Taiwan says will put US$40B toward air defence system, US weapons

Thai pork producers are expressing concerns over the potential influx of inexpensive US pork imports as the United States seeks duty-free access to Thailand's $3 billion pork market. This development comes amid ongoing trade negotiations and reflects the competitive pressures that local producers may face.

President Donald Trump has revoked South Africa's invitation to the upcoming G20 summit, citing allegations of human rights abuses against the Afrikaner community. This decision follows Trump's repeated claims of a supposed genocide against white South Africans, which have been widely criticized as unfounded.

The wildfire season of 2025 has proven to be deadly, with 66 active fires currently threatening Manitoba as winter approaches. These underground fires pose significant risks to both the environment and local communities, highlighting ongoing concerns about wildfire management in the region.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to travel to Washington next week, indicating a lack of urgency to resume stalled trade talks with the United States. This visit comes amid ongoing trade tensions that have affected various sectors, including lumber and steel.

A Georgia judge has dismissed the last remaining criminal case against Donald Trump, which accused him of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. This ruling effectively closes a significant chapter in the legal challenges Trump faced following the election, as prosecutors argued that the investigation should have been handled at the federal level.

A rail safety advocate in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, reported a safety concern regarding the train tracks in the community and subsequently received a fine of nearly $700. This incident highlights the challenges faced by individuals who raise safety issues in their communities, particularly in areas with a history of rail-related incidents.

U.S. diplomatic efforts are intensifying to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with discussions involving a revised peace plan initially drafted during the Trump administration. Recent meetings have included U.S. officials and a Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, following significant amendments made by Ukrainian representatives to the proposed deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an exclusive interview that Iran remains open to negotiations with the US regarding its nuclear program, despite claiming that the US is not eager for talks. He also mentioned an imminent exchange of French prisoners for an Iranian citizen within the next couple of months and asserted Iran's perceived victory in the recent conflict with Israel.