US President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping new sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, after shelving plans for peace talks with Vladimir Putin. The move marks a major policy shift, as Trump had previously resisted sanctions while urging Europe to end purchases of Russian oil. Frustrated by Moscow’s failure to negotiate, he said his conversations with Putin “don’t go anywhere,” calling the sanctions “tremendous” and expressing hope they could be lifted if Russia agrees to halt its war in Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures target the Kremlin’s “war machine,” which is heavily funded by oil exports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action as a “good signal,” urging continued global pressure. The sanctions follow similar steps by the UK and EU, which also banned Russian liquefied gas imports by 2028. Despite economic pressure, Russia insists it remains “immune” and continues airstrikes across Ukraine, where civilian casualties—including children—remain high.
At least 46 people have died following a devastating collision on Uganda’s Kampala-Gulu Highway, one of the country’s busiest roads. The crash occurred shortly after midnight near Kiryandongo when two buses travelling in opposite directions attempted to overtake other vehicles simultaneously, colliding head-on with a truck and a car. Initial reports suggested a higher death toll of 63 before police revised the figures as rescue operations progressed. The Uganda Police Force said many victims were found unconscious at the scene and urged motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, which remains one of Uganda’s leading causes of road fatalities. Red Cross spokesperson Irene Nakasiita described the wreckage as “too gruesome to share,” with many victims suffering severe injuries and broken limbs. The tragedy highlights Uganda’s worsening road safety record, with more than 5,000 people killed in crashes last year—a rise for the third consecutive year. Authorities have launched an investigation while emergency teams continue assisting survivors and families.
Peruvian President Jose Jeri has declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital, Lima, and the neighboring province of Callao to confront rising crime and growing public unrest. The measure, approved by the Council of Ministers, allows the armed forces to work alongside police in maintaining order and security. In a televised address, Jeri said the government was “moving from defense to offense in the fight against crime” to restore peace and public trust. The decision follows violent protests last week that left one person dead and over 100 injured, marking the first major challenge to Jeri’s new administration. Sworn in earlier this month after the ouster of Dina Boluarte, the president has made law and order his top priority. However, analysts warn that repeated emergency declarations — including similar measures under Boluarte — have failed to address the root causes of Peru’s insecurity. Critics say lasting reform requires judicial and police accountability, not just military deployment.
Cambodia and Thailand have convened a two-day Joint Border Committee (JBC) meeting in Chanthaburi province to advance long-stalled talks on their shared frontier. The session follows June’s historic JBC meeting in Phnom Penh — the first in over a decade — which helped revive bilateral dialogue after tensions briefly escalated into armed confrontation between border troops. The agenda includes reviewing progress on boundary demarcation, addressing issues raised at September’s General Border Committee meeting, and approving the use of new mapping technologies such as LiDAR and orthophotography to speed up surveying along the 800-kilometre border. Cambodia’s delegation, led by Lam Chea of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs, and Thailand’s, headed by Prasas Prasasvinitchai, aim to confirm additional boundary pillars and strengthen cooperation under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding. Phnom Penh reaffirmed that disputed zones like Ta Moan Thom and the Emerald Triangle should be settled through international legal channels, not unilateral mapping. Both sides expressed hope that continued dialogue will prevent renewed conflict and foster stability.
The World Bank has estimated Syria’s post-war reconstruction will cost at least $216 billion, with possible totals ranging from $140 billion to $345 billion. Its ‘Syrian Conflict: Physical Damage and Reconstruction Assessment (2011–2024)’ report found $108 billion in direct physical destruction—around one-third of the country’s total capital stock. Infrastructure suffered nearly half the damage ($52 billion), followed by homes and public buildings, with Aleppo, Rif Dimashq, and Homs the hardest-hit regions. Syria’s economy has shrunk dramatically, with GDP down 53% since 2010, from $67.5 billion to just $21.4 billion. The report warns that reconstruction costs now amount to ten times the country’s current GDP, while sanctions, depleted reserves, and minimal capital investment leave the government unable to rebuild alone. Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh called for urgent global support to restore infrastructure and rebuild communities. Following Bashar al-Assad’s flight to Russia last year, Syria’s new government under President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has begun reforms aimed at stability, investment, and national recovery.
Arizona State University football player Jordyn Tyson has boldly shared how his renewed faith in Jesus has transformed his life on and off the field. After wearing a “Jesus Won” T-shirt during a post-match press conference, Tyson told reporters he was “diving into my faith completely,” describing the Bible as “the instructions to life.” He said studying Scripture has strengthened his discipline, decision-making, and focus during training and matches. Tyson’s spiritual journey deepened through his college experience with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, leading to his baptism in March. He now identifies not primarily as a football player but as “a follower of Christ.” Reflecting on past struggles and injuries, he believes God used trials to mature his faith. “Jesus had His hand on me my whole life,” he said, adding, “He paid the price on the cross. He won for us.” Tyson’s testimony continues to inspire teammates to pursue God together both on and off the field.
Contemporary Christian singer Evan Craft, known for hits in both English and Spanish, has expanded his ministry with his debut book *The Extra Mile*. In it, he shares a vulnerable and deeply personal account of faith, anxiety, and God’s call to serve with sacrificial love. Inspired by missionary Reinhard Bonnke’s biography, Craft recounts how his own struggles — including anxiety and his band quitting — became opportunities to discover God’s strength in weakness. “God is big enough to receive our doubts,” he says, urging believers to act in obedience even when they don’t feel strong. The book redefines “going the extra mile” as showing radical love through humble service, not pursuing fame or success. Craft’s faith became practical on a bicycle tour through South America, where he included two disabled Venezuelan riders to raise funds for their prosthetics. His message is clear: God uses imperfect people who are willing to love others and serve faithfully in simple, everyday ways.
UK inflation held steady at 3.8% in September, slightly below expectations and suggesting the current spike may have peaked. Economists predict a gradual decline through spring as last year’s regulated price rises drop out of the index, with inflation potentially nearing the 2% target by late next year. Although still nearly double the Bank of England’s goal, stability in food and energy prices has reduced the risk of inflationary “doom loops” where rising wages and prices fuel each other. The improved outlook has prompted renewed speculation about interest rate cuts — possibly four over the next year, bringing rates down to 3%. Market confidence has lifted, with government borrowing costs falling to their lowest levels in months. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who recently pitched Britain as “the best place to invest,” now has slightly more room to manoeuvre ahead of a challenging Budget. However, analysts warn that new tax measures or global shocks could quickly reverse these gains.