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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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President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky met in Washington amid ongoing tensions over Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children. Trump delivered a letter from Melania urging Putin to end the war and return kidnapped children, highlighting international concerns over war crimes and child trafficking. No ceasefire was reached.
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Senator Lindsey Graham has been urging President Trump to back a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting countries buying Russian energy, aiming to pressure Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Despite bipartisan support, Trump has yet to endorse the legislation, which could impose tariffs up to 500% on China and India. The bill's future depends on congressional action after the August recess.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky and allies aim to establish security guarantees within 7-10 days amid ongoing fighting. Zelensky insists on a meeting with Putin only in a neutral European country, while Russia warns against deploying European troops. US diplomacy continues, with Trump advocating for peace negotiations and military support.
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Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with a declared famine, escalating casualties, and severe aid restrictions. Israeli military operations and aid blockades have led to malnutrition deaths, including children, amid ongoing conflict and displacement. The UN warns of catastrophic hunger and systemic destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure.
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Since the ceasefire in November 2024, Israel has conducted multiple strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon, despite ongoing efforts by Lebanon's army to disarm the group. Recent incidents include drone falls, casualties among Lebanese soldiers, and Israeli strikes on Hezbollah sites, escalating regional tensions.
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As of early September 2025, the US administration is considering a plan to administer Gaza as a trusteeship for at least 10 years, temporarily relocating its 2 million residents. The proposal, known as the GREAT Trust, aims to rebuild Gaza into a tourism and tech hub, offering landowners digital tokens for property rights and financial incentives for relocation. The plan faces strong opposition from Palestinians and regional actors.
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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 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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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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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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The Irish Football Association (FAI) passed a resolution to suspend Israel from UEFA competitions over alleged violations, including playing in occupied Palestinian territories and failing anti-racism policies. The move follows UN reports and international calls for sanctions amid ongoing Gaza conflict. US officials oppose the move.