America Uruguay To restore police presence on the streets is priority for Montevideo's new police chief, who rejects the idea of heavy hand, defends use of armored vehicles to protect officers, maintains that Uruguay is far from falling into violence as Central America
Europe North Macedonia Discussions about potential constitutional changes are ongoing; former foreign minister Bujar Osmani has stated the need for a vote on the issue, warning that a lack of action could lead to a renewed focus on issues of 'identity, language and history'
America Nicaragua Nicaragua has severed diplomatic ties with Israel, condemning what it calls "genocide" against Palestinians; the move was taken in response to a request from the country’s National Assembly during a session of solidarity with Palestine
America United States TikTok could be banned in the US starting January 2025 unless ByteDance sells it; although mother companies insist they are independent of the Chinese government, deep concerns persist about its ties to the Chinese state
Europe Italy The non-observed economy in Italy grew by 9,6% in 2022 compared to the previous year, ISTAT just reported; the net of illegal enterprises was at 182 billion euros and illegal activities were worth nearly 20 billion euros, fanned by drugs and prostitution
Asia Iran Statements by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, who said that Tehran is ready to negotiate with France on the implementation of a UN resolution concerning southern Lebanon, have been challenged by Lebanon's interim Prime Minister
Europe Poland Biedronka, the largest supermarket chain, has been fined €116 million for forcing suppliers to discount their products after delivery; Competition and Consumer Protection said it is an "important signal for the market, especially for larger companies"
Europe Switzerland Ten-year fixed mortgage rates for loans emitted in Switzerland halved since 2022 peak according to online comparison platform Comparis; this relatively low level has led to strong demand, with 72% of those surveyed choosing a ten-year fixed-rate mortgage
Africa Niger Exports of rice, cereals and other food products have been banned to all countries except the member countries of the Alliance of Sahel States to protect local supplies
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Doctors said that they will start an indefinite general strike from 24 October to demand working conditions and safety, denouncing the failure to fulfil government commitments
America Brazil In Brazil’s recent municipal elections, a record 256 Indigenous candidates won positions as mayors, vice mayors, and councilors, marking an 8% increase, with Indigenous votes rising as other demographics saw declines
America Panama Due to severe drought, vessel transit through the Panama Canal dropped by 29% in 2024, as reduced rainfall lowered water levels in the canal’s artificial lakes, cutting daily ship passages from 38 to 22
Oceania Marshall Islands The long-awaited 'Enra' payment programme initiative, a cash contribution to elegible citizens, will probably take place next year and not in December as previously planned by the government
Africa Gambia The 81st regular session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights officially opened in Banjul with representatives of member states, civil society organisations and human rights advocates