Your brief - 48h (16 articles)

The Guardian reports that the Trump administration has cancelled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants that supported projects in Democratic-led states, intensifying political tensions during the ongoing government shutdown. Environmental groups and Democratic leaders have criticized the move, describing it as a politically motivated decision that could drive up energy costs and harm renewable energy initiatives. This development aligns with broader budget cuts as Trump seeks leverage against congressional Democrats over the shutdown.

Meanwhile, The New York Times highlights that the government shutdown has been used by President Trump as a tool to target Democratic states and cities, pausing billions in federal funding. Experts have flagged the administration's messaging, which blames Democrats for the shutdown, as a significant breach of norms separating civil service and partisan politics, potentially undermining trust in federal institutions. Source 4 Source 9 Source 10

According to The Guardian, Israel has continued airstrikes in Gaza, despite Donald Trump’s call for an immediate halt to bombings as part of his proposed peace plan. Meanwhile, Hamas has agreed to release hostages under certain conditions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is ready for the initial implementation of Trump’s plan, though questions remain about Hamas’s willingness to disarm and the broader implications for Gaza’s governance.

The Financial Times adds that scattered explosions persist across Gaza, illustrating the fragile nature of the ceasefire proposed under Trump’s plan. The situation remains tense as both sides weigh the plan’s implications for the region. Source 7 Source 13 Source 8

Sanae Takaichi is set to become Japan’s first female prime minister, reports The Guardian, after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Takaichi, an admirer of Margaret Thatcher, is known for her conservative views and aims to strengthen Japan’s international standing amid economic and regional challenges. The new leadership marks a significant milestone in Japanese politics, which historically lacks female representation at the highest levels. Source 14 Source 15

The ongoing war in Ukraine remains dire, as reported by The Guardian. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe’s largest, has been cut off from external power since September 23, leaving operations dependent on emergency generators. The UN’s nuclear watchdog is advocating for a security agreement to enable repairs, but progress is stalled by political and logistical challenges. Additionally, a Russian drone strike targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has caused widespread damage, including the loss of 13,000 pigs in a fire. Meanwhile, Kyiv has severed diplomatic ties with Nicaragua after it recognized Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Source 33

Sergiy Kyslytsia, Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, has warned that Russia poses an existential threat to Europe, reports The Guardian. He urged European leaders to adopt a more serious approach to counter Russian aggression, citing recent drone incursions into EU countries as calculated provocations designed to test NATO’s boundaries. The call for action reflects growing concerns about Russia’s destabilizing activities on the continent.

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The New York Times reports that a new California law will allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize and bargain collectively for better wages and benefits. This landmark decision, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, affects approximately 800,000 workers and is seen as a potential model for similar legislation in other states. HuffPost adds that the measure comes after years of advocacy by labor groups seeking improved working conditions for gig economy workers. Source 39 Source 40

The death toll from a school collapse in Indonesia has risen to 14, with dozens of students still missing, reports The Guardian. Rescuers have intensified efforts using heavy machinery to clear debris, though hopes of finding survivors are fading. This disaster has raised concerns about building safety regulations in the country, where such tragedies are not uncommon. Source 32

The Guardian provides live updates on Storm Amy, which has caused significant disruption across the UK and Ireland, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and resulting in at least one fatality. The storm has been described as more severe than initially anticipated, with warnings of potential life-threatening conditions due to strong winds and large waves. Rail and road networks have been severely affected, highlighting the storm’s widespread impact.

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Tech Radar reports that a BBC journalist was targeted by cybercriminals attempting to bribe them into hacking one of the world’s largest news websites. When their efforts failed, the hackers resorted to MFA bombing, prompting swift security action. This incident underscores the growing sophistication of cyberattacks targeting media organizations.

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Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is seeking to produce his Grenadier SUV in the United States, according to the Financial Times. Despite rising sales of the Land Rover Defender rival, Ratcliffe has invested heavily in his company, Ineos Automotive, as part of a long-term strategy to expand its global footprint. This decision reflects the broader trend of automakers diversifying production bases amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Source 25