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Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to the United States on Friday, departing Washington after talks with the Biden administration. Senior US government officials saw him off at the airport, where a 21-gun salute was fired. The send-off is being noted as a ceremonial gesture, with observers weighing what the visit signals for future US-China relations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly, using his speech to invoke historical narratives, address violence by settlers in the West Bank, and lay out what he described as Israel's principal security threats. A Jerusalem Post opinion piece examines how he balanced those themes, prompting debate over his message and its reception at the international body.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used his final address to the UN General Assembly to renew calls for global oversight of artificial intelligence and an end to ongoing conflicts. His remarks coincide with the Security Council preparing to host a briefing with AI leaders on the risks and governance of the powerful technology.

British authorities have reportedly prevented a possible terror attack, according to a Wall Street Journal opinion piece drawing attention to the operation. The item asserts that UK security services disrupted a plot, adding to ongoing debate in Britain and abroad about counterterrorism policing, surveillance powers and the pressures facing intelligence agencies. Details about the suspects, location or methods have not been confirmed in the available reporting.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is expected to travel to Damascus as the EU works toward normalising relations with Syria. The visit would mark a significant step in re-engagement with the Syrian government, with discussions expected to focus on diplomatic ties and cooperation, as the bloc reassesses its approach following major political changes in the country.

A New York Times opinion piece warns that the current strong El Niño, a warming of the tropical Pacific that shifts global weather patterns, is set to drive severe conditions including heatwaves, droughts, floods and storms across many regions. The author urges governments and the public to prepare now for the disruption, arguing that early planning could limit the damage as the phenomenon reaches full strength in the coming months.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has warned that India's semiconductor ambitions will face cyberattacks, fake news campaigns and even physical attacks as the country expands its chip manufacturing push. Citing past incidents during Apple's rollout in India, including cut power lines and deliberate food poisoning of workers, he said sabotage attempts should be expected and that the government is prepared to counter them.

Newspapers across North Carolina, including the Charlotte Observer, News & Observer and Asheville Citizen Times, are running a joint opinion column urging readers to remember Hurricane Helene and its devastating toll while recognizing climate change as a cause, regardless of political affiliation. The piece calls for acknowledging the link between warming temperatures and stronger storms as the region continues recovering from the hurricane's destruction.

Geely has agreed to acquire a 30% stake in the battery-swapping business of rival Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio. The move would link two competing automakers in the infrastructure segment that Nio has built out as a differentiator for its cars, allowing drivers to exchange depleted batteries for charged ones in minutes. The reported deal highlights growing consolidation and cooperation in China's crowded electric vehicle market.

Barrick Mining has reached an agreement with unions at its Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in Mali, defusing an immediate threat of strike action at the site. The deal eases tensions at one of the company's largest African operations, which has faced repeated disputes with workers and the Malian authorities over operations, staffing and revenue. Details of the terms have not been disclosed.

Chinese electric vehicle makers NIO and Geely have announced a partnership covering EV charging networks and battery swapping technology. The deal would link NIO's battery swap infrastructure, one of the largest in China, with Geely's vehicle lineup and energy services. Cooperation between two of China's biggest EV groups signals growing industry consolidation around battery swapping as a charging alternative.

A recent court ruling has solidified a retreat from enforcement of the disability integration mandate, the policy requiring services to be provided in community settings rather than institutions. The decision creates uncertainty for senior living operators, who now face unclear expectations around compliance. Industry observers say providers are left weighing how the ruling affects obligations to residents and future regulatory direction.

Mike Waltz was interviewed on CNN's State of the Union, discussing current national security and foreign policy matters. As a leading figure in the Trump administration's security team, his remarks drew attention amid ongoing debates over US strategy abroad and administration policy. Viewers and political commentators weighed his comments on social media, sharing clips and reaction.

The Financial Times has published an opinion piece examining India's role as a major exporter of labour to the global economy. The argument frames the movement of Indian workers abroad as a "shock" with significant implications for labour markets, migration policy and India's economic standing. Details of the author's full argument are not available beyond the headline.

A New York Times opinion piece argues that the emerging super El Niño, while expected to bring severe weather impacts worldwide, gives governments and communities valuable lead time to prepare. The author urges using the advance warning to strengthen defenses against likely heatwaves, droughts, floods and other disruptions linked to the climate pattern.

A South China Morning Post opinion piece examines how Hong Kong is pursuing a new solution to its long-running land value problem, which has made the city one of the world's least affordable housing markets. The article weighs whether the government's latest approach can unlock land supply and ease pressure on property prices, a debate central to Hong Kong's economy and public finances.

The Wall Street Journal has published an opinion piece asking whether AI-generated health narratives can be trusted. The article examines the risks of relying on artificial intelligence for medical information and personal health decisions, raising questions about accuracy and accountability when algorithms interpret or communicate health data. The topic feeds into a broader global debate about AI reliability in sensitive areas like medicine.

Following a series of taxi driver deaths, the drivers' union is pressing Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to establish a dedicated health fund for taxi drivers. The union argues that years of financial hardship in the industry have taken a severe toll on drivers' health, and is calling on the incoming administration to commit funding as an early priority.

Trade unions are intensifying efforts to counter what they see as a growing risk from artificial intelligence to their members' jobs. The push reflects broader concerns across labour movements about automation replacing workers and eroding workplace protections, with unions seeking safeguards, negotiations and policy responses as AI adoption accelerates across industries.

Commentary from Montenegro argues that Brussels is closely monitoring the country's EU accession process and that the rules of the game are clearly defined. Part of the reforms required on the road to European Union membership are reportedly affecting the political space, as candidates must align institutions and practices with EU standards.

South Sudan's Senior Presidential Envoy has voiced support for strengthening the country's emergency preparedness as Ebola outbreaks continue in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The endorsement, highlighted by the World Health Organization's regional office for Africa, underscores concerns that South Sudan could be exposed if the outbreaks spread across borders, and reinforces calls for vigilance, surveillance and readiness of health systems.