In a bold move to stabilize Argentina’s faltering economy, the United States has announced the purchase of Argentine pesos and finalized a $20 billion financial rescue package. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the decision on social media, emphasizing the US commitment to supporting Argentina’s reform agenda. ‘The US Treasury is prepared to take whatever exceptional measures are warranted,’ Bessent stated, underscoring the strategic importance of a stable Argentina for the Western Hemisphere. The announcement has bolstered the peso and Argentine debt in financial markets, though it has reignited domestic debate in the US, where critics argue the funds could be better spent addressing domestic issues like healthcare. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren voiced her opposition, questioning the decision to aid Argentina while the US faces its own fiscal challenges. Argentina, grappling with a sharp decline in the peso’s value and dwindling reserves, is set to hold midterm elections on October 26, which will test public support for President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. Milei, a Trump ally, has implemented sweeping deregulation and spending cuts to curb inflation, earning praise from international investors but sparking domestic backlash. The US support has also drawn criticism from American farmers, who fear losing their soybean market to Argentina. Despite the controversy, Bessent defended the move as a bipartisan priority, highlighting the need for a prosperous and stable Argentina. Milei expressed gratitude for the US support, vowing to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
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Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Alejandro Zendejas could miss US friendly against Ecuador
AUSTIN, Texas — The United States men’s national soccer team faces potential setbacks ahead of their friendly match against Ecuador on Friday, as key players Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and Alejandro Zendejas are dealing with fitness issues. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino revealed on Thursday that Pulisic and Robinson did not participate in training, while Zendejas is unlikely to feature in the game. Robinson, who underwent right knee surgery in May, is still regaining full fitness. No specific details were provided regarding the conditions of Pulisic and Zendejas. The 16th-ranked U.S. team will also face Australia on Tuesday in Commerce City, Colorado, as part of their preparation for upcoming international fixtures. This month’s matches are crucial, as the team has only four more friendlies scheduled before Pochettino assembles the squad for pre-World Cup training camp in 2026. Pochettino, who took over the team in October 2024 following Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal after a disappointing Copa America campaign, has emphasized the need to rebuild the team’s culture and competitiveness. Under his leadership, the U.S. has shown signs of improvement, ending a seven-game winless streak against top 25 nations with a 2-0 victory over Japan last month. Pochettino has vowed to foster a competitive environment, ensuring no player feels assured of a spot on the World Cup roster.
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Alex Jones asks US Supreme Court to block billion-dollar defamation ruling against him
Controversial right-wing figure Alex Jones has petitioned the US Supreme Court to temporarily suspend a staggering $1.5 billion defamation judgment against him, which threatens the forced sale of his media company, Infowars. The judgment stems from Jones’ repeated false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. Jones argues that selling Infowars to satirical news site The Onion, backed by the victims’ families, would cause irreparable harm to him and his 30 million followers. The sale was previously rejected in a bankruptcy auction last year. Jones is now seeking to pause the judgment while his appeal is considered, with the Supreme Court expected to review his application privately on Friday. His legal team contends that Jones, as a media defendant, should be protected under the First Amendment, warning that the judgment could set a dangerous precedent for journalists, stifling free speech. Jones’ attorneys also claim the bankruptcy auction was marred by collusion, a claim dismissed by the court. In his application, Jones warned of “irreparable injury” if Infowars is sold to its “ideological nemesis” and dismantled. The Sandy Hook shooting, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults, remains one of the deadliest school massacres in US history. Jones, who has since acknowledged the attack as “100% real,” previously propagated baseless conspiracy theories, accusing victims’ families of being “crisis actors” and claiming the tragedy was staged to restrict gun rights.
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A beloved Indian singer drowned in Singapore. Now fans want answers
The untimely death of Zubeen Garg, a revered singer-composer from Assam, has plunged the Indian state into a state of collective mourning and unrest. Garg, often hailed as Assam’s ‘first true rockstar,’ tragically drowned during a yacht trip in Singapore on September 19, a day before he was scheduled to perform at a live concert. Initial reports from Singapore police ruled out foul play, but the circumstances surrounding his death have since sparked allegations of conspiracy and negligence, leaving his fans and family demanding answers.
Garg’s death has sent shockwaves through Assam, where he was not just a musician but a cultural icon. His career spanned 33 years, during which he sang in over 40 languages and dialects, earning nationwide fame with his hit song ‘Ya Ali’ from the 2006 Bollywood film ‘Gangster.’ Known for his flamboyant style and outspoken activism, Garg was deeply beloved by his fans, who saw him as a ‘king’ who championed the issues of northeast India.
In the wake of his death, Assam came to a standstill, with schools closed and markets deserted. Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects when his body was flown back to Guwahati, Assam’s main city. His cremation, conducted with state honors and a 21-gun salute, was attended by over a million people, many of whom sang lines from his popular song ‘Mayabini.’
However, grief has been accompanied by anger and suspicion. At least 60 complaints have been lodged with the state police, and five individuals who were with Garg in Singapore have been arrested on charges of negligence, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide. A special investigation team (SIT) and a judicial commission have been formed to probe the incident, but the lack of clarity about Garg’s final moments has fueled public outrage.
The controversy has also taken on political dimensions, with Assam’s ruling BJP and the opposition Congress trading accusations ahead of next year’s state assembly elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has vowed to deliver justice, even urging the public to hold him accountable if he fails.
Meanwhile, Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has spoken out about her husband’s health issues, questioning why he was allowed to swim despite being visibly tired and on medication. She has called for those responsible to face the ‘strictest punishment.’
As the investigation continues, the mystery surrounding Garg’s death has left his family and fans in limbo, unable to fully grieve until the truth is uncovered.
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How Trump secured a Gaza breakthrough which eluded Biden
In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump has announced a landmark agreement to release all remaining hostages held by Hamas, marking a significant step toward a more durable peace in the Gaza region. This achievement, which eluded his predecessor Joe Biden, underscores Trump’s unique diplomatic approach and his strong relationships with both Israel and the Arab world. The deal, announced on 9 September, follows an Israeli air strike in Qatar that initially seemed to derail peace prospects but ultimately became a catalyst for negotiations. The agreement includes plans for Hamas disarmament, Gaza governance, and a partial Israeli withdrawal, though many details remain to be finalized. Trump’s ability to exert unprecedented pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coupled with his rapport with Gulf states, played a pivotal role in securing the deal. The global reaction has been mixed, with some celebrating the ceasefire while others remain cautious about the long-term implications. This breakthrough could become a defining moment of Trump’s second term, potentially reshaping the trajectory of Middle East diplomacy.
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New York Attorney General Letitia James criminally indicted
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on federal charges by a grand jury, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention. The indictment, issued in Alexandria, Virginia, stems from allegations of mortgage fraud, though specific charges remain undisclosed. This comes after the Justice Department previously investigated James for allegedly falsifying bank and property records to secure favorable loan terms. Officials from the Federal Housing Finance Agency accused James of misrepresenting a property in Norfolk, Virginia, as her primary residence in 2023, while she served as New York’s top prosecutor, to obtain a lower interest rate on a loan. Mortgages for primary residences typically offer more advantageous terms. The indictment follows a contentious legal history involving James, who led a high-profile civil fraud investigation against former President Donald Trump in 2023. In that case, Trump was found liable for falsifying records to secure better loan deals, resulting in a $500 million fine, though the penalty was later overturned by an appeals court as excessive. Trump has since publicly called for the prosecution of his political opponents, including James, citing concerns over credibility and reputation. The BBC has reached out to James’ office for comment, and further updates are expected as the story develops.
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Why Taliban minister’s visit to India is so groundbreaking
In a significant diplomatic development, Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India on Thursday for a week-long visit, marking the highest-level engagement between the Taliban and India since the group seized power in 2021. Muttaqi, accompanied by Afghan trade and foreign ministry officials, is set to hold discussions with India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and other officials, focusing on enhancing diplomatic, trade, and economic ties. This visit underscores a pragmatic shift in India’s Afghan policy, as it seeks to deepen engagement with the Taliban-led government in Kabul. The trip is particularly notable given the historically strained relations between India and the Taliban, as well as the deteriorating ties between the Taliban and Pakistan, their traditional ally. Muttaqi’s visit, facilitated by a temporary exemption from UN sanctions, comes amid growing regional realignments. India, which once supported the Western-backed Afghan government ousted by the Taliban, has cautiously re-engaged with the new regime, re-establishing its diplomatic presence and providing humanitarian aid. Analysts view this visit as a strategic move by both sides to advance their interests, with the Taliban seeking legitimacy and India aiming to counterbalance Pakistan and China’s influence in the region. Despite the cautious optimism, the relationship remains tactical, shaped by past conflicts and domestic considerations.
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Trinidad and Tobago secures US permission to negotiate gas deal with neighboring Venezuela
In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago to negotiate a gas deal with Venezuela without facing U.S. sanctions. The U.S. Treasury Department issued an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license on Wednesday, enabling the Caribbean nation to pursue the development of a gas field in Venezuelan waters. This decision follows a formal request made by Trinidad and Tobago in May, as confirmed by Attorney General John Jeremie. The license, valid for six months, sets specific parameters for negotiations, ensuring compliance with U.S. policies toward Venezuela. Jeremie emphasized that the targets outlined by the U.S. are reasonable and achievable, though he declined to disclose further details. The gas project is deemed crucial for Trinidad and Tobago, which is striving to enhance its gas production and address budgetary challenges. The license, however, only covers initial negotiations, with further steps contingent on successful completion of this phase. The approval was secured after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister on September 30, reaffirming U.S. support while ensuring the deal does not significantly benefit the Maduro regime. This marks a reversal from April 2024, when a previous license for the same project was revoked, posing a setback to the country’s energy security. The new license differs in terms from its predecessor, though details remain undisclosed. When questioned about potential engagement with Venezuela, Jeremie remained noncommittal, stating, ‘I am not prepared to go into that at this time.’
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Senegal records 17 deaths in rare major outbreak of Rift Valley Fever
Senegal is grappling with a severe outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a viral disease that has claimed 17 lives and infected 119 individuals, according to health officials. The outbreak, primarily concentrated in the northern livestock-producing region, marks the country’s most significant RVF crisis since the late 1980s. Dr. Boly Diop, head of RVF surveillance at Senegal’s health ministry, expressed concerns about the potential for further spread, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the current outbreak. RVF, which primarily affects animals, can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites or direct contact with infected livestock. While most human cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe infections can lead to eye damage, brain swelling, or fatal hemorrhagic fever, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). High-risk groups include herders, farmers, and slaughterhouse workers, who are often exposed during animal handling. The current outbreak was officially declared on September 21, with experts linking its resurgence to climate change, which creates favorable conditions for disease-carrying vectors. Dr. Merawi Aragaw Tegegne, an epidemiologist with the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted the role of extreme weather patterns, such as torrential rains and floods, in facilitating RVF transmission. Preventive measures, including livestock vaccination and mosquito control, are crucial to curbing the disease’s spread. Historically, RVF has caused significant fatalities in Africa, with outbreaks in Kenya and Somalia in 1998 claiming over 470 lives. In 2000, the virus expanded beyond Africa, reaching Saudi Arabia and Yemen and raising global concerns about its potential spread to other continents.
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US buys Argentine pesos, finalizes $20 billion currency swap
In a significant move to stabilize Argentina’s volatile financial markets, the United States Treasury Department has finalized a $20 billion currency swap line with Argentina’s central bank. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the decision on social media, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to taking exceptional measures to ensure market stability. The agreement follows four days of intensive discussions between U.S. officials and Argentine Economy Minister Luis Caputo in Washington, D.C. Argentine President Javier Milei, a staunch admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump, expressed gratitude for the support, calling the two nations the closest of allies in fostering economic freedom and prosperity across the hemisphere. However, the decision has sparked controversy in the U.S., with critics questioning its alignment with Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda. U.S. farmers and Democratic lawmakers have voiced opposition, arguing that the move resembles a bailout for Argentina, which has recently benefited from soybean exports to China at the expense of American producers. In response, a group of Democratic Senators introduced the ‘No Argentina Bailout Act,’ aiming to block the Treasury from using its Exchange Stabilization Fund to assist Argentina. Critics also highlight Argentina’s troubled economic history, noting its status as the International Monetary Fund’s largest debtor, owing $41.8 billion. Despite these concerns, the announcement provided a temporary boost to Argentina’s financial markets, with dollar-denominated bonds rising 10% and the Buenos Aires stock market surging 15%. While Economy Minister Caputo praised the U.S. for its steadfast commitment, many observers view the intervention as a political gesture rather than a strategic economic investment.