The cost of coffee in the United States has surged dramatically, with the average price of a pound of ground coffee reaching $9.14 in September, marking a 3% increase from August and a staggering 41% rise compared to September 2024. This upward trend has been consistent since the beginning of the year, driven by a combination of factors including tariffs, weather risks, and inflation. According to the U.S. Labor Department, consumer prices for food, both for home consumption and dining out, rose by 3% in September compared to the same period last year. The broader consumer price index for coffee products, including instant coffee, showed a 19% increase from September 2024, remaining steady from August. Nikki Bravo, co-owner of Momentum Coffee in Chicago, recently raised prices by approximately 15% across her four locations. She cited a 15% increase in the cost of coffee beans and additional expenses such as cups and sleeves. Bravo has started roasting more beans in-house to mitigate costs, sourcing most of her beans from Africa. The minimum wage increase in Chicago to $16.60 an hour has also contributed to rising operational costs. High inflation has left consumers hesitant to spend on luxuries like takeout coffee, with the average price of a regular coffee at U.S. restaurants rising to $3.54 in September from $3.45 a year earlier. The U.S. relies heavily on imported coffee, with 99% sourced from countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam. Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, including a 40% tariff on Brazilian products, have disrupted supply chains, leading to reduced availability and higher prices. Weather conditions such as heat and drought have further impacted global coffee production, driving prices up by nearly 40% in 2024. In response, a bipartisan group of U.S. House members introduced a bill in September to repeal all tariffs on coffee, arguing that such measures harm consumers and lack economic rationale. Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Don Bacon, co-sponsors of the bill, emphasized the need for Congress to address the issue, highlighting the negative impact of tariffs on everyday Americans.
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Sierra Leone hails Chinese investment as ‘pivotal’ to mining growth
Sierra Leone has lauded Chinese investment as a cornerstone of its mining sector’s growth, highlighting the pivotal role of Chinese enterprises in unlocking the nation’s mineral potential. Hadji Dabo, Director-General of the National Minerals Agency of Sierra Leone, emphasized this during his address at the 2025 China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin. The event, which drew international delegates, underscored the deepening partnership between China and Sierra Leone, extending beyond financial contributions to encompass mutual support on core interests and major concerns. Dabo noted that the collaboration, spanning 54 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, has been marked by robust bilateral cooperation. ‘Chinese enterprises have demonstrated unwavering confidence in Sierra Leone’s mineral resources, significantly contributing to our mining sector’s development,’ he remarked. The conference served as a platform to showcase the transformative impact of Chinese investment, fostering sustainable growth and economic resilience in Sierra Leone.
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Over 1,000 enter Thailand from Myanmar after scam hub raid
In a significant development, over 1,000 individuals, predominantly Chinese nationals, have fled from Myanmar into Thailand this week following a military raid on one of Myanmar’s largest cyber scam centers. The sprawling scam hubs, which have thrived in Myanmar’s loosely governed border regions amid the country’s prolonged civil war, are notorious for orchestrating online fraud schemes targeting victims globally. Thai authorities reported that the influx of people crossing into Mae Sot district, Tak province, began on Wednesday and continued through Friday morning. Among those fleeing were nationals from India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and over a dozen other countries. While some individuals are believed to have been trafficked into these fortified compounds, others reportedly joined voluntarily, lured by the promise of higher earnings in the multibillion-dollar illicit industry. Thai officials have initiated screening processes to identify potential human trafficking victims, with those found crossing illegally facing prosecution. The Myanmar junta confirmed the raid on KK Park, a major scam center located near the Thai border, and seized Starlink satellite internet devices used in the operations. SpaceX, the operator of Starlink, disclosed that it had disabled over 2,500 devices at Myanmar’s scam hubs. Analysts suggest that the military crackdown may be a superficial effort to appease China, a key backer of the junta, without significantly disrupting the lucrative scam operations.
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Ajman cracks down on neglected buildings, ‘unsafe houses’ to boost urban appeal
In a significant move to bolster Ajman’s urban appeal, the Ajman Municipality has launched a comprehensive campaign targeting neglected buildings and unsafe structures. The initiative, part of the Ajman Urban Plan 2040, mandates property owners to maintain the aesthetic integrity of their buildings, particularly along key streets such as Ajman Corniche, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Sheikh Khalifa Street, and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Street. The campaign will eventually extend to other areas including Al Rumaila, Al Rashidiya, Al Nuaimiya, Al Jurf, and Al Hamidiyah.
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‘Undetermined status of Taiwan’? The historical documents rebut such claim!
As the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China approaches, Yang Yizhou, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, has firmly refuted the notion of Taiwan’s ‘undetermined status’ in an interview with China Daily’s Dialogues with Thinkers. Yang emphasized that the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation both mandated the return of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to China. Japan’s Instrument of Surrender explicitly accepted these terms, and on October 25, 1945, Taiwan’s restoration to China was officially announced. The claim of an ‘undetermined status’ not only contradicts these historical documents but also challenges the outcomes of World War II and the established post-war international order. Yang’s remarks underscore the importance of historical accuracy in understanding Taiwan’s rightful place within China.
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Four dead, 12 wounded in blast at Ukraine train station
A tragic explosion at the Ovruch railway station in northern Ukraine on Friday resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 12 others wounded. The incident occurred during a routine document check on a platform adjacent to a train. Among the victims were three women—a border guard and two civilians—while the perpetrator, a 23-year-old man, succumbed to injuries sustained during the blast while being treated in an ambulance. The Ukrainian border guard service confirmed the explosion was carried out by the man in a controlled border area. Although Ukrainian media reported the use of a grenade, the interior ministry has yet to confirm the type of explosive device. The man had previously been detained for attempting to illegally cross the state border in western Ukraine. Rescue operations were swiftly carried out, as depicted in images shared by the border guard service on Telegram, showing emergency personnel aiding the injured on the platform.
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Stunning night sky captured over Liupan Mountain in Ningxia
On October 17, 2025, photographer Qi Yingtai achieved a remarkable feat by capturing a mesmerizing night sky from the summit of Liupan Mountain in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. His lens skillfully documented a dynamic celestial display, featuring rolling clouds, a glittering starry expanse, fleeting meteor streaks, and the luminous Leonard comet—all seamlessly framed in a single shot. This extraordinary photograph not only highlights the natural beauty of the region but also underscores the growing interest in astrophotography and the preservation of dark skies. Liupan Mountain, known for its pristine environment and minimal light pollution, has become a favored destination for stargazers and photographers alike. Qi’s work serves as a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders of the night sky and the importance of protecting such natural treasures for future generations.
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Hunger, disease have not stopped in Gaza : WHO
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire despite a ceasefire and an increase in aid deliveries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In a press briefing from its Geneva headquarters, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the situation is still catastrophic, with hunger and disease continuing to threaten lives, particularly those of children. While the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on October 10, has allowed for some aid to enter Gaza, the volume remains insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs. Tedros highlighted that more than 170,000 people are injured, with at least 42,000 requiring long-term rehabilitation. Additionally, an estimated one million individuals are in need of mental health care due to the psychological toll of the conflict. The healthcare system in Gaza is severely compromised, with no fully functional hospitals and only 14 out of 36 partially operational. Critical shortages of essential medicines, equipment, and healthcare workers exacerbate the crisis. Since the ceasefire, the WHO has been working to deliver more medical supplies, deploy emergency medical teams, and facilitate medical evacuations. However, 15,000 patients, including 4,000 children, still require treatment outside Gaza, and over 700 have died while awaiting evacuation. Tedros called for the reopening of the Rafah crossing and other entry points to allow more aid and patients to access Egypt. He also urged more countries to accept patients from Gaza for specialized care. Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian needs in Gaza remain immense, and the international community must act swiftly to address the ongoing crisis.
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A strong new contender in utility pickups: HIMLA’s 2.3T + 8AT Powertrain leads the way
In a bold move to challenge the dominance of established players like Toyota and Ford in the global pickup market, Chery has unveiled its all-new HIMLA pickup. Debuting at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the HIMLA is equipped with a cutting-edge 2.3T diesel engine paired with an 8AT automatic transmission, delivering 120 kW of power and 420 N·m of torque. With a cargo bed capacity of 1,276 liters and a payload exceeding 1,000 kg, HIMLA sets new benchmarks in the mid-to-large pickup segment. Its advanced powertrain ensures exceptional towing capacity, hill-climbing ability, and fuel efficiency, making it a versatile choice for both commercial and leisure users. Designed to tackle challenging terrains with ease, HIMLA boasts a 33° approach angle, 24° departure angle, and 220 mm ground clearance, complemented by an optional rear differential lock for enhanced traction. Set to launch in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, HIMLA represents a significant milestone in Chery’s global strategy, offering a fresh alternative to traditional utility pickups.
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UK police hunt for an imprisoned asylum-seeker who was released in error
In a shocking turn of events, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum-seeker convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, was mistakenly released from a British prison on Friday. The incident has triggered an urgent police search and reignited tensions over migration policies in the UK. Kebatu, 38, was sentenced to 12 months in prison last month for multiple offenses, including sexual assault and harassment. His case had previously fueled widespread anti-migrant protests across the country during the summer. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed outrage, calling the release ‘totally unacceptable’ and vowing to ensure Kebatu is apprehended and deported. Essex Police reported that Kebatu was seen boarding a train in Chelmsford after his erroneous release, prompting an immediate manhunt. The Prison Service has launched an investigation, and a prison officer has been suspended pending the inquiry. Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Workers’ Union, condemned the incident as a ‘profound failure of duty’ and a betrayal of justice. Kebatu’s arrest and trial had previously sparked protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he was housed alongside other migrants. The case has highlighted ongoing tensions over the UK’s handling of unauthorized migration, particularly the use of hotels to accommodate asylum-seekers. Critics argue that this policy is costly and exacerbates community tensions, leaving migrants feeling targeted. Kebatu’s lawyer stated that his client wishes to be deported after serving his sentence.