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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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U.S. and China are escalating trade tensions amid investigations into Chinese imports of U.S. chips and U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies. Negotiations in Madrid aim to de-escalate, but new probes and export restrictions threaten to deepen the conflict, impacting global tech markets and strategic industries.
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The US Treasury has sanctioned Iranian individuals and entities involved in facilitating over $100 million in cryptocurrency for Iran's oil sales. These shadow banking networks use front companies and cryptocurrency to evade sanctions, with the US aiming to disrupt Iran's funding for weapons and malign activities. The move follows recent efforts to reimpose UN sanctions and curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. (Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:31:54 +0100)
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The US is escalating efforts against drug trafficking linked to Venezuela, including military strikes and diplomatic sanctions. Key figures like Sinaloa cartel's El Mayo Zambada have reportedly cooperated with US authorities, revealing details about cartel operations and Venezuela's involvement. The US aims to weaken drug networks and destabilize Maduro's government.
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Recent developments include Hamas responding to Trump’s Gaza peace plan, a bipartisan effort to prevent a government shutdown, and ongoing political violence linked to Trump’s rhetoric. Trump plans a memorial for Charlie Kirk amid heightened security following Kirk’s assassination. The US faces political turmoil and violence concerns.
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The UN has reimposed sanctions on Iran, targeting assets, arms deals, and missile development. The US Treasury named entities involved in procuring missile technology and illegal US equipment for Iran’s military. Iran faces economic strain, with its currency at a record low and rising food prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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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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The US Treasury has frozen assets and imposed sanctions on a dozen Mexico-based companies and eight individuals linked to the Sinaloa cartel's 'Chapitos' faction. The move targets financial networks supporting drug trafficking and designates the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, amid ongoing US efforts to combat Latin American drug groups.
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The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Chinese entities aiding Iran's oil exports, including a refinery and terminal, amid ongoing efforts to curb Iran's revenue. The move targets shadow fleet vessels and a Chinese petrochemical terminal, intensifying pressure on Iran's economy despite its continued oil exports.
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On October 14-15, 2025, US and UK authorities charged Chen Zhi, head of Cambodia's Prince Group, with wire fraud and money laundering tied to forced-labor "pig butchering" scams. The operation used trafficked workers in compounds to defraud victims globally, seizing 127,271 bitcoin worth $15 billion and freezing UK properties. Chen remains at large, facing up to 40 years in prison.
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The US has pledged $20bn in financial aid to Argentina, backing President Milei ahead of midterm elections. President Trump has publicly endorsed Milei, linking US support to his electoral success. The aid aims to stabilize Argentina's economy, but market concerns persist as the elections approach.
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US and UK authorities have sanctioned Prince Holding Group and its chairman Chen Zhi, accusing them of operating a transnational criminal network involved in online scams, money laundering, and forced labor. The US seized over US$15 billion in bitcoin, and assets in the UK and Singapore have been frozen. The case highlights extensive allegations of fraud and exploitation across Southeast Asia.
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The US has extended financial support to Argentina, including a $20 billion currency swap, to stabilize the peso ahead of midterm elections. Support is linked to policy performance, with US backing contingent on continued good governance by President Milei amid currency fluctuations and political pressure.
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Argentina is deploying a new strategy involving stablecoins to exploit the country's exchange rate gap. By buying dollars at the official rate and converting them into stablecoins, traders can then exchange these for pesos at a cheaper market rate, potentially earning up to 4% profit per transaction. The move aligns with Argentina's broader efforts to stabilize its economy amid currency volatility, supported by a US-Argentina swap agreement announced in October. The central bank aims to expand its monetary tools and reserves through these measures, amid ongoing political and economic challenges.
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The US national debt has reached $38 trillion, marking the fastest trillion-dollar increase outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts warn this trajectory is unsustainable, with rising interest costs and inflation threatening future economic stability. The debt growth reflects ongoing fiscal challenges and political inaction.
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On October 24-25, 2025, the US Treasury sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, accusing them of enabling drug trafficking. The move escalates tensions between Petro and US President Donald Trump, who has cut aid and threatened tariffs. Petro denies the allegations, pledging to continue fighting drug trafficking amid US military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific.
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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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OPEC+ has agreed to increase December oil output by 137,000 barrels per day, pausing planned hikes for early 2026 due to sanctions on Russia and market concerns. The move aims to balance supply and prices amid geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty.
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As of November 9, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov faces speculation about his standing after the U.S. canceled a planned summit with Russia following a tense call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lavrov was absent from key Kremlin meetings and replaced at the upcoming G20 summit, though Kremlin officials deny he has been sidelined. Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly enhancing Venezuela's air defenses amid rising U.S. tensions in the Caribbean.
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Iran has transferred nearly $1 billion to Hezbollah in 2025, defying Western sanctions. US officials see this as a key to reducing Iranian influence in Lebanon and the region. Washington is increasing diplomatic and financial pressure to push for Hezbollah disarmament amid ongoing regional tensions.
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The US has intensified efforts to pressure Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and curb its funding, amid ongoing clashes with Israel and concerns over Iran-backed financial flows. US officials visited Lebanon and transit countries, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement against illicit funds, while Lebanon's government claims progress in disarmament talks.
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On November 23, 2025, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation effective January 5, 2026, citing a bitter feud with former President Donald Trump. Once a staunch MAGA ally, Greene criticized Trump over the Jeffrey Epstein files and foreign policy, prompting Trump to label her a "traitor" and endorse a primary challenger. Greene is considering a 2028 presidential run.
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President Trump ordered the US Mint to cease producing pennies, citing cost inefficiency. The move aims to save millions annually, but raises questions about circulation and retail impacts. The final pennies will be auctioned, with circulation expected to slow but not disappear.
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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 Mint produced its final penny on Wednesday, ending 232 years of coinage. The move aims to save costs, as pennies now cost more to produce than their face value. Existing coins remain in circulation, but future production has ceased following bipartisan support and government cost-saving measures.