'Parasocial': Cambridge Dictionary's word of the year

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion of military strikes against drug cartels on Mexican soil. She emphasized that while Mexico is willing to cooperate on intelligence, it will not allow foreign military intervention. This statement follows Trump's remarks indicating support for such actions as a means to combat drug trafficking.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Congress to establish a single nationwide standard for regulating artificial intelligence. He warned that a patchwork of state rules could hinder growth and jeopardize the United States' competitiveness against China in the rapidly evolving AI sector.

The public accounts committee (PAC) has reported that the NHS has not met its targets for reducing waiting times as outlined in its recovery plan, despite significant financial investments. The PAC's findings suggest that Labour's efforts to 'fix the NHS' may be faltering, with key objectives for improving access to planned care and diagnostic tests missed. As of July, 192,000 individuals were waiting over a year for care, contradicting promises to eliminate such delays by March 2025.

Keir Starmer is criticized for inadequate planning during his time in opposition, which has hindered significant improvements to public services, according to a report from the Institute for Government (IfG). The report indicates that Starmer entered government without a clear strategy to achieve his goals, resulting in disorganized reform efforts across various sectors, including healthcare and the judiciary.

As the UK government enforces stricter asylum policies, families of asylum seekers are facing significant emotional distress. One mother, identified as Kim, shares her painful experience of being separated from her son, who is growing up without her presence. Kim, a 35-year-old asylum seeker in Yorkshire, expresses her anguish as her son frequently asks when he will see her again. The uncertainty surrounding their reunion highlights the broader implications of the Labour government's crackdown on the asylum system, leaving many families in distress.

Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House meeting, downplaying the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This meeting coincided with the announcement of a significant arms deal, including the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Trump's family has vested interests in Saudi projects, including the development of Trump Plaza in Jeddah, further complicating the political landscape surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans to invest nearly a trillion dollars in new deals with the United States. This significant investment is aimed at strengthening economic ties between Saudi Arabia and the US, reflecting the Crown Prince's vision for diversifying the Saudi economy beyond oil dependency. The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of US-Saudi relations and the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the United States, where discussions are focused on Saudi Arabia's interest in acquiring the F-35 fighter jet. This visit marks a significant moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, particularly in the context of military cooperation and arms sales. The F-35, known for its advanced capabilities, represents a strategic enhancement for Saudi Arabia's defense forces.