managers and intensifying ethical reviews, while rejecting full divestment from all Israeli companies.
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U.S. senators are pushing a bill to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing allegations of kidnapping nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children and forcibly transferring them to Russia. The move aims to increase sanctions and prevent Russian officials from entering the U.S. amid ongoing conflict. The bill reflects growing international concern over war crimes and child abductions in Ukraine.
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The UK and US are set to sign agreements during Trump’s visit to fast-track nuclear project approvals, including plans for up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool. The deal aims to reduce licensing times, boost energy security, and create thousands of jobs, marking a new phase in transatlantic nuclear cooperation.
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The fatal shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk at a Utah university has triggered a wave of social media backlash and institutional punishments. Public officials, companies, and universities are firing or suspending employees over reactions to the event, raising concerns about free speech and political polarization in the US.
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On September 19, 2025, the European Commission proposed its 19th sanctions package targeting Russia, aiming to phase out Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by January 2027, a year earlier than planned. The package targets firms in China, India, and other countries accused of sanction evasion, expands blacklists of vessels and companies, and includes measures against crypto platforms and export controls on military-related technologies.
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The Trump administration has canceled approximately $8 billion in clean energy and infrastructure projects, primarily affecting Democratic-leaning states, amid ongoing government shutdown negotiations. The move targets projects in California, New York, and other states, with officials citing economic viability and national energy needs as reasons for the cuts.
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The White House is sending Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Egypt to finalize a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, amid ongoing violence and negotiations over hostage releases. Israeli and Palestinian officials express cautious optimism, with some conditions still unresolved. The story highlights US diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
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As of late October 2025, the US administration, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and President Donald Trump, is intensifying pressure on allies like Japan and India to halt imports of Russian energy. Japan continues limited LNG imports from Russia’s Sakhalin-2 project, while China receives shipments from blacklisted Russian LNG facilities. Trump also seeks to involve Europe in tariffs on Chinese imports linked to Russian oil purchases.
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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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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Washington from November 17-19, his first US trip since 2018. Discussions with President Trump will focus on political, economic, and security issues, including potential normalization with Israel and a US-Saudi security pact. The visit follows a fragile Gaza ceasefire brokered by Trump and his recent Gulf tour.
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The US has increased military presence in the Caribbean, deploying the USS Gerald Ford and other warships to Trinidad and Tobago for training exercises amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela. The move follows recent strikes on alleged drug traffickers and regional diplomatic protests.
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Congresswoman Nancy Mace is embroiled in a dispute following an airport incident where she was reportedly irate and confrontational with security staff. She claims the report is fabricated and politically motivated, while critics, including fellow lawmakers, condemn her behavior. The story highlights ongoing security and political tensions in South Carolina.
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Congresswoman Nancy Mace is embroiled in multiple lawsuits stemming from her February speech, which accused several men of serious crimes. She claims her ex-fiance Patrick Bryant fabricated allegations against her and is suing for defamation and emotional distress. Mace also disputes police reports of her airport conduct, alleging political conspiracy.
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The Palestinian national football team played their first match in Europe since 2023, at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, with 50,000 spectators. The game was a political statement supporting Palestinian rights, with many fans waving flags and paying tribute to slain players, amid ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.
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U.S. officials dispute the origin of a proposed peace plan for Ukraine, which calls for major concessions. Zelensky and allies oppose the plan, fearing it rewards Russia. The plan's authorship and intent remain contested amid diplomatic negotiations and internal disagreements.