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On October 10, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a deal with AstraZeneca to lower drug prices for Medicaid patients by matching the lowest prices in developed countries. The agreement includes AstraZeneca's commitment to invest $50 billion in U.S. manufacturing by 2030 and participation in the upcoming TrumpRx website, which will sell discounted drugs directly to consumers starting in early 2026.
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As of October 3, 2025, the Trump administration continues to block and review multiple offshore wind projects along the US East Coast, including the nearly completed Revolution Wind farm in Rhode Island. Legal challenges and federal reviews threaten projects that could power millions of homes and create thousands of jobs, amid political opposition to clean energy expansion.
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As of September 22, 2025, Nvidia has announced a $5 billion investment in Intel and a strategic partnership to develop AI data center and PC products. This follows China's ban on domestic firms purchasing Nvidia's AI chips, including the RTX Pro 6000D, amid ongoing US-China trade tensions. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed disappointment but remains supportive of both governments.
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China’s Cyberspace Administration has ordered domestic tech firms to stop testing and cancel orders for Nvidia's AI chips, citing national security concerns. The move follows previous restrictions and impacts Nvidia’s market access in China, amid ongoing US-China tech tensions.
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The US is set to deliver $6.7 billion in military equipment to Israel, including Apache helicopters and infantry vehicles, despite international criticism and stalled peace efforts. The sales, part of a 10-year agreement, will not be delivered for 2-3 years or longer, amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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Recent court filings reveal severe conditions at US immigration detention centers, including Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Texas's Dilley facility, and Louisiana's Angola prison. Reports detail inhumane treatment, prolonged detention, and inadequate medical care, prompting legal challenges and protests. The stories highlight ongoing concerns about migrant treatment under US immigration policies. (Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:26:26 +0100)
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China is intensifying efforts to develop self-sufficient AI chips amid US restrictions. Huawei announced a breakthrough in domestic AI hardware, while Beijing is pushing to reduce reliance on US technology by building a comprehensive local supply chain. Meanwhile, US-China relations show signs of pragmatic cooperation despite ongoing strategic competition.
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A Maryland federal judge is examining whether the US government’s deportation and criminal charges against Salvadoran national Abrego Garcia are retaliatory, following allegations that officials targeted him after his legal challenge to wrongful deportation. The case highlights tensions over immigration policies and legal retaliation claims. Today's date & time: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:00:34 +0100.
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The US has deported Iranian nationals to Iran and migrants to Eswatini, amid broader efforts to increase deportations. These actions follow negotiations and controversial agreements, raising concerns over human rights and diplomatic relations. The deportations include individuals who had little opportunity to challenge their removal, with some fearing persecution.
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As of October 7, 2025, the US federal government remains shut down after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. Approximately 750,000 federal workers face furloughs, with President Trump threatening permanent job cuts. Essential services like Social Security continue, but delays in economic data risk complicating Federal Reserve interest rate decisions amid a fragile economy.
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UNHCR faces significant funding shortages, leading to nearly 5,000 job cuts amid rising global displacement. Filippo Grandi warns of worsening conditions for refugees, citing reduced aid and political challenges, but highlights some positive developments like Syrian refugee returns and peace efforts in Congo. The story underscores ongoing struggles in global refugee management.
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A Baltimore immigration judge rejected Abrego Garcia's asylum bid, but he has 30 days to appeal. His case highlights tensions over US deportation policies, especially after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March. The Trump administration seeks to deport him to Uganda or Eswatini amid criminal charges and allegations of gang ties, which his lawyers deny.
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The US military conducted a strike against a vessel off Venezuela, killing four alleged narco-terrorists. The operation is part of ongoing US efforts to target drug trafficking, justified by the administration's declaration of an armed conflict with cartels. The strikes remain controversial under international law.
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Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian in the US since 2016, has been detained since March after protests supporting Gaza. Her case highlights legal and political tensions over her activism, with her detention linked to her protests and personal ties to Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
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The WTO reports a significant upward revision in merchandise trade growth for 2025 to 2.4%, driven by AI-related goods and resilient trade among developing countries. Predictions for 2026 are lowered to 0.5%. The report highlights trade dynamics amid tariffs and economic shifts, with a focus on regional impacts.
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The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a case involving Khalil, a Palestinian advocate and US resident, who was released from detention in Louisiana. The government seeks to overturn a lower court order preventing his deportation and detention, amid ongoing debates over free speech and immigration enforcement.
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Oura, the Finnish health tech company known for its smart rings, announced a new funding round valuing it at approximately $11 billion. The company plans to expand AI features and global reach, driven by strong sales and a core demographic of health-conscious professionals, despite increasing competition.
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The US is weighing extensive export restrictions on technology to China, including software and engines, in response to China's threat to restrict rare-earth exports. The move aligns with previous measures against Russia and involves coordination with G7 allies. The decision reflects escalating tech tensions between the US and China.
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The US Interior Department announced plans to open Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration and lease sales, reversing previous protections. Simultaneously, a land exchange and road project through Izembek Refuge aim to benefit local communities but face environmental and tribal opposition. These moves mark a shift toward resource development in Alaska.
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Ruben Torres Maldonado, detained at a Chicago-area Home Depot, faces deportation amid legal challenges. A judge ruled his detention illegal, citing due process violations, but did not order immediate release. His case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and humanitarian concerns, especially with his daughter's cancer battle.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, alleging deceptive marketing of Tylenol to pregnant women amid unproven claims linking the drug to autism. The case follows recent political statements by Trump and Kennedy suggesting a connection, which medical experts strongly dispute. The companies defend Tylenol's safety, citing scientific consensus.
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Chanthila 'Shawn' Souvannarath, born in Thailand but raised in the U.S., was deported to Laos after a court order temporarily blocked his removal. Despite claiming U.S. citizenship through his father, immigration authorities moved him, raising legal and constitutional questions about citizen rights and deportation procedures.
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The US will not send high-level officials to the upcoming UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, reflecting ongoing opposition to multilateral climate efforts under President Trump. Other world leaders, including China, are also skipping the event. Despite this, US subnational actors continue climate actions independently, highlighting a divided global approach to climate policy.
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President Trump has reversed his decision to withdraw Jared Isaacman's nomination as NASA administrator, citing new support and reassessment of his credentials. The move follows political debates over Isaacman's past donations and industry ties, with the Senate approval process still pending as of November 12, 2025.
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As of November 11, 2025, the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) has fully assumed primary control over humanitarian aid into Gaza, sidelining Israel's previous dominant role. The CMCC, involving over 40 countries, aims to improve aid flow amid ongoing restrictions and security concerns. Meanwhile, Cornell University agreed to a $60 million settlement with the US government to restore federal funding amid investigations into alleged civil rights violations, affirming academic freedom but maintaining diversity programs.
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U.S. prosecutors in Florida have issued over two dozen subpoenas related to the Obama-era intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 election. The investigation, led by U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quinones, seeks documents on the assessment's preparation amid ongoing political tensions and Trump's calls for retribution. The probes focus on officials involved in the original inquiry, with potential criminal implications.
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Protests erupted at Nigeria's Museum of West African Arts in Benin City, delaying its opening. Demonstrators supported the Oba of Benin, opposing plans to display looted artifacts. The museum suspended activities after armed men stormed the site, amid ongoing tensions over artifact ownership and repatriation.
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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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The US government ended its 43-day shutdown after Congress passed funding through January 30. Federal workers will receive back pay, and agencies are resuming operations. The shutdown caused widespread disruptions, including furloughs, service closures, and economic impacts, especially in the Washington D.C. area.
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The Biden administration is set to announce exemptions on tariffs for certain food imports, including beef, citrus, coffee, and bananas, aiming to reduce consumer prices amid political pressure and recent election results highlighting affordability concerns. The move signals a shift from previous tariff policies.
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On Nov 20-21, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled that President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. violated constitutional limits on presidential authority and the district's self-governance. The ruling pauses troop deployment for 21 days to allow appeal. Similar legal challenges are ongoing in Memphis and other cities over military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
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The US beef industry is experiencing significant disruptions, including plant closures and industry restructuring. Tyson plans to shut its Lexington plant, affecting over 3,200 jobs, amid ongoing industry losses and high cattle numbers. Meanwhile, imports from Brazil are increasing as a potential buffer for consumers.
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As of December 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the New Safe Confinement (NSC) steel shield at Chernobyl lost its primary safety functions after a Russian drone strike in February 2025. While load-bearing structures remain intact, comprehensive repairs are essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety amid ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
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On November 27, 2025, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who served in CIA-backed paramilitary units, shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one and critically wounding the other. Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum in 2025. The attack has sparked scrutiny of refugee vetting and immigration policies.
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U.S. exports increased by 3% in November, reducing the trade deficit to $52.8 billion. Meanwhile, China’s exports rose 5.9% year-on-year, with a record trade surplus of over $1 trillion, despite ongoing US tariffs and trade tensions. The global trade landscape remains complex and evolving.
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On December 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025. The judge ruled his detention lacked legal basis, blocking the Trump administration's attempts to deport him to African countries. Abrego Garcia faces ongoing human smuggling charges and is seeking asylum in the U.S.