Central Bank lowers interest rates for the first time in nine months, hints at additional decreases in 2021.

Colombia's Soaring Cocaine Production

Cocaine production in Colombia has surged as the government adopts a hands-off approach to coca cultivation. This laissez-faire policy has allowed the drug trade to flourish, raising concerns about the impact on public safety and regional stability.

European Elections and Political Tensions

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel won a convincing election in her home state, while the anti-immigration AfD party tripled its vote share in a bellwether region. These results indicate a growing polarization in German politics.

Technological Advancements and AI Deployment

One coder at Anthropic, a leading AI company, revealed that the company is creating 20 times more code than a few months ago, with 95% of it being written by Claude, Anthropic's chatbot. This rapid advancement in AI technology is reshaping the tech industry.

International Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises

The UN-backed panel in Gaza has reported that famine has taken hold in the territory, as Israel intensifies its bombardment of Gaza as part of efforts to destroy Hamas and rescue remaining hostages. The US Secretary of State has warned that there are possibly only days left to reach a truce in Gaza.

Political Scandals and Diplomatic Visits

US President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK is marked by royal pageantry, policy discussions, and potential talks about trade and the controversial figure of Jeffrey Epstein. However, the visit has been overshadowed by scandals, with the UK Prime Minister losing his deputy prime minister, US ambassador, and a senior advisor over separate issues in just a week.

Economic Developments and Trade Agreements

The US and UK have signed a major nuclear power deal to build up to 12 cutting-edge reactors in England. Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico are meeting to respond to Washington's tariff threats, which risk upending their economies. These countries rely heavily on the US for imports and exports, most of which are within a trilateral trade agreement signed during President Trump's first term.

Political Instability and Elections

81-year-old Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni has announced his intention to seek reelection next year. In Malawi, former leader Peter Mutharika is poised to return to power in elections today. Meanwhile, Cameroon's Paul Biya, aged 92, may extend his term next month.

Controversies and Investigations

The potential motive for the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk remains unclear, but bullet casings found at the scene and with the rifle used to shoot Kirk were etched with antifascist messages and internet memes. The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point on Wednesday, a move that came under pressure from President Trump, who has pushed for lower borrowing costs and tried to replace a Fed governor to secure a panel of loyalists.

Regulatory Actions and Trade Disputes

Chinese authorities have accused chip giant Nvidia of violating antitrust rules in the country. The top US communications regulator threatened to take action over Kimmel's on-air comments, in what The New York Times characterized as "an extraordinary exertion of political pressure."

Social Unrest and Age Gap Concerns

Experts fear the growing age gap between rulers and the ruled could feed unrest on a continent already facing cascading crises. This issue is particularly relevant in Europe, where many leaders are significantly older than the average citizen.

Technological Investments and AI Development

Google has announced $6.8 billion in infrastructure and research spending, particularly on AI. This investment underscores the tech giant's commitment to driving advancements in AI technology.

Scandals and Suspensions

ABC suspended US television host Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show indefinitely, after he made remarks linking the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to US President Donald Trump's MAGA movement. These comments sparked widespread criticism and calls for Kimmel's removal from the airwaves.

Fed Politics and Interest Rate Cuts

During the 2025 Federal Reserve meetings, President Donald Trump pressured Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates to stimulate growth amid a slowing economy. However, Powell firmly defended making decisions based solely on data and maintaining the Fed's autonomy, despite Trump's criticisms and attempts to increase pressure for his resignation or replacement.

Romanian-Russian Tensions

Romania scrambled fighter jets in response to a Russian drone crossing into its territory, highlighting the ongoing tensions between these two nations.

Health and Scientific Disagreements

The US is increasingly breaking stride with the global scientific community on critical health issues. This divergence raises concerns about the country's commitment to evidence-based policymaking and its impact on global health initiatives.

Central Bank lowers interest rates for the first time in nine months, hints at additional decreases in 2021.