506 U.S. Citizens Detained by Nicole Foy, Ruth Talbot and Cengiz Yar, ProPublica; Liliana Michelena and Bianca Fortis for ProPublica; and Mariam Elba and Kahlie Wray, ProPublica

506 U.S. Citizens Detained by Nicole Foy, Ruth Talbot and Cengiz Yar, ProPublica; Liliana Michelena and Bianca Fortis for ProPublica; and Mariam Elba and Kahlie Wray, ProPublica https://projects.propublica.org/american-citizens-detained-dhs-civil-rights/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=events

The Secret Terms of Trump’s Venezuelan Oil Deal

The Secret Terms of Trump’s Venezuelan Oil Deal by Cate Brown, Aaron C. Davis and Sebastian Rotella October 20, 2026, 9:53 pm https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-venezuela-oil-agreement-terms Reporting Highlights Corporate Firewall: The oil deal is designed to prevent future U.S. presidents and Venezuelan leaders from changing or dismantling the enterprise. Hidden Investors: Some of the Trump administration’s partners could remain anonymous, hidden behind a parent company based in Barbados. The Long Run: It could be many years before the company produces enough oil to be a statistically significant share for the United States.

Town Leaders Said They Were Prepared for Floods. First Responders Disagree. by Abe Streep, photography by Cengiz Yar Co-published with Source New Mexico

Town Leaders Said They Were Prepared for Floods. First Responders Disagree. Three people died in Ruidoso on July 8, 2025, after dangerous floods swept through the New Mexico town. First responders say they were understaffed and inadequately equipped to respond to the flooding. by Abe Streep, photography by Cengiz Yar Co-published with Source New Mexico October 21, 2026, 5:55 am https://www.propublica.org/article/ruidoso-flood-emergency-response-water-rescue Town Leaders Said They Were Prepared for Flooding. First Responders Say They Were Understaffed and Poorly Equipped. Three people died in Ruidoso on July 8, 2025, after dangerous floods swept through the New Mexico town. Despite the tragedy, first responders say the village’s leadership continues to prioritize tourism at the expense of public safety. ProPublica reporter Abe Streep consulted seven emergency response experts outside Ruidoso to understand what went wrong. The tragedy “should be a clarion call” for officials to reevaluate how rescuers are deployed, one expert said. The Village of Ruidoso did not respond to detailed written questions about its emergency response, and it has not publicly released a report on rescue efforts during the flood. Reached by phone, the fire chief, Cade Hall, disputed our reporting but declined to provide specifics. Mayor Lynn Crawford has said protecting the village includes balancing public safety with tourism, the lifeblood of its economy.

“The River Can’t Be Trusted” by Abe Streep, photography by Cengiz Yar Co-published with Grist and Source New Mexico October 21, 2026, 6:00 am

“The River Can’t Be Trusted” by Abe Streep, photography by Cengiz Yar Co-published with Grist and Source New Mexico https://www.propublica.org/article/wildfire-flood-risk-ruidoso-new-mexico?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=feature October 21, 2026, 6:00 am Reporting Highlights A Known Threat: After two wildfires in 2024 charred hillsides above Ruidoso, New Mexico, experts warned dangerous flash floods could affect large parts of the tourist town. Tending to Business: Village leaders considered a plan to relocate some residences and businesses away from flood prone areas but returned to promoting tourism in 2025. Flooding Fatalities: On July 8, 2025, three people at an RV park died in a flood. Some first responders say the tragedy could have been avoided, while leaders insist they did all they could. I first traveled to Ruidoso, New Mexico, last July, weeks after a flood killed three people — two of them children — in the mountain community. By Abe Streep, ProPublica Southwest Reporter In 2024, two severe wildfires had burned areas above the town, which sits on a river canyon. Intense fires can exacerbate flooding and debris flow risk, and engineers had predicted that the threat would exist for years. How, I wondered, had three people died when the town’s leaders knew the area had become increasingly dangerous? To try to find out, I drove to Ruidoso seven times in the next 14 months, speaking frequently with the village’s mayor, Lynn Crawford, and other officials. When ProPublica visuals editor Cengiz Yar and I first met Crawford, he expressed frustration that people were seeking to assign responsibility. “Who’s to blame?” he said. “I didn’t start the fire.” I continued reporting and submitted at least 36 public records requests to 11 municipal governments and state agencies. Maybe all these records requests seem excessive for reporting on a relatively small town. But what happened in Ruidoso is a story important for the West, where post-fire flooding is an increasingly severe threat. And the more I reported and became better sourced, the more I met people who spoke openly with me about the village’s failings during the July flood. Local rescuers in particular wanted the public to understand what went wrong last summer, because they were worried the village was once again overly focused on tourism. Eventually, I was also able to speak with the parents of the children who passed away. They said they wanted their children to be remembered. As my editors and I were wrapping up final edits on this story, I reached out to a rescuer I had interviewed to make sure the reporting was accurate and to let him know we were close to publishing. He said something that stuck with me: “I hope it does help others who are going to go through the same thing and that they learn from our shortcomings.” I hope you’ll read the story.

IDF was not planning to strike Iran on Oct. 10 despite reports of attack blocked by Trump ByYONAH JEREMY BOB OCTOBER 21, 2026 12:40

IDF was not planning to strike Iran on Oct. 10 despite reports of attack blocked by Trump Sources told the Post it was unusual for IDF chief Eyal Zamir to be excluded from the Hegseth meeting, raising questions about the political considerations behind Netanyahu's decision. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-912399 ByYONAH JEREMY BOB OCTOBER 21, 2026 12:40

WATCH: IDF detains 90 West Bank olive harvest volunteers, including US congressional nominee Lander ByCORINNE BAUM OCTOBER 21, 2026 13:25 Updated: OCTOBER 21, 2026 15:36

WATCH: IDF detains 90 West Bank olive harvest volunteers, including US congressional nominee Lander Rabbis for Human Rights said its volunteers were working near Bethlehem to accompany Palestinian farmers to groves as part of the olive harvest • Lander released with warning, source tells 'Post' https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-912403 ByCORINNE BAUM OCTOBER 21, 2026 13:25 Updated: OCTOBER 21, 2026 15:36

Trump visa revocations top 300,000, foreign pro-Palestinian protesters face particular scrutiny ByREUTERS OCTOBER 21, 2026 02:00

Trump visa revocations top 300,000, foreign pro-Palestinian protesters face particular scrutiny The Trump administration has revoked over 300,000 US visas, including those of foreign pro-Palestinian protesters opposing Israel's attacks on Gaza, drawing criticism from civil rights advocates. https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-912344

Iran strikes Iranian opposition group Kurdistan Freedom Party in latest attack BySETH J. FRANTZMAN OCTOBER 21, 2026 12:27 Updated: OCTOBER 21, 2026 12:29

Iran strikes Iranian opposition group Kurdistan Freedom Party in latest attack This comes after Iran has targeted the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), Komala, and Khabat groups in recent weeks, and is also pressing Iraq to expel Kurdish Iranian opposition groups. BySETH J. FRANTZMAN OCTOBER 21, 2026 12:27 Updated: OCTOBER 21, 2026 12:29 https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-912396

APEC economies urged to deepen cooperation By YANG HAN in Hong Kong and TAN GUOLING and LIU ZHIHUA in Beijing | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-10-20 23:30

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/20/WS6ad7892ae4b06d4aa0563d6a.html As a key growth engine, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies should strengthen efforts to uphold multilateralism, deepen open and inclusive cooperation, and unlock new growth momentum to boost the global economy, officials and experts said as the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting opened in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday. Addressing the opening of the meeting, Lan Fo'an, China's minister of finance, said that as the powerhouse of the global economy, the Asia-Pacific region bears greater responsibilities for global development.

Hypocrisy marks Lai's attempt to divide the country By Zhang Meng | China Daily | Updated: 2026-10-21 09:05

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/21/WS6ad80fe1e4b06d4aa0563e23.html In his so-called Double-Ten speech on Oct 10, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te repeatedly asserted his commitment to "defending the status quo" across the Taiwan Strait. However, he distorted facts by portraying the Chinese mainland's legitimate efforts to safeguard national sovereignty as attempts to change the status quo. Though he tried to cast himself as a "guardian" of peace in the Taiwan Strait, the reality is quite different.

Chinese Embassy in UK urges Chinese nationals to exercise caution over British border checks Xinhua | Updated: 2026-10-21 05:35

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/21/WS6ad7deb8e4b06d4aa0563d7f.html LONDON -- The Chinese Embassy in the UK has urged Chinese nationals to exercise caution when entering or leaving Britain, as a number of Chinese nationals were detained and questioned for prolonged periods during Britain's border checks. Their mobile phones and other electronic devices were checked and confiscated, according to a notice issued on Monday by the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

France extends curfews ahead of new protests Xinhua | Updated: 2026-10-21 00:41

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/21/WS6ad799b8e4b06d4aa0563d7d.html PARIS -- French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Tuesday that targeted curfews had helped maintain calm overnight Monday, as authorities extended restrictions in several cities ahead of further protests scheduled for Saturday. "Targeted curfews contributed to a calm night," Lecornu said on X, adding that new curfews would be imposed on Tuesday evening wherever necessary.

Breaking point - What is behind the outbursts of violent public protest across Europe? chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-10-21 08:00

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/21/WS6ad8008ae4b06d4aa0563dcf.html

UK government approves natural gas project off Scotland despite environmental concerns Associated Press Updated on: 21 Oct 2026, 5:47 am

UK government approves natural gas project off Scotland despite environmental concerns Fahnbulleh said the government remains committed to eliminating net carbon emissions by 2050 and ending the approval of new oil and gas licenses. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Oct/21/uk-government-approves-natural-gas-project-off-scotland-despite-environmental-concerns-2

Trump envoy Witkoff to meet Putin in St Petersburg for Ukraine war talks Associated Press Updated on: 21 Oct 2026, 6:27 am

Trump envoy Witkoff to meet Putin in St Petersburg for Ukraine war talks Efforts by the Trump administration since early last year to end the war have made no significant progress, and there was no suggestion of an imminent breakthrough. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Oct/21/trump-envoy-witkoff-to-meet-putin-in-st-petersburg-for-ukraine-war-talks-2

China condemns Florida arrest warrant for Cuba's Raul Castro AFP Updated on: 21 Oct 2026, 6:32 am

China condemns Florida arrest warrant for Cuba's Raul Castro Beijing's foreign ministry urged Washington on Wednesday to cease "all forms of coercion and pressure against Cuba", when asked about Castro's arrest warrant at a news briefing. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Oct/21/china-condemns-florida-arrest-warrant-for-cubas-raul-castro

Macron blasts ‘stupid’ claims by Trump and others blaming Muslims migrants for French riots Associated Press Updated on: 21 Oct 2026, 9:08 am

Macron blasts ‘stupid’ claims by Trump and others blaming Muslims migrants for French riots Macron and Trump once enjoyed a good relationship but Trump regularly mocks the French president in his public speeches. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Oct/21/macron-blasts-stupid-claims-by-trump-and-others-blaming-muslims-migrants-for-french-riots

Protesters in Europe called to 'globalize the intifada.' Now they're getting what they wanted Opinion: Ben-Dror Yemini|10.19.26 | 22:46

Protesters in Europe called to 'globalize the intifada.' Now they're getting what they wanted Opinion: For the past three years, anti-Israel protests across the West, particularly in France, have been demonstrations not for Palestinians but for Hamas, jihad, violence and terrorism, yet the West has refused to listen; Now it is only beginning to pay the price. Ben-Dror Yemini Ben-Dror Yemini|10.19.26 | 22:46 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hjzrmsn3fl

Trump sees a bigger threat behind Israel's election, and Netanyahu is his answer Opinion: Naveh Dromi|Updated:Yesterday | 23:02

Trump sees a bigger threat behind Israel's election, and Netanyahu is his answer Opinion: Netanyahu's backing from Trump is more than an election endorsement; it reflects the president's concerns about the rise of radical Islamism in Israel, the US and Europe and its implications for the future of the liberal West Naveh Dromi|Updated:Yesterday | 23:02 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hy68jyrhgx

Israel faces no immediate Iran threat, but Netanyahu's election fearmongering risks provoking one Commentary: Ron Ben-Yishai|08:23

Israel faces no immediate Iran threat, but Netanyahu's election fearmongering risks provoking one Commentary: Tehran is debating a preemptive strike as US midterms approach and has urged Hezbollah to join any new war; Katz's threats to strike Beirut constrain Israel's options, while the IDF sees rising West Bank violence as the most pressing danger Ron Ben-Yishai Ron Ben-Yishai|08:23 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hysapm8hme

Mossad secrets or Netanyahu propaganda? 'Paging Hezbollah' documentary raises questions ahead of elections Amir Bogen in New York|Yesterday | 17:03

Mossad secrets or Netanyahu propaganda? 'Paging Hezbollah' documentary raises questions ahead of elections Featuring rare interviews with Mossad chief David Barnea and Netanyahu, the documentary reveals how Israel carried out its pager operation against Hezbollah, but its release, secretive funding and portrayal of the PM raise questions about its true purpose Amir Bogen in New York|Yesterday | 17:03 https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/rklvs4hhze

Why Saudi Arabia helped create its worst Houthi nightmare Analysis: Amine Ayoub|01:49

Why Saudi Arabia helped create its worst Houthi nightmare Analysis: Decades of religious competition, political interference, and a failed military intervention helped transform a local Yemeni movement into an asymmetric threat capable of striking Saudi infrastructure and disrupting regional commerce Amine Ayoub Amine Ayoub|01:49 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hjwjmab2fe

Three bomb threats, one week: How airlines respond to security scares Iris Lifshitz-Klieger|Yesterday | 22:57

Three bomb threats, one week: How airlines respond to security scares Three bomb threats in less than a week forced a flight to divert, delayed a takeoff and triggered an evacuation at Ben Gurion Airport; who decides how to respond, and how can a single anonymous phone call send fighter jets scrambling? Iris Lifshitz-Klieger|Yesterday | 22:57 https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/skxm6es2mx

'Sheer madness': ex-IDF intelligence official warns against new Iran war ahead of elections Lior Ben Ari|05:45

'Sheer madness': ex-IDF intelligence official warns against new Iran war ahead of elections Former official warns strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure could spark regional war, strain missile defenses and cripple Israel's economy; questions strategic rationale and political timing ahead of elections Lior Ben Ari Lior Ben Ari|05:45 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rykoqglhfl

EXCLUSIF : JUVING-BRUNET révèle le SCANDALE D'USURPATION qui VISE Brigitte MACRON ! | GPTV

EXCLU GPTV : Le CHRIST COSMIQUE attaque la MATRICE et réclame la chute du POUVOIR !

EXCLUSIF : Pierre JOVANOVIC prépare la FRANCE à un EFFONDREMENT pire que la GRÈCE ! | GPTV

Émeutes : PHILIPPOT & POUSSARD voient que quelque chose de GRAVE se prépare... | GPTV LA MATINALE

17 octobre : ce que l'ÉTAT vous CACHE sur cette GRAVE DÉSTABILISATION ! | GPTV

Thierry Meyssan invité de Lara Stam sur GPTV Réseau Voltaire | 9 octobre 2026

Thierry Meyssan invité de Lara Stam sur GPTV Réseau Voltaire | 9 octobre 2026 THIERRY MEYSSAN brise le mythe d'une GUERRE mondiale accidentelle ! | GPTV LA MATINALE THIERRY MEYSSAN brise le mythe d'une GUERRE mondiale accidentelle ! | GPTV LA MATINALE https://www.voltairenet.org/article225024.html

Voltaire, actualité internationale, n°190 Réseau Voltaire | 15 octobre 2026 English Español

Voltaire, actualité internationale, n°190 Réseau Voltaire | 15 octobre 2026 English Español https://www.voltairenet.org/article225054.html

Thierry Meysan expose les menaces du Pentagone contre le pape Réseau Voltaire | 19 octobre 2026

Thierry Meysan expose les menaces du Pentagone contre le pape Réseau Voltaire | 19 octobre 2026 https://www.voltairenet.org/article225064.html

La révolte étudiante en France et le Parti populaire du Cafard en Inde : la contagion d’une protestation mondiale de la génération Z et suivante ? par Alfredo Jalife-Rahme

La révolte étudiante en France et le Parti populaire du Cafard en Inde : la contagion d’une protestation mondiale de la génération Z et suivante ? par Alfredo Jalife-Rahme La génération Z, qui a multiplié les manifestations en 2025, sur les cinq continents, mène aujourd’hui son combat en France et en Inde. Au delà du bien-fondé de ses revendications au regard des problèmes nationaux, il est évident qu’elle exprime partout le même rejet de la globalisation. Cartesdu monde Réseau Voltaire | Mexico (Mexique) | 19 octobre 2026 Español https://www.voltairenet.org/article225056.html

Le logiciel espion israélien Candiru sème le chaos du Qatar au Mexique par Alfredo Jalife-Rahme Réseau Voltaire | Mexico (Mexique) | 19 octobre 2026 Español

Le logiciel espion israélien Candiru sème le chaos du Qatar au Mexique par Alfredo Jalife-Rahme L’État d’Israël poursuit la vente de ses logiciels d’espionnage, partout dans le monde. Cette activité, plus dangereuse que la location de mercenaires, s’est développée avec la participation de personnalités états-uniennes. Choisirlogiciel Réseau Voltaire | Mexico (Mexique) | 19 octobre 2026 Español https://www.voltairenet.org/article225060.html

Comment manipuler la génération Z par Thierry Meyssan Réseau Voltaire | Paris (France) | 20 octobre 2026 Deutsch ελληνικά Español italiano Nederlands Português русский

Comment manipuler la génération Z par Thierry Meyssan Alors qu’une douzaine d’États ont déjà vécu — parfois avec succès — des manifestations de la génération Z, celles qui viennent d’avoir lieu, en France, donnent une occasion de manipuler la population. Les destructions programmées, survenues le 17 octobre, semblent préparer une sorte d’état d’urgence qui permette de suspendre l’élection présidentielle comme cela a lieu en Ukraine depuis deux ans. Réseau Voltaire | Paris (France) | 20 octobre 2026 Deutsch ελληνικά Español italiano Nederlands Português русский https://www.voltairenet.org/article225055.html

Susan Collins and the Case of the Disappearing FBI Probe hosted by Jessica Lussenhop, with reporting by William Turton, Avi Asher-Schapiro, Molly Redden and Kirsten Berg October 15, 2026, 1:00 pm

Susan Collins and the Case of the Disappearing FBI Probe A defense contractor CEO told the FBI that he had bribed politicians — and that Sen. Susan Collins was his most important patron. Then the Trump administration shut down an elite FBI anti-corruption unit. So we took it upon ourselves to investigate. hosted by Jessica Lussenhop, with reporting by William Turton, Avi Asher-Schapiro, Molly Redden and Kirsten Berg October 15, 2026, 1:00 pm https://www.propublica.org/podcast/susan-collins-bribery-allegations-fbi-martin-kao

He Tried to Set Limits on His State’s School Vouchers. Billionaires Helped Bankroll a Campaign to Unseat Him. by Henry Culvyhouse, Mountain State Spotlight Co-published with Mountain State Spotlight

He Tried to Set Limits on His State’s School Vouchers. Billionaires Helped Bankroll a Campaign to Unseat Him. A high-ranking Republican had wanted only to curb the unchecked growth of West Virginia’s voucher program, not destroy it. In the ensuing backlash, three PACs — affiliated with the Koch family and Jeffrey Yass — helped defeat him at election time. by Henry Culvyhouse, Mountain State Spotlight Co-published with Mountain State Spotlight https://www.propublica.org/article/west-virginia-school-choice-billionaires-vernon-criss

Citing ProPublica, Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Help U.S. Citizens Sue ICE for Wrongful Detentions by Nicole Foy October 19, 2026, 4:15 pm

Citing ProPublica, Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Help U.S. Citizens Sue ICE for Wrongful Detentions We recently reported that more than 500 American citizens have been detained by immigration agents. Now House members are moving to make it easier for those detained to seek justice through the courts. by Nicole Foy October 19, 2026, 4:15 pm https://www.propublica.org/article/american-citizens-wrongfully-detained-ice-bill

How Trump’s FBI Purge Saved Lindsey Graham and James Clyburn From a Bribery Investigation by Molly Redden, Avi Asher-Schapiro, William Turton and Kirsten Berg October 20, 2026, 5:00 am

How Trump’s FBI Purge Saved Lindsey Graham and James Clyburn From a Bribery Investigation by Molly Redden, Avi Asher-Schapiro, William Turton and Kirsten Berg October 20, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/navatek-lindsey-graham-jim-clyburn-fbi-anti-corruption-bribery

Ken Paxton’s Anti-Abortion Influence Already Extended Beyond Texas. He Could Take It Further in the Senate.

Ken Paxton’s Anti-Abortion Influence Already Extended Beyond Texas. He Could Take It Further in the Senate. As Texas attorney general, Paxton has advanced anti-abortion policy in his home state and prevailed where others have failed. Allies who’ve witnessed his victories see an opening to keep moving their cause forward if his Senate bid is successful by Cassandra Jaramillo October 19, 2026, 5:30 am https://www.propublica.org/article/ken-paxton-texas-abortion-senate?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=river Early in his tenure as Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton issued a statement commemorating what he believed was a national tragedy. “It’s impossible to fill the void of more than 50 million missing human beings,” he said in 2016. He was marking the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that protected abortion rights — and had long stood in the way of efforts to ban terminations in early pregnancy, when most abortions occur.

Trump Officials Attended a Summit of Election Deniers Who Want the President to Take Over the Midterms by Doug Bock Clark February 28, 2026, 5:30 am

Trump Officials Attended a Summit of Election Deniers Who Want the President to Take Over the Midterms The meeting’s participants included Kurt Olsen, a White House lawyer charged with reinvestigating the 2020 election, and Heather Honey, the Department of Homeland Security official in charge of election integrity. by Doug Bock Clark February 28, 2026, 5:30 am https://www.propublica.org/article/election-denier-summit-trump-midterms?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=secondary Revisit our February reporting on the high-ranking federal election officials who attended an event at which activists pressed for the president to declare a national emergency to take over the 2026 midterm elections.

U.S. Postal Service Failed to Properly Handle Some Ballots During This Year’s Primary Elections, Audit Finds by Jen Fifield September 9, 2026, 8:35 pm (++++)

U.S. Postal Service Failed to Properly Handle Some Ballots During This Year’s Primary Elections, Audit Finds An inspector general’s audit found a lack of training for post office staff, deficiencies in how ballots were tracked and errors leading to delays. Experts say it raises questions ahead of the midterms. by Jen Fifield September 9, 2026, 8:35 pm https://www.propublica.org/article/postal-service-audit-primary-election-ballots The Untold Origins of Trump’s Plan to Sharply Restrict Mail-In Voting ProPublica’s reporting reveals for the first time the extent of the White House’s role in trying to dictate how mail-in ballots are processed, spurring behind-the-scenes drama that played out for nearly a year. by Jen Fifield and Peter Elkind September 28, 2026, 11:30 am https://www.propublica.org/article/trumps-plan-to-restrict-mail-voting Inside Trump’s Failed Hunt for Noncitizen Voters by Peter Elkind, Jen Fifield, Doug Bock Clark, Ken B. Morales and Andy Mannix August 14, 2026, 6:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/noncitizen-voting-trump-homeland-security-investigations “Not Ready for Prime Time.” A Federal Tool to Check Voter Citizenship Keeps Making Mistakes. by Jen Fifield, ProPublica, and Zach Despart, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune Co-published with The Texas Tribune https://www.propublica.org/article/save-voter-citizenship-tool-mistakes-confusion Q: What are you focusing on in your current reporting? A: Mail ballots are going out across the country, and I've been zeroing in on whether the U.S. Postal Service will come through for voters, especially after recent changes and Trump’s attempts to exert control over the process. As Election Day approaches, my eye is on continued efforts by the administration and states to find and remove noncitizens on voter rolls, and whether it could hamper any eligible citizens’ right to vote. Jen Fifield, ProPublica Reporter I’m always interested in the backstory and influences behind attempts to change how voting happens. Text or call me with tips at 480-476-0108. That’s my Signal number, too.

Frustrated by Losses in the Courts, Missouri Republicans Want to Change How Top Judges Are Selected by Jeremy Kohler October 15, 2026, 5:00 am

Frustrated by Losses in the Courts, Missouri Republicans Want to Change How Top Judges Are Selected For 86 years, Missouri has held on to a nonpartisan system of selecting its top judges. But after the state Supreme Court overruled the GOP’s redistricting push, some Republican lawmakers are calling for the system to be overturned. by Jeremy Kohler October 15, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/missouri-plan-judge-selection-republican-attacks?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=secondary For 86 years, Missouri has held on to a nonpartisan system of selecting its top judges. Under what has come to be known as the Missouri Plan, lawyers help to choose candidates from which the governor then must make court appointments. But after the state Supreme Court overruled the GOP’s recent redistricting plan — which was undertaken at Trump’s behest — some Republican lawmakers are calling for the system to be overturned. Whether there’s enough support to repeal the state’s judicial selection system remains to be seen. Any change would ultimately have to be approved by the voters. The drama in Missouri has played out as Republicans in the state — and elected officials nationwide — have sought to weaken institutions that limit their power. In North Carolina, the Republican-dominated General Assembly stripped authority from Democratic governors. In Wisconsin, Republicans threatened to impeach a newly elected Supreme Court justice to protect gerrymandered maps. And in New York, Democrats bypassed an independent commission to pass a gerrymander that favored them, but the state’s highest court struck it down.

Trump Appointees Asked a Federal Cybersecurity Agency to Secretly Acquire a Voting Machine — and Hack It by Andy Mannix and Doug Bock Clark October 19, 2026, 5:00 am (+++)

Trump Appointees Asked a Federal Cybersecurity Agency to Secretly Acquire a Voting Machine — and Hack It by Andy Mannix and Doug Bock Clark October 19, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/cisa-election-security-donald-trump?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=feature How the Trump administration politicized a cybersecurity agency that protects U.S. election systems; see where judges dismissed Trump’s voter data lawsuits; a guide to mail-in voting; and what we’re watching ahead of the midterms. Election Day is about two weeks away, and some voters are already casting their ballots in the 2026 midterms. Our reporters have spent the year covering the security of the country’s voting systems — and we just published a new investigation from Andy Mannix and Doug Bock Clark on that topic. A few months into President Donald Trump’s second term, Department of Homeland Security appointees made an unusual request of its agency that protects election systems: Secretly acquire a voting machine and hack it. The request, which shocked career staffers, was not acted upon. But it shows how the Trump administration has tried to use the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for its own ends while draining it of its staff and resources. Some state authorities said they no longer trusted the administration enough to share information with CISA, a key to the agency’s success in the past. A White House spokesperson defended Trump’s handling of election security in a statement. “President Trump has done more than any other President to ensure we have free and fair elections,” said Lauren Bis, who referred specific questions about CISA’s handling of elections to DHS. DHS and CISA did not respond. “Devoid of Any Factual Basis”: Again and Again, Judges Have Dismissed Trump’s Voter Data Lawsuits Over the past year, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has sued 30 states and Washington, D.C., to demand their unredacted voter rolls. The vast majority of cases have been thrown out. by Lucas Waldron and Peter Elkind Oct. 16, 2026 https://projects.propublica.org/trump-doj-voter-data-lawsuits/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=toc What to Know About Mail-In Voting for the 2026 Midterms The Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration from imposing new rules on mail-in voting before the November midterm elections. That means nothing has changed for voters — and mail-in voting can proceed as planned. https://www.propublica.org/article/mail-in-voting-rules-midterm-elections?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=toc

If the UN COP17 Is Serious About Biodiversity, It Needs to Follow the Money By Stephanie Dowlen Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

If the UN COP17 Is Serious About Biodiversity, It Needs to Follow the Money By Stephanie Dowlen MALMO, Sweden, Oct 16 2026 (IPS) - On Monday, governments from across the world will gather in Armenia for COP17, the UN biodiversity summit, to assess progress on the global agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. For anyone who cares about the livability of our planet for future generations, and the richness of life on earth, the stakes could hardly be higher. Policy makers will debate targets, implementation, and the lack of money to protect nature, in particular the failure of developed countries to fulfil their obligations. But there is a more basic question that should put at the center of those discussions: what happens when the financial system governments are counting on to fund nature protection is also financing its destruction? https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/if-the-un-cop17-is-serious-about-biodiversity-it-needs-to-follow-the-money/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

ACT to End Violence against Women

ACT to End Violence against Women https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/act Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights violation worldwide. Nearly 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, and despite concerted efforts by UN Member States, levels of violence against women have remained largely unchanged. The world is failing to eliminate violence against women.

FAQs: Digital abuse, trolling, stalking, and other forms of technology-facilitated violence against women and girls

https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/faqs/digital-abuse-trolling-stalking-and-other-forms-of-technology-facilitated-violence-against-women Imagine receiving a message from a stranger that contained chillingly accurate details about your daily routine. Or consider the shock of discovering that your footage has been digitally altered into explicit content and splashed across the internet. These are not hypothetical scenarios of digital abuse — they are a frightening reality for millions of women and girls navigating the digital world today.

Tipping point: The chilling escalation of online violence against women in the public sphere

https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2025/12/tipping-point-the-chilling-escalation-of-online-violence-against-women-in-the-public-sphere Online violence against women has become a growing global crisis. What begins on a screen can quickly fuel harassment, intimidation, and even real-world harm. Women who speak up, report the news, or defend human rights are increasingly targeted with threats, abuse, and misinformation designed to push them out of public life. This publication examines this urgent issue. Developed under UN Women’s EU-funded ACT to End Violence against Women Programme, the publication draws on a global survey reaching women from 119 countries. It highlights how online attacks—once dismissed as “virtual” problems—are now spilling offline, affecting women’s safety, well-being, and ability to participate freely in public debate. The report also explores how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, are making abusive content easier to create and harder to control, further heightening risks for women in public life.

AI is advancing fast. Women are being left behind in the workforce and leadership.

AI is advancing fast. Women are being left behind in the workforce and leadership. Men hold nearly 8 in 10 artificial intelligence jobs and almost 9 in 10 senior leadership positions shaping the technology, according to a new UN Women report launched at the United Nations General Assembly. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2026/09/ai-is-advancing-fast-women-are-being-left-behind-in-the-workforce-and-leadership New York, 22 September – While much of the public debate around artificial intelligence (AI) focuses on potential threats to humanity in the future, urgent consequences are already unfolding today for women and girls, which is reinforcing existing inequalities.

UN Women launches the Digital, Innovation and AI Hub dedicated exclusively to gender equality

UN Women launches the Digital, Innovation and AI Hub dedicated exclusively to gender equality New global platform brings together researchers, governments, technology companies and women’s rights organizations to help shape AI and digital transformation in ways that advance gender equality and benefit women and girls. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2026/09/un-women-launches-the-digital-innovation-and-ai-hub-dedicated-exclusively-to-gender-equality New York, 25 September 2026 – Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how people work, communicate, access public services, and exercise their rights. Yet women remain significantly underrepresented among those developing the technologies and making decisions about how they are governed and deployed: men hold nearly eight in 10 artificial intelligence jobs and almost nine in 10 senior leadership positions shaping the technology.

Media fact sheet: Nearly 50,000 women and girls killed or severely injured in Gaza in three years of war – one in 21 Gazan women and girls 8 October 2026

Media fact sheet: Nearly 50,000 women and girls killed or severely injured in Gaza in three years of war – one in 21 Gazan women and girls 8 October 2026 https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2026/10/media-fact-sheet-nearly-50000-women-and-girls-killed-or-severely-injured-in-gaza-in-three-years-of-war Since October 2023, 50,000 women and girls in Gaza have been killed or seriously injured. UN Women estimates that nearly 50,000 women and girls in Gaza have been killed or severely injured since the onset of war in October 2023 [1], amounting to one in 21 Gazan women and girls losing their life or living with lifelong disabilities [2]. More than 38,000 women and girls have been killed and 11,700 severely injured, the result of Israeli airstrikes and land military operations. While most of the casualties recorded took place during the first two years of the war, women and girls continue to be targeted despite a ceasefire agreement entering into effect in October 2025. Two hundred seventy-seven women and girls are among those who have been killed in Gaza over the past year.

UN Women statement for the International Day of Rural Women, 15 October 2026 Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature 13 October 2026

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/statement/2026/10/un-women-statement-for-the-international-day-of-rural-women-15-october-2026 The theme of this year’s International Day of Rural Women, “Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature,” honours the work rural women do every day: conserving seeds, protecting biodiversity, managing water, and restoring degraded land. They feed communities, sustain livelihoods, and safeguard the natural resources on which we all depend. On this day, we celebrate their knowledge and leadership in building a more resilient future. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/statement/2026/10/un-women-statement-for-the-international-day-of-rural-women-15-october-2026

Middle East escalation could leave 11.7 million more women and girls facing food insecurity by end-2026

Middle East escalation could leave 11.7 million more women and girls facing food insecurity by end-2026 Disruption to the Strait of Hormuz is driving up food prices and putting further strain on the livelihoods and household resources of millions of women and girls, according to a new UN Women analysis. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2026/10/middle-east-escalation-could-leave-117-million-more-women-and-girls-facing-food-insecurity-by-end-2026 2 October 2026

Gender alert: Food security risks of the Middle East escalation for women and girls

https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2026/10/gender-alert-food-security-risks-of-the-middle-east-escalation-for-women-and-girls Based on analysis of data from 28 countries, UN Women estimated that an additional 11.7 million women and girls could face food insecurity by the end of 2026 as the escalation and disruptions drive up food, energy, fertilizer, and transport costs. Across the 28 countries analyzed, women and girls account for 53 per cent of the projected 22 million additional people who could face food insecurity by the end of the year. These scenario-based estimates and come on top of an estimated 208 million women and girls already facing food insecurity across the countries analyzed.

Middle East Escalation Could Leave 11.7 Million More Women and Girls Facing Food Insecurity by End-2026 By UN Women Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Middle East Escalation Could Leave 11.7 Million More Women and Girls Facing Food Insecurity by End-2026 By UN Women Disruption to the Strait of Hormuz is driving up food prices and putting further strain on the livelihoods and household resources of millions of women and girls, according to a new UN Women analysis. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/middle-east-escalation-could-leave-11-7-million-more-women-and-girls-facing-food-insecurity-by-end-2026/ GENEVA, Oct 13 2026 (IPS) - An additional 11.7 million women and girls could face food insecurity by the end of 2026, as the escalation in the Middle East and disruption to the Strait of Hormuz drive up food prices and strain livelihoods and household resources, according to a new UN Women analysis published today. “Food security risks of the Middle East escalation for women and girls” finds that women and girls account for 53 per cent of the projected 22 million additional people who could face food insecurity by the end of the year across 28 countries analyzed. This is in addition to an estimated 208 million women and girls who were already food insecure or undernourished in these countries. These are scenario-based estimates, not forecasts. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Ebola Spread Raises Fresh Urgency for Africa’s Domestic Health Funding By Ignatius Banda Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Ebola Spread Raises Fresh Urgency for Africa’s Domestic Health Funding By Ignatius Banda BULAWAYO, Oct 16 2026 (IPS) - An Ebola death last week in Kenya is highlighting the urgency of Africa’s public health emergency preparedness and how the continent’s governments are committing their national budgets to the health sector. The Kenya case is serving as a call to arms in the fight against Africa’s public health emergencies and how locally coordinated efforts are adequately equipped to contain the spread of communicable diseases. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/ebola-spread-raises-fresh-urgency-for-africas-domestic-health-funding/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Two Summits in Bangkok: IMF/World Bank and Finance Ministers Inside, the People’s Assembly Outside By Isabel Ortiz Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Two Summits in Bangkok: IMF/World Bank and Finance Ministers Inside, the People’s Assembly Outside By Isabel Ortiz BANGKOK, Thailand, Oct 19 2026 (IPS) - Bangkok hosted two summits last week. Inside the Queen Sirikit Convention Center, more than 15,000 finance ministers, central bank governors and CEOs of the world’s largest banks and corporations attended the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. They flew in business class and slept in five-star hotels to talk about growth, inflation and public spending, and thus to decide the destiny of billions of people they will never meet. Outside, hundreds of social movements and civil society organizations held the People’s Assembly, for the 99% whose voice would not be heard. They flew economy and often shared modest rooms. The first was the summit of money and power. The second, the summit of the rest of us. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/two-summits-in-bangkok-imf-world-bank-and-finance-ministers-inside-the-peoples-assembly-outside/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

CHINA: ‘My Sister Has Been in a Chinese Prison for Eight Years Because I Exercised My Freedom of Speech’ By CIVICUS Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

CHINA: ‘My Sister Has Been in a Chinese Prison for Eight Years Because I Exercised My Freedom of Speech’ By CIVICUS Oct 19 2026 (IPS) - CIVICUS discusses the persecution of Uyghurs and activism in exile with Rushan Abbas, an Uyghur American activist, founder and executive director of Campaign for Uyghurs and chair of the Executive Committee of the World Uyghur Congress. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/china-my-sister-has-been-in-a-chinese-prison-for-eight-years-because-i-exercised-my-freedom-of-speech/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Afro-Brazilian Religious Communities Face Mounting Discrimination Amid the Climate Crisis By Carla Ruas Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Afro-Brazilian Religious Communities Face Mounting Discrimination Amid the Climate Crisis By Carla Ruas BELÉM, Brazil, Oct 19 2026 (IPS) - In 2024, as floodwaters approached Lutalo Canti’s home in Porto Alegre, Brazil, he lifted some furniture off the floor and left in a hurry. Extreme rainfall in the country’s southern region had caused local rivers to overflow. The flooding would eventually reach more than 400 municipalities and impact over 2 million people. When waters finally receded, Canti, 61, was shocked to see the damage to his house, which also served as a terreiro—a sacred space for the practice of Afro-Brazilian religions. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/afro-brazilian-religious-communities-face-mounting-discrimination-amid-the-climate-crisis/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

UN to Launch Survey to Track Down Racism at the Secretariat By Thalif Deen Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

UN to Launch Survey to Track Down Racism at the Secretariat By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS, Oct 13 2026 (IPS) - The United Nations has once again revived a longstanding problem that has been left lingering behind closed doors for decades – racism and racial discrimination at the UN Secretariat. A message sent to UN staffers last week reads: “The United Nations is founded on the bedrock principle that all people are equal in rights and dignity. Racism has no place in our Organization, and we are committed to fighting it on every front”. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/un-to-launch-survey-to-track-down-racism-at-the-secretariat/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=If_the_UN_COP_Is_Serious_About_Biodiversity_It_Needs_to_Follow_the_Money_World_Lost_More_Than_Millio Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

How Nepal is Learning To Cope With the Psychological Toll of Its Missing By Diwash Gahatraj Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

How Nepal is Learning To Cope With the Psychological Toll of Its Missing By Diwash Gahatraj KATHMANDU, Oct 12 2026 (IPS) - Nearly three decades ago, in the final stretch of Nepal’s civil war, Dr Brandon Kohrt sat with parents whose sons had been conscripted as child soldiers and never returned. Nobody could tell them what had happened, whether their sons were alive somewhere, whether they were dead, or even where to begin looking. That absence of an answer, Kohrt says, never really left those families. It is the same absence now facing thousands of households across Nepal, after catastrophic floods swept away entire communities. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/how-nepal-is-learning-to-cope-with-the-psychological-toll-of-its-missing/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=If_the_UN_COP_Is_Serious_About_Biodiversity_It_Needs_to_Follow_the_Money_World_Lost_More_Than_Millio Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize Is a Vote of Confidence in a Global Legal Order under Fire By Frans Viljoen Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize Is a Vote of Confidence in a Global Legal Order under Fire By Frans Viljoen PRETORIA, South Africa, Oct 12 2026 (IPS) - The awarding of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to distinguished South African jurist and international judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay is about more than just the recognition of an exceptional individual in the global fight for justice. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/navi-pillays-nobel-peace-prize-is-a-vote-of-confidence-in-a-global-legal-order-under-fire/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=If_the_UN_COP_Is_Serious_About_Biodiversity_It_Needs_to_Follow_the_Money_World_Lost_More_Than_Millio Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Kazakhstan Has Spent 23 Years Bringing Faiths Together. Now Comes the Harder Part. By Katsuhiro Asagiri Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Kazakhstan Has Spent 23 Years Bringing Faiths Together. Now Comes the Harder Part. By Katsuhiro Asagiri Religious leaders and international officials meeting in Astana say a forum built to bridge differences must show that dialogue can produce meaningful action. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/kazakhstan-has-spent-23-years-bringing-faiths-together-now-comes-the-harder-part/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=If_the_UN_COP_Is_Serious_About_Biodiversity_It_Needs_to_Follow_the_Money_World_Lost_More_Than_Millio ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Oct 12 2026 (IPS) - In a world increasingly divided by war, political distrust and competing ideologies, Kazakhstan has spent more than two decades pursuing an unusual diplomatic undertaking: keeping representatives of different religions in conversation. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

UNICEF Warns Impending El Niño Threatens Education, Health, and Safety for Millions By Oritro Karim Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

UNICEF Warns Impending El Niño Threatens Education, Health, and Safety for Millions By Oritro Karim https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/unicef-warns-impending-el-nino-threatens-education-health-and-safety-for-millions/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=If_the_UN_COP_Is_Serious_About_Biodiversity_It_Needs_to_Follow_the_Money_World_Lost_More_Than_Millio UNITED NATIONS, Oct 9 2026 (IPS) - New figures from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) project that the impending 2026-2027 El Niño cycle could be one of the strongest on record. Marked by unusually wet and dry conditions, this cycle is forecast to trigger a host of extreme weather events, threatening the health, security, education, and development of over 347 million children worldwide. “For children, El Niño is far more than a weather pattern. It can mean increased displacement, malnutrition, water shortages, and disease outbreaks. Children are also at risk of schools closing, while families could experience added financial hardship,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, emphasizing that anticipatory action is critical in protecting communities from climate shocks in the coming months. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Protection That Holds: Keeping Nature Safe From Extraction By Madhu Rao and Tyson Miller Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Protection That Holds: Keeping Nature Safe From Extraction By Madhu Rao and Tyson Miller https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/protection-that-holds-keeping-nature-safe-from-extraction/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=If_the_UN_COP_Is_Serious_About_Biodiversity_It_Needs_to_Follow_the_Money_World_Lost_More_Than_Millio SINGAPORE, Oct 9 2026 (IPS) - When governments gather in Yerevan this month for the 17th UN Convention on Biological Diversity, they will weigh a promise nearly 200 countries adopted six years ago: to effectively conserve at least 30 percent of land, inland waters, and sea by 2030. Achieving the ambitious 30×30 target is essential to sustaining the systems humanity relies on for survival—including crop pollination, purification of water and air, and climate regulation—as well as the biodiversity that underpins food production, fisheries, and tourism. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (+...)

Infrastructure Finance Forum: Europe 2026 Infrastructure Finance Forum: Europe 2026 brings together investors, lenders, and developers to explore regulation, risk, financing structures, and opportunities across Europe’s infrastructure and energy markets. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/sustainable-infrastructure-finance Infrastructure enables quality of life in every economy by creating jobs, enabling access to healthcare and education, and connecting markets and consumers. Public budgets and support from multilateral development banks are not sufficient to eliminate poverty on a livable planet. Partnership between governments, philanthropies, donors and the private sector is necessary to ensure basic services for the millions of households left behind. The World Bank Group is responding to the global call to scale up future-fit resilient quality infrastructure investment needed to accomplish our mission. We leverage the full suite of WB/IFC/MIGA financing instruments to facilitate private sector investment in sustainable quality infrastructure.

Farming and Agribusiness (+...)

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/farming-and-agribusiness AgriConnect Africa has the land, talent, and demand to become a global food powerhouse. One year into AgriConnect, 10 million farmers have already been reached. The next challenge: unlock investment, expand markets, and scale what works. Farming and agribusiness do more than just feed people. They power economic growth and reduce poverty. The food sector supports millions of jobs on the farm and has the potential to create many more across the supply chain, from production and processing to transport, trade and retail. The food sector matters because: In every economy, good nutrition underpins health, learning, and productivity. Over 300 million people around the world go hungry every day, while 2.8 billion can’t afford a healthy meal. The demand for food is expected to increase by 30% between now and 2050. This is an opportunity to create better-paying jobs while feeding people. In many countries today, the sector isn’t producing food efficiently or distributing it evenly. Lack of infrastructure, counterproductive policies, and financial risk continue to constrain the industry’s growth. At the same time, conflict, economic shocks, and extreme weather are disrupting production and markets.

Financial Services Sector (+...)

Bangkok Blueprint for Fraud-Resilient Financial Services This event launched the Bangkok Blueprint, a high-level framework for tackling cyber-enabled fraud through a whole-of-ecosystem approach. The World Bank Group and the IMF, in partnership with the Bank of Thailand, has developed 12 Key Considerations to guide policy alignment, global dialogue, and future action. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/financial-sector Sound financial systems underpin economic growth and are crucial to the World Bank Group’s mission of eradicating poverty. Deep, liquid capital markets fund the investment required to support economic expansion, jobs, human capital, and infrastructure. 1.3 billion people around the world still lack access to financial accounts, despite rapid advances in digital financial services and mobile phone banking. Financial stability gives people the confidence to save and invest money, and allows robust banking systems and capital markets to support productivity by efficiently channeling funds toward their most productive uses and quickly move payments securely domestically and across borders. A healthy financial system helps governments raise capital and maintain social safety nets. Good access to finance enables people to thrive and better manage their family’s needs for food, shelter, healthcare, and education. It allows them to manage risks and start businesses.

Fragility, Conflict and Violence (+...)

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/fragility-conflict-and-violence A World Bank Group Strategy for Engaging in Fragility, Conflict and Violence Affected Settings (2026-2030) Success in fragile, conflict and violent (FCV) contexts has become mission-critical for the World Band Group (WBG) because poverty is increasingly concentrated in countries classified as fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS): An estimated 400 million of the extreme poor will be living in fragile countries in the next 10 years. Fragility interacts with other threats like food insecurity, climate change and macroeconomic challenges, posing a critical risk to development outcomes. Conflict exacerbates existing fragility in harmful ways, such as by undermining already weak institutions and worsening food insecurity—hunger due to conflict is estimated to have nearly doubled between 2018 and 2023. 75% of acutely food-insecure people live in FCS. Seventeen of the top 25 countries most vulnerable to climate-related impacts (Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative index) are FCS. Fragile and conflict-affected situations make up nearly two-thirds of low-income countries, where intense conflicts along with institutional and social fragilities hinder progress toward middle-income status. Severe conflicts are estimated to lower GDP per capita by about 15% after five years. Fragility is not confined to borders – instability and violence can spread throughout regions, displaced people can spill over into neighboring countries, and wars can have far-reaching economic and geopolitical implications. Forced displacement is a developing world crisis, which must be addressed with collective action. By June 2025, 117.3 million were forcibly displaced because of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations.

The World Bank Group at COP17 on Biodiversity (+...)

The World Bank Group at COP17 on Biodiversity The World Bank Group is attending the Conference of the Parties (COP17) on Biodiversity in Yerevan, Armenia (October 19-30, 2026), under the theme "Taking Action for Nature." Explore how we are mainstreaming biodiversity into development programs, economic policy, and strategic investments across sectors and regions. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/environment

Small AI, Big Impact How the World Bank Group is scaling practical AI for development (+...)

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/digital-and-ai Digitalization is one of the most powerful development opportunities of our time. Connectivity, data, and digital tools are now essential to how hospitals deliver care, how farmers access markets, how teachers reach students, and how governments serve their citizens. With the right foundations—affordable internet, trusted data systems, and secure digital platforms—developing countries can unlock faster, more inclusive growth. Artificial intelligence and the broader data revolution are accelerating this shift. They are expanding what institutions can do, improving service delivery, and opening new economic pathways. Yet not everyone is benefiting equally. As of 2025, over 2 billion people - about a quarter of the world's population - remained offline, and internet use ranged from over 90% in high-income countries to just 23% in low-income countries. Meanwhile, 800 million people still lack official ID, limiting access to digital public services, finance, and healthcare.

The World Bank Group at UNCCC COP31 (+...)

The World Bank Group at UNCCC COP31 The World Bank Group is attending the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. At COP31, we will showcase how climate-smart development can create jobs, strengthen resilience, improve energy, water and food security, and support long-term growth, demonstrating that development and climate action go hand in hand. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/climate-change

Resilience and Disaster Management (+...)

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/resilience-and-disaster-management Extreme Heat Puts South Asia's Jobs and Growth at Risk Extreme heat is costing South Asia nearly the equivalent of 31 million full-time jobs every year and is on track to reduce the region's economy by nearly 7% by 2050, according to a new World Bank report.

Development Topics (+... +...)

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/development-topics Behind the numbers: How we measure global poverty Around 831 million people worldwide are living in extreme poverty. But how is this number derived, and where does the data come from? https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/poverty

Unlocking women’s potential strengthens communities

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/gender Despite advances in skills and education, women’s labor force participation has been stuck at 53% since 1990. When half the population is locked out, development stalls.

It’s time to put Water Forward. Water for Food

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/water Water underpins much of human existence — contributing to good health, food production, and the energy that powers businesses. It supports an estimated 1.7 billion jobs worldwide. Yet for billions of people and entire economies, water insecurity remains a fundamental barrier to growth.

@ A Billion: Reaching One Billion People Through Digital Access and Services by 2030

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/digital-ai Digital technologies and AI are creating new pathways to opportunity. But the benefits of technology have not been shared equally.

Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people to energy access by 2030.

Nearly 600 million people in Sub Saharan Africa still live without electricity. Without power hospitals can't operate effectively, modern agriculture can't feed communities, and steady work can’t be sustained. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/energizingafrica

Publicación: Reaching 1.5 Billion People with Quality, Affordable Health Services

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/dae9f500-0dae-4c2c-96df-df150a0547e4 This report presents the World Bank Group (WBG) Health Target Implementation Plan 2026, which outlines a roadmap to provide 1.5 billion people with quality, affordable health services by 2030 through a digitally enabled primary health care (PHC) platform. The plan aims to transform health systems by integrating public and private providers, expanding access to essential services, strengthening financial protection, and improving healthcare quality through digital technologies, AI, and data-driven decision making. It is built around six scalable solutions: investing in service-ready health facilities, diversifying service delivery models, redesigning health service packages, expanding and upskilling the health workforce, increasing affordable health coverage, and strengthening access to medicines and health products through resilient supply chains and local manufacturing. The implementation approach combines policy reforms, financing, private sector engagement, strategic partnerships, and knowledge sharing to improve health outcomes, build system resilience, create jobs, and support sustainable economic growth while prioritizing underserved populations.

The World Bank Group aims to reach 1.5 billion people with quality, affordable health care by 2030.

Half the world lacks access to basic health care. This isn’t just a health crisis. It’s a threat to global productivity and shared prosperity. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/health-works

AgriConnect is a World Bank Group initiative to transform farming for 300 million smallholders, creating jobs, and strengthening global food security.

AgriConnect is a World Bank Group initiative to transform smallholder farming, create jobs, and strengthen global food security. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/agriconnect

Creating jobs has long been a key component of our mission. Now it is an explicit aim of every World Bank Group project.

Over the next 10–15 years, more than 1 billion young people in developing countries will reach working age. If we don’t act now, there won’t be enough jobs for all of them. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/jobs

The World Bank Group Scorecard

The World Bank Group Scorecard Our Scorecard is central to our work to achieve stronger development outcomes, identify the best paths to job creation, and measure success. The data allows us to track our mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet, while keeping a focus on accountability, transparency, and impact. https://scorecard.worldbank.org/en/home

ODA projections for 2026 and the near‑term Implications for vulnerable countries and sectors

https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oda-projections-for-2026-and-the-near-term_d7c74fa2-en.html What is the outlook for official development assistance (ODA) in the near term? Net ODA fell by 23.3% in 2025, its largest drop ever, following an 8.5% reduction in 2024, and is projected to decrease by a further 6.9% in 2026. This marks the second time on record that ODA fell for three consecutive years, after the 1992-1995 period. These cuts are expected to disproportionately affect the poorest countries. Following steep drops in 2025 (preliminary data), bilateral aid to least developed countries and sub-Saharan Africa is projected to fall by a further 10.9% and 11.6%, respectively, in 2026. Financing for health is likewise expected to decline, falling as much as 63% below its 2022 peak. Amidst geopolitical tensions, with aid budgets under sustained pressure, coordinated and strategic action will be critical to safeguard development gains, support the most vulnerable populations and ensure limited resources are used where they are most needed.

Jobs are the test of change Lisandro Martin October 11, 2026 This page in: English Français Español العربية 中文

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/jobs-are-the-test-of-change- The most important test of World Bank Group reform happens outside the World Bank Group. It happens when a business can expand, a worker can earn more, and a young person can see a future worth preparing for. That test is getting harder. Aid budgets are shrinking. Debt is squeezing public investment. Conflict and climate shocks are eroding livelihoods. Skepticism about international cooperation adds another demand: show that change inside our institutions makes a difference outside them.

From Higher Revenues to Better Lives: Strengthening State Spending for Growth, Jobs, and Services

From Higher Revenues to Better Lives: Strengthening State Spending for Growth, Jobs, and Services ABUJA, October 8, 2026 — Nigeria’s economic performance has improved in 2026 with a recovery in growth, public finances, and the external position amid a global oil price shock. Sustaining the reform momentum will ensure that the benefits of the reform are widely shared. The reforms led a significant increase in revenue especially to the States. An analysis of where these funds were spent is the special topic of the latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) titled “Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Reshaped State Priorities.” https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/10/08/higher-revenues-better-lives-strengthening-state-spending-for-growth-jobs-services

Strong Investor Demand Backs New IDA EUR 30-Year Global Benchmark Bond

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/10/08/strong-investor-demand-backs-new-ida-eur-30-year-global-benchmark-bond Strong Investor Demand Backs New IDA EUR 30-Year Global Benchmark Bond WASHINGTON, DC, October 8, 2026 - The International Development Association (IDA, Aaa/AAA), a member of the World Bank Group, today priced a EUR 1 billion 30-year Sustainable Development Bond that matures in October 2056. The transaction marks IDA's first EUR issuance of this fiscal year and its first EUR 30-year bond in global benchmark format. At EUR 1 billion, it is IDA's largest 30-year issuance and matches the longest maturity for IDA, from 2023.

World Bank Group Expands Ongoing Support for Ebola Response in DRC and the Region

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/10/13/world-bank-group-expands-ongoing-support-for-ebola-response-in-drc-and-the-region World Bank Group Expands Ongoing Support for Ebola Response in DRC and the Region WASHINGTON, October 13, 2026 — The World Bank Group is expanding its support for ongoing government and regional led efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak, protect frontline health workers and affected communities, sustain essential health services, and save lives. To date, the Group has committed $426.6 million to the overall Ebola emergency response, through a combination of existing and new grant and concessional financing.

IDA Launches Discount Notes Program Tapping Short-Term Finance in the United States

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/10/14/ida-launches-discount-notes-program-tapping-short-term-finance-in-the-united-state IDA Launches Discount Notes Program Tapping Short-Term Finance in the United States New Program Broadens Access to U.S. Investors and Supports More Cost-Effective Financing for Development WASHINGTON, DC, October 14, 2026 - The International Development Association (IDA, Aaa/AAA), a member of the World Bank Group, today launched its Discount Notes Program and celebrated its first issuances. The new program provides IDA with ongoing access to short-term funding through the very deep and liquid money markets in the United States and expands the range of investors that can support IDA’s efforts to create jobs and reduce poverty in its member countries.

World Bank Group and Japan Advance Partnership on Energy Resilience in Asia

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/10/15/world-bank-group-and-japan-advance-partnership-on-energy-resilience-in-asia BANGKOK, October 15, 2026 — The World Bank Group today announced the first project under the Dynamic Response for Invigorating Value Chains and Energy Security (DRIVE) framework, advancing its partnership with Japan to strengthen energy and supply chain resilience across Asia, attract private investment, create jobs, and support long-term economic growth. DRIVE was launched by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and Japan’s Minister of Finance Katayama Satsuki in June 2026 to complement Japan’s US$10 billion Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia). The framework brings together World Bank Group financing and expertise with Japan’s development finance capabilities to help countries respond to energy and supply chain disruptions and reduce their vulnerability to future shocks.

Global Partnership: Creating Shared Value from Minerals

https://egps.worldbank.org/ Global Partnership: Creating Shared Value from Minerals Extractives Global Programmatic Support program helps low-and middle-income countries fully benefit from their mineral resources. We promote better mining practices that protect the environment and benefit local communities. We also help countries leverage mining to support new industries, create jobs, and build infrastructure.

Metals and Minerals

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/metals-and-minerals

Made Possible By Minerals: What it Takes to Power Modern Life

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/immersive-story/2026/09/30/made-possible-by-minerals-what-it-takes-to-power-modern-life

Metals and Minerals Country Compacts and Partnerships

Metals and Minerals Country Compacts and Partnerships Metals and minerals make modern life possible. The World Bank Group is working with countries to support the sector in creating jobs and expanding opportunities for communities. At the heart of this effort are Metals and Minerals Country Compacts and Partnerships. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/metals-and-minerals/metals-minerals-compacts

Eight Countries Launch Plans to Turn Mineral Resources into Jobs and Economic Growth

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/10/16/metals-minerals-country-compacts-launch Country-led partnerships and compacts establish priorities, commitments, and measurable targets for reforms, infrastructure, skills, investment, and local economic benefits. BANGKOK, October 16, 2026—Eight governments announced country partnerships and compacts to advance responsible metals and minerals development, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. Argentina, Bolivia, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Mauritania, and Zambia set out priorities, commitments, and measurable targets to guide reforms, increase investment, and deliver lasting benefits for communities.

World Bank Group Launches Philanthropy Hub to Unlock Capital, Knowledge and Networks for Development

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/10/12/world-bank-group-launches-philanthropy-hub-to-unlock-capital-knowledge-and-network BANGKOK, October 12, 2026 - The World Bank Group today launched its Philanthropy Hub, a new platform to deepen collaboration with philanthropic organizations and other partners.

Closing the Gap: The Promise of AI in Developing Economies Wednesday, October 21, 2026 09:00 - 10:15 a.m. KST (local time)

https://live.worldbank.org/en/event/2026/global-ai-digital-summit-artificial-intelligence-developing-economies As AI reshapes labor markets worldwide, developing countries face a critical question: will it widen opportunity or deepen inequality? Join the conversation with public- and private sector leaders on how AI can strengthen development and create jobs, and on the role governments and innovators play in making this happen. https://live.worldbank.org/en/series/2026/global-ai-and-digital-summit-livestream

GLOBAL AI & DIGITAL SUMMIT Small AI. Big Impact Tuesday, October 20, 2026 09:45 - 11:00 a.m. KST (local time)

https://live.worldbank.org/en/event/2026/global-ai-digital-summit-small-ai What if AI's biggest impact comes not from the largest models, but from practical tools designed to solve everyday challenges? From supporting farmers and teachers to helping small businesses grow, "small AI" is making technology more accessible and useful. Join leaders, innovators, and practitioners as they explore how locally adapted AI solutions can create jobs, expand opportunity, and help shape a more inclusive digital future. https://live.worldbank.org/en/series/2026/global-ai-and-digital-summit-livestream

Grupo Banco Mundial : nuestra encuesta.

https://wbgwebvisitor.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OEzOtafvLLtSyG?Q_Language=ES&source=nwsl&deliveryName=DM291628 Thank you for your interest in the Annual Meetings. We’d like to learn more about your perspectives and understanding of the World Bank Group’s work and priorities.

Ajay Banga's Plenary Remarks | 2026 Annual Meetings

2026 IMF-WBG Annual Meetings Plenary

Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Emerging Markets to Create Jobs | 2026 Annual Meetings

MSME Finance: Leveraging Data for Jobs | 2026 Annual Meetings

Civil Society Townhall with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga | 2026 Annual Meetings

Small AI: More and Better Jobs | 2026 Annual Meetings

La infancia desaparecida Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

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Sania Farooqui en conversación con Muna Luqman Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Campesinas brasileñas ganan autonomía con energías limpias Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Sania Farooqui en conversación con Zahra Nader Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2026 Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/international-day-for-the-eradication-of-poverty-2026/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

At least 124 land and environmental defenders killed globally in 2025 Published: 16 September 2026 London

https://globalwitness.org/en/press-releases/at-least-124-land-and-environmental-defenders-killed-globally-in-2025/ New Global Witness figures bring the total killed and disappeared since 2012 to 2,375 Just two South American countries – Colombia and Brazil – accounted for 52% of the 2025 killings In Asia, defenders are facing a rising tide of criminalisation and intimidation Globally, more than three quarters of those killed were small-scale farmers, Indigenous Peoples or Afro-descendant peoples. Indigenous Peoples accounted for 44 of the killings documented in 2025. Land disputes triggered more than half of the killings documented in 2025

tropical forest forever Facility

tropical forest forever Facility Launched in Belém with billions already committed and the backing of countries harboring more than 90% of the world’s tropical forests, the TFFF is a once-in-a-generation initiative to redefine how the global community values and rewards standing forests. https://tfff.earth/

Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use

https://forestclimateleaders.org/news-and-resources/glasgow-leaders-declaration-on-forests-and-land-use/ We, the leaders of the countries identified below: Emphasise the critical and interdependent roles of forests of all types, biodiversity and sustainable land use in enabling the world to meet its sustainable development goals; to help achieve a balance between anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and removal by sinks; to adapt to climate change; and to maintain other ecosystem services.

RELEASE: Global Forest Loss Shatters Records in 2024, Fueled by Massive Fires

https://www.wri.org/news/release-global-forest-loss-shatters-records-2024-fueled-massive-fires New data shows fires triggered unprecedented global forest loss in 2024, releasing more than four times the emissions from all air travel in 2023 — with devastating impacts on people and the climate, according to Global Forest Watch's annual analysis WASHINGTON D.C. (May 21, 2025) — Global forest loss surged to record highs in 2024, driven by a catastrophic rise in fires, according to new data from the University of Maryland’s GLAD Lab, made available on World Resources Institute’s Global Forest Watch platform. Loss of tropical primary forests alone reached 6.7 million hectares — nearly twice as much as in 2023 and an area nearly the size of Panama, at the rate of 18 soccer fields every minute.

Get to know Climate Focus

https://climatefocus.com/team/ivan-palmegiani/ Ivan Palmegiani is a senior consultant at Climate Focus where he focuses on financial instruments for the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, on ecological restoration monitoring, and on the management of quantitative and geospatial data.

Forest Declaration Assessment 2026

Annual report: Forest Declaration Assessment 2026 Tracking progress toward halting and reversing deforestation by 2030 https://forestdeclaration.org/ The latest Forest Declaration Assessment finds that global deforestation fell sharply in 2025 — but the world remains far off track from its 2030 forest goals. Explore what's driving progress, where critical gaps remain, and the action needed to turn temporary gains into lasting change.

World Lost More Than 7 Million Hectares of Forest in 2025 By Umar Manzoor Shah Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

World Lost More Than 7 Million Hectares of Forest in 2025 By Umar Manzoor Shah https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/world-lost-more-than-7-million-hectares-of-forest-in-2025/ BERLIN, Germany/WASHINGTON, D.C., USA , Oct 14 2026 (IPS) - The world lost more than 7 million hectares of forest to deforestation in 2025, a modest improvement on recent years but still far from what is needed to meet global forest protection targets by 2030, according to a new assessment of international conservation efforts. The Forest Declaration Assessment 2026, prepared by a coalition of civil society organisations and researchers and released worldwide on October 14, says deforestation remains stubbornly high despite international commitments to halt and reverse forest loss. The average annual area cleared since 2021 has exceeded 8 million hectares, highlighting the gap between government promises and progress on the ground. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

New Global Analysis Finds Banks Pumped USD 595 Billion into High-Risk Agribusiness and Mining in Tropical Forest Regions Since 2020 By Forest & Finance

https://forestsandfinance.org/blog/launchbobc2026 First combined analysis of agribusiness and mineral mining financial flows exposes growing biodiversity impacts from banks and investors AMSTERDAM, October 14, 2026 — The world's largest banks and investors continue to finance companies driving tropical deforestation, ecosystem destruction and human rights abuses while failing to adopt safeguards capable of preventing those harms, according to a major new report released today by the Forests & Finance coalition.

United Nations Biodiversity Conference COP 17 / CP-MOP 12 / NP-MOP 6 Yerevan, Armenia, 19 - 30 October 2026

https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2026 19–30 October 2026 – Yerevan, Armenia The 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will take place in October 2026. It will be held in conjunction with the twelfth meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CP-MOP-12) and the sixth meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (NP-MOP-6). COP 17 will mark the first global review of collective progress towards the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

If the UN COP17 Is Serious About Biodiversity, It Needs to Follow the Money By Stephanie Dowlen Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

If the UN COP17 Is Serious About Biodiversity, It Needs to Follow the Money By Stephanie Dowlen https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/if-the-un-cop17-is-serious-about-biodiversity-it-needs-to-follow-the-money/ MALMO, Sweden, Oct 16 2026 (IPS) - On Monday, governments from across the world will gather in Armenia for COP17, the UN biodiversity summit, to assess progress on the global agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. For anyone who cares about the livability of our planet for future generations, and the richness of life on earth, the stakes could hardly be higher. Policy makers will debate targets, implementation, and the lack of money to protect nature, in particular the failure of developed countries to fulfil their obligations. But there is a more basic question that should put at the center of those discussions: what happens when the financial system governments are counting on to fund nature protection is also financing its destruction? Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

‘Prioritize Social Inclusion as Rapid Transformations Risk Leaving Millions Behind’ By Oritro Karim Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

‘Prioritize Social Inclusion as Rapid Transformations Risk Leaving Millions Behind’ By Oritro Karim https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/prioritize-social-inclusion-as-rapid-transformations-risk-leaving-millions-behind/ UNITED NATIONS, Oct 16 2026 (IPS) - The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) new report, which addresses the rapid global transformations driven by artificial intelligence (AI), demographic shifts, climate change, and conflict, highlights the widening disparities in employment, social inclusion, and access to services. The report titled The New Economics of Social Inclusion: Making Transformations Work for All was released on October 5. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

30 Years of War, 30 Years of Impunity in DR Congo By Ida Sawyer Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

30 Years of War, 30 Years of Impunity in DR Congo By Ida Sawyer https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/30-years-of-war-30-years-of-impunity-in-dr-congo/ WASHINGTON DC, Oct 15 2026 (IPS) - It has been 30 years since Rwanda-backed rebel forces attacked Lemera hospital in what was then eastern Zaire, killing 37 patients and medical staff. This was one of the first major atrocities during what became known as the First Congo War, helping to unleash decades of foreign-backed rebellions and grave abuses against civilians by all sides, including ethnic-based massacres, widespread rape and sexual violence, forced recruitment of children, abductions, torture, mutilation, and forced displacement. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Kenia Hernández: Indigenous Rights Defender Imprisoned for Her Activism By Clare Quirk Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Kenia Hernández: Indigenous Rights Defender Imprisoned for Her Activism By Clare Quirk https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/kenia-hernandez-indigenous-rights-defender-imprisoned-for-her-activism/ JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Oct 15 2026 (IPS) - Kenia Hernández is an Indigenous Mexican lawyer and human rights defender dedicated to advancing women’s rights and social justice. Arrested in October 2020, she has faced multiple criminal proceedings that human rights organisations, including CIVICUS, have denounced as politically motivated and linked to the criminalisation of her activism. This piece is the second in our series on the campaign that advocates for the immediate release of unjustly imprisoned or persecuted human rights defenders globally. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Crisis and Opportunity at the UN By Andrew Firmin Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Crisis and Opportunity at the UN By Andrew Firmin https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/crisis-and-opportunity-at-the-un/ LONDON, Oct 14 2026 (IPS) - At this year’s highest-profile UN event, Donald Trump publicly mused over his ‘big decision’ about whether to ‘annihilate’ Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as dozens of delegates walked out, branded those who condemn genocide in Gaza ‘moral cowards’. The UN was established in the devastating aftermath of the Second World War with the explicit aim to ‘save succeeding generations from the scourge of war’. Its charter commits all UN members to settling disputes peacefully. Yet at the UN General Assembly’s annual high-level session, held in September, several national leaders used a podium meant for peace and international cooperation to justify and threaten violence. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Finding Silver Linings Amid Haze of Climatic Uncertainty By Zofeen Ebrahim Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Finding Silver Linings Amid Haze of Climatic Uncertainty By Zofeen Ebrahim https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/finding-silver-linings-amid-haze-of-climatic-uncertainty/ KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 2026 (IPS) - With the city enveloped in a cloak of haze, the urgency of tackling the climate crisis could hardly have been clearer as the four-day Global Tipping Points Conference 2026 drew to a close at Malaysia’s Sunway University on Thursday. At the conference, speakers stressed the need for humanity to remain within planetary boundaries, or the “safe operating space”. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Yemen's Houthis look to build ballistic missiles with more Chinese supplies: Report Associated Press Updated on: 15 Oct 2026, 2:53 am

Yemen's Houthis look to build ballistic missiles with more Chinese supplies: Report The weaponry under development could help the group more precisely target the Saudis and Israel. By turning to China, it also appears to be a sign of increasing independence. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Oct/15/yemens-houthis-look-to-build-ballistic-missiles-with-more-chinese-supplies-report

US considers hitting Iran with 'Mother of All Bombs': CNN AFP Updated on: 15 Oct 2026, 2:15 am

US considers hitting Iran with 'Mother of All Bombs': CNN Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which erupted with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, have been at an impasse since the summer. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Oct/15/us-considers-hitting-iran-with-mother-of-all-bombs-cnn

Israel yet to allow Board of Peace first construction contract in Gaza - report BySARAH MOSKOWITZ OCTOBER 15, 2026 01:57 Updated: OCTOBER 15, 2026 07:55

Israel yet to allow Board of Peace first construction contract in Gaza - report “Israel won’t open the border,” said a source familiar with the matter, adding that contractors and trucks have been prevented from entering Gaza to begin construction. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-911748

Iran tells Hezbollah to increase readiness, prepare for potential conflict - report ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF OCTOBER 15, 2026 14:30 Updated: OCTOBER 15, 2026 14:56

Iran tells Hezbollah to increase readiness, prepare for potential conflict - report According to the sources, all full-time Hezbollah members who receive monthly salaries were summoned, although it was emphasized that these directions were only preparations for a near-term scenario. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-911814

Trump says ‘leakers should be shot’ at Arizona rally, days after approving firing-squad execution ByIDAN KWELLER OCTOBER 15, 2026 00:41 Updated: OCTOBER 15, 2026 01:05

Trump says ‘leakers should be shot’ at Arizona rally, days after approving firing-squad execution Recalling a leak Trump said delayed the June 2025 B-2 strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the president declared: “In the old days, we used to shoot leakers.” https://www.jpost.com/international/article-911745

Iranian leaders believe renewed US strikes are inevitable, warn Washington against attacking ByAMICHAI STEIN OCTOBER 14, 2026 21:39

Iranian leaders believe renewed US strikes are inevitable, warn Washington against attacking According to several regional diplomats, concerns are growing within Iran’s leadership that the current period of relative calm could be short-lived and that hostilities may resume in the future. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-911729

Trump called her an attorney. Now his new press secretary faces a bar complaint (too much news)

Trump called her an attorney. Now his new press secretary faces a bar complaint After a shaky first briefing marked by just three questions and a mix-up involving her husband, Katie Zacharia faces scrutiny over claims that she is a lawyer; a watchdog has asked California's bar association to investigate, while reports say she failed the state's bar exam https://www.ynetnews.com/category/9733

New York is still hostile to Israel, but something is changing Opinion: Avi Shilon|Yesterday | 23:10

New York is still hostile to Israel, but something is changing Opinion: Anti-Israel protests in New York are drawing smaller crowds, while Jerry Seinfeld's response to hecklers reflects a changing mood; with elections approaching in Israel and the US, the political stakes for Jews everywhere are rising Avi Shilon|Yesterday | 23:10 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/sjwkr3tsfx

Saudi Arabia can't stop Houthi missiles. Israeli technology could help with that Analysis: Steven Ganot / The Media Line|Updated:03:54

Saudi Arabia can't stop Houthi missiles. Israeli technology could help with that Analysis: Recent attacks on Riyadh’s airport and Saudi Aramco’s headquarters have exposed gaps in the kingdom’s air defenses; Israeli technology and intelligence could help, but political barriers complicate cooperation Steven Ganot / The Media Line|Updated:03:54 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/sjcv1eajge#autoplay

Security costs at Netanyahu's residences top $41 million, quaduple previous prime ministers Itamar Eichner|08:27

Security costs at Netanyahu's residences top $41 million, quaduple previous prime ministers Figures disclosed after a court petition show 72.5 million shekel ($23.4 million) was paid in 2025 alone, six times the 2022 figure; the Prime Minister's Office cites heightened threats and refuses to disclose spending for each of the three residences Itamar Eichner Itamar Eichner|08:27 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rk49aq0ofl

After 1,000 days without answers, October 7 families turn to US Congress for investigation Itamar Eichner|05:54

After 1,000 days without answers, October 7 families turn to US Congress for investigation At a State Department memorial hosted by Marco Rubio and Howard Lutnick, families of American victims of the Hamas massacre call for a congressional investigation and prosecution of those responsible, saying they have waited more than 1,000 days for answers from Israel Itamar Eichner Itamar Eichner|05:54 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkrbywrjgg

Putin's new propaganda weapon: AI war songs with millions of streams Israel Wullman|02:33

Putin's new propaganda weapon: AI war songs with millions of streams Hundreds of AI-generated war songs glorify Russia's military and invasion of Ukraine, drawing millions of streams on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms; new research reveals how AI fuels cheap propaganda that tech giants struggle to stop Israel Wullman|02:33 https://www.ynetnews.com/tech-and-digital/article/syfhti2ozx

Herzog flies over Turkey despite ban on Israeli state planes, joins summit alongside Iranian representative Itamar Eichner|Updated:07:02

Herzog flies over Turkey despite ban on Israeli state planes, joins summit alongside Iranian representative The Israeli president traveled to Azerbaijan on a commercial AZAL flight that crossed Turkish airspace; Ankara says it was unaware he was aboard, while an Iranian representative and officials from countries without diplomatic ties to Israel attend the Baku summit Itamar Eichner Itamar Eichner|Updated:07:02 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjyo00zcoml#autoplay