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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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As the UN General Assembly opens on September 23, 2025, Luxembourg and several European countries plan to recognize Palestine, challenging US and Israeli opposition. The US revoked visas for Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, citing non-compliance and peace undermining. Israel threatens West Bank annexation amid ongoing Gaza conflict, while international debate intensifies over Palestinian statehood and diplomatic representation.
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Two separate cases reveal Chinese espionage activities targeting US government and academic institutions. A Michigan scientist was caught smuggling research materials, while a State Department officer sold classified documents to Chinese agents for over $37,000. These incidents highlight ongoing Chinese intelligence efforts against the US.
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President Trump proposes increasing Chinese student visas to 600,000, citing mutual benefits, but faces criticism over policy clarity and security concerns. The US aims to attract top talent while managing risks, amid ongoing debates about the economic and geopolitical impacts of international students.
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Erika McEntarfer was unexpectedly dismissed by President Trump after criticizing political interference in economic data. Her departure raises concerns about the independence of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, especially following revelations of significant overestimations of job creation and political appointee replacements. The controversy underscores tensions over data integrity and political influence.
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The US State Department has announced new restrictions requiring Iranian diplomats in the US to obtain approval before joining wholesale clubs like Costco and purchasing luxury goods valued over $1,000 or cars over $60,000. The move targets Iran's diplomatic privileges amid ongoing tensions, especially during the UN General Assembly week.
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Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, speaking at the UN, urged US soldiers to disobey orders from Donald Trump, calling for a global army to support Palestinians. The US responded by revoking Petro's visa, citing reckless actions. Petro also announced plans to recruit volunteers for Gaza.
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Colombia's Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio announced the revocation of a U.S. visa amid escalating diplomatic tensions over issues including drug policy, Gaza conflict, and U.S. naval activity in Venezuela. President Petro's visa was revoked after a protest in New York, highlighting strained relations with the U.S. as Colombia asserts sovereignty.
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Dutch pension fund ABP has sold its shares in Caterpillar, citing concerns over the company's involvement in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The move follows similar divestments by Norway’s sovereign wealth fund and Danish pension fund AkademikerPension, reflecting growing ethical scrutiny of companies linked to military and conflict zones.
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Federal agencies are explicitly blaming Democrats for the government shutdown, with some websites displaying partisan messages that may violate federal ethics laws. The messaging has escalated, with agencies using language that directly attributes blame to Democrats, raising concerns about legal violations and politicization of government communications.
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President Trump signed a proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, claiming the program is exploited to replace American workers. A lawsuit filed in San Francisco argues the order exceeds presidential authority, threatens high-skilled immigration, and could harm innovation and critical sectors like healthcare and education.
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The Dutch government has taken control of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker, citing security concerns and governance issues. US warnings about management and export restrictions played a key role, escalating tensions with China. The move highlights geopolitical risks in the semiconductor industry.
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On October 17, 2025, John Bolton, former US national security adviser under Trump, pleaded not guilty to an 18-count indictment alleging unlawful retention and transmission of classified national defense information. The charges stem from sharing over 1,000 pages of sensitive material, including top secret data, with family members via personal email and messaging apps. The case is part of a broader Justice Department effort targeting Trump critics.
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On October 14-15, 2025, the US State Department revoked visas of six foreigners from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay, and South Africa for social media posts celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The action coincided with President Donald Trump posthumously awarding Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom and vowing a crackdown on left-wing extremism.
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On October 26, 2025, British-Tunisian journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at San Francisco Airport after his visa was revoked. Authorities cited his vocal criticism of Israel and alleged support for terrorism linked to Hamas's October 2023 attacks. Hamdi, on a speaking tour with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, faces deportation amid legal challenges and international outcry over free speech concerns.
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North Korea has condemned US sanctions targeting cybercrime networks linked to its regime, asserting that these measures will not alter its strategic stance. Meanwhile, the US and allies have imposed new sanctions on North Korean hackers and financial entities accused of laundering over $3 billion to fund nuclear programs, amid ongoing diplomatic stalemates.
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On November 10, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will make a historic first official visit to Washington. He aims to join the US-led coalition against ISIS, discuss lifting sanctions, and explore Syria's reconstruction. This follows his landmark UN address and a prior meeting with President Trump in May, marking Syria's shift after Assad's ouster.
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Elizabeth Tsurkov and Rom Braslavski, both held captive by Iran-backed groups, describe severe torture, sexual violence, and psychological torment during over two years of captivity. Their stories highlight ongoing human rights violations amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iraq. The stories are current as of November 11, 2025.
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Recent policy changes by US agencies and businesses restrict transgender individuals' access and rights. TSA has barred trans officers from pat-down duties, and King Spa updated its policies following a lawsuit, reflecting ongoing legal and political debates over gender identity and public spaces.
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a rare 'special message' criticizing the treatment of migrants, detention conditions, and threats against houses of worship. The bishops called for humane treatment and highlighted concerns over immigration enforcement, aligning with Pope Leo XIV's advocacy for human dignity amid ongoing U.S. immigration debates. The story is current as of Tue, 18 Nov 2025.
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Following a September raid that detained 475 workers at a Hyundai-LG battery plant near Savannah, construction has resumed with a mix of new and returning workers. The raid, which targeted mostly South Korean nationals, sparked diplomatic tensions and questions over visa policies. Some detained workers plan to return, while others remain hesitant.
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On November 13-14, 2025, the US State Department designated four European groups—Germany's Antifa Ost, Italy's International Revolutionary Front, and Greece's Armed Proletarian Justice and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense—as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" and plans to list them as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" by November 20. This move builds on President Trump's September executive order labeling Antifa a domestic terrorist organization, targeting groups accused of violent anarchist and Marxist activities across Europe.
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Recent data shows a 17% drop in first-time international students entering US colleges this fall, the sharpest decline since COVID-19. Overall enrollment fell slightly, but many universities face revenue shortfalls. Visa processing delays and restrictive policies are key factors, raising concerns about future international education trends.
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Since last month’s ceasefire, Hamas has regained influence in Gaza, reestablishing control over areas from which Israel withdrew. The group is monitoring imports, levying fees, and denying reports of taxing cigarettes and fuel. International efforts for a transitional government face delays amid ongoing conflict and territorial divisions.
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The US has officially designated the so-called Cartel de los Soles, linked to Venezuela's military and accused of drug trafficking, as a foreign terrorist organization. The move escalates US pressure on Maduro amid military buildups and potential talks, though Venezuela denies the allegations. The designation could enable further sanctions and military options.
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The US supports a plan to create 'safe communities' in Gaza, dividing the territory into Israeli-controlled zones and others. Construction of compounds for displaced Palestinians is underway, but details on funding, infrastructure, and governance remain uncertain amid ongoing conflict and political disagreements.
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Since late November 2025, X (formerly Twitter) has rolled out an "About This Account" feature showing where accounts are based. This exposed many popular US-focused political accounts, especially pro-Trump and pro-Israel ones, as operated from countries like India, Eastern Europe, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. The move aims to increase transparency but raises privacy and safety concerns.
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On November 24, 2025, the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) permanently ceased operations after delivering over 187 million meals during a six-month emergency mission in Gaza. Created to bypass UN aid amid an Israeli blockade, GHF faced criticism for deadly violence near its distribution sites. Its aid model will now be adopted by a US-led coordination center.
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A leaked US State Department cable reveals efforts to pressure allied nations to restrict migration, citing concerns over violent crimes linked to migrants. The cable, sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizes highlighting crimes to justify tighter border policies amid recent incidents involving Afghan migrants.