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Martin Wolf discusses the future of American democracy with scholar Robert Kagan ahead of the midterms on November the 3rd. Kagan warned, "we're heading in the direction of dictatorship." Many people struggle to imagine this happening in America, but Wolf worries that the nation is already slipping into an autocracy.
United States President Donald Trump put on hold a package of sanctions on Russia that he signed into law last month. Trump said the pause is in the national interest. Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy for Vladimir Putin, said, “The US-Russia economic dialogue and peacemaking efforts will continue,” after the move.
Volodymyr Zelensky faces a tough week as Donald Trump uses American arms to stop Ukraine from attacking Russian refineries. While Russia ignores the energy ceasefire, Ukraine resumed hitting refineries despite risks. Many Ukrainian drones now face issues with Starlink. Zelensky must keep a cool head to manage these difficult American ties.
Residents in Russian-occupied Oleshky face a harsh winter with no food, water, or electricity. The population fell to fewer than 2,000 people as infrastructure collapsed. One woman who fled said, "There is nothing left in Oleshky." Ukraine and Russia blame each other while civilians remain trapped in the city.
Five leading Israeli opposition members signed a non-aggression pact on September 26 to oust Benjamin Netanyahu in the October 27 election. The group includes Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, and Avigdor Liberman. They said, "Despite ideological differences among us, the formation of a Zionist, statesmanlike government is our goal."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a final appeal to voters in Alberta on Friday regarding a path toward independence. Carney warned that the referendum is a dangerous gamble. "This is not a game. This is not poker," he said. Monday’s vote will decide if Alberta begins the separation process.
Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest fell to its lowest level since 1988. Official figures from Inpe showed 3,335 square kilometres were cleared in the 12 months through July. Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco said, “It’s an absolutely stratospheric drop…it’s like a dream.” This progress reflects stronger monitoring and tougher penalties.
Beijing invited former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia to visit China again after she claimed the nation lacks “proper toilets.” Zacharia made these remarks during a Thursday interview. On Friday, spokesperson Mao Ning said, “She’s welcome to come and see China more often when she has the opportunity.”
Police are investigating the motive behind the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting that occurred Thursday. Students hid in classrooms as gunshots rang out, leaving many in shock. On Friday night, hundreds gathered for a vigil in downtown Bend to mourn the victims and call for better gun safety laws.
Many NHS trusts in England are rejecting Palantir’s £330m patient data technology. Freedom of information responses showed health bosses believe they can find better alternatives. While some trusts used the system, others said it offered limited benefits. Critics also raised concerns about the company, noting Peter Thiel once said, “The NHS makes people sick.”
President Paul Biya returned to Cameroon on August 20 after 10 weeks abroad, but he has not formed a new government. Many citizens expected changes, yet the vice president post remains vacant. "Every Cameroonian was expecting that upon his return home, he was going to change government," said Elvis Mbi.
More members of Congress reported receiving letters containing suspicious substances on Friday, including Senators Ted Cruz and Susan Collins. The first incident started on Thursday. While these letters tested negative for hazardous substances, many staff members got exposed. These threats come as election officials face growing intimidation before midterm elections.