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World Briefing: US urges EU to keep methane rules; Toyota profit dives as CFO picked for CEO; Islamabad-area mosque bombing kills dozens; UK backs commuter fines; Azerbaijan joins Trump-backed “Board of Peace” as leaders hail Armenia deal; UN warns al‑Qaeda networks expanding; Puerto Rico sovereignty push grows; Danone recalls infant formula over toxin fears; Louvre theft damages Empress Eugénie crown, now restored
US lawmakers to EU, keep the methane rules
American lawmakers are urging the EU not to water down its methane regulations ahead of new requirements taking effect in January 2027, when European oil and gas importers must meet monitoring, reporting, and verification standards linked to methane emissions data from producers and exporters supplying Europe.
Toyota profit plunges, CFO tapped to become CEO
Toyota reported a 43% drop in quarterly profit, citing tariff pressures and higher costs, and said its finance chief will take over as CEO. Nothing says “calm, steady leadership” like changing captains mid-storm while the ship is being pelted by tariffs.
Bombing at Shiite mosque near Islamabad kills dozens
A bombing at a Shiite mosque near Islamabad during Friday prayers killed at least 31 people and wounded 169, highlighting a surge in extremist violence in Pakistan.
Britons back fines for feet on seats, and other commuter sins
More than half of Britons surveyed support fining commuters up to £20 for putting their feet on public transport seats, with similar support for penalties targeting other bad etiquette. A poll of 1,000 people commissioned by rail travel company JRPass found littering and shoes on seats were most disliked, and majorities also complained about blocking doorways, placing bags on seats, and playing audio without headphones, even as many respondents admitted they do some of it themselves. Naturally, the national pastime is moral outrage, with a side of “but I’m the exception.”
Azerbaijan joins Trump-backed “Board of Peace”
Azerbaijan has become a founding member of the Trump-backed “Board of Peace,” seeking to convert regional influence into more international clout while carefully navigating sensitive dynamics with Iran. Because nothing screams “stability” like geopolitics branded like a luxury condo development.
UN monitoring data shows al-Qaeda networks have expanded since 9/11
Data compiled by a United Nations monitoring group indicates al-Qaeda and affiliated groups have expanded sharply since 9/11, with intelligence estimates suggesting about 25,000 potential fighters worldwide compared with roughly 500 in September 2001.
Puerto Rico’s growing interest in sovereignty, Congress urged to respond
Puerto Rico is increasingly looking toward sovereignty, and Congress is being urged to take the shift seriously. Supporters say sovereignty could allow Puerto Rico to become a stable, democratic, economically sustainable partner of the United States, assuming Washington can briefly look up from its perpetual food fight.
Danone recalls Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula over possible toxin contamination
Danone is recalling specific batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula after the UK Food Standards Agency warned of possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and abdominal cramps. Parents and caregivers are advised to check batch numbers against the official recall notice, as only certain products are affected, including some tied to an earlier recall. The UK Health Security Agency reported up to 36 children with symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning after consuming potentially contaminated batches, and Danone and Nestlé said they stopped using ingredients from the supplier linked to the issue while unaffected formula remains on sale.
Louvre theft leaves Empress Eugénie’s crown damaged, now being restored
After thieves broke into the Louvre, cut through display cases, and stole Napoleonic jewels, the crown of Empress Eugénie fell during their escape and was left mangled on the pavement. The recovered crown is now undergoing complete restoration. Even in crime, someone always has to make it slapstick.
Leaders praise Azerbaijan–Armenia peace agreement at Zayed Award ceremony
At the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi, world leaders praised the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace agreement, emphasizing dialogue, compromise, and practical steps toward lasting peace. Rare moment of adults acting like adults, somebody check the calendar.
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This podcast is a fully automated experiment in AI-generated content. Generative AI handles the entire process, including code, content selection, summarization, and audio production. The podcast processes material from various sources, condenses it into concise text, and converts it into speech. No human intervention is involved in the production process.
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