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October 15: Trump’s Call to Shoot Leakers and Hormuz Tanker Attacks
Britain’s China policy
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China says British departments pursue contradictory policies toward Beijing and have lost expertise after budget cuts. Its report recommends central coordination and diversified supply chains, warning that reliance on Chinese technology could expose transport and energy systems to security risks. The government says it balances cooperation with national security. China’s embassy rejects the findings and accuses the group of spreading disinformation.
Protests in Albania
Dozens were detained in Tirana after a student protest over education costs and corruption turned violent. Tens of thousands marched. Demonstrators set fire to the education ministry and two banks, threw stones at police and smashed storefronts. Police used water cannon and tear gas.
PFAS in waterways
Researchers detected PFAS chemicals in 96 percent of Pennsylvania waterways tested and 91 percent of those tested in New Jersey. Sampling ran from 2022 through 2024. The study was conducted by PennEnvironment, Environment New Jersey’s research and policy center, and Frontier Group. PFAS are linked to increased cancer risks and other health problems.
In U.S. news
Social Security says 76 million Americans will receive a 3.6 percent cost-of-living increase in 2027. Average retirement benefits will rise by about 75 dollars a month starting in January.
Bloomberg reports that President Trump called for executing people who leak information to the media. At a campaign rally, while criticizing coverage of the Iran war, he said, “In my opinion, leakers should be shot.”
The Wall Street Journal reports that his administration is investigating Representative Ilhan Omar to build a case to strip her citizenship and ultimately deport her. The investigation focuses partly on how she obtained citizenship and on actions by her late father.
In public health
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Gerber, alleging high levels of arsenic and lead in its baby food. Separately, Politico reports that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine views helped stall an Agriculture Department bird flu response plan, alarming lawmakers as winter migration begins.
Greenland’s resource rights
Denmark is pushing back against Trump’s promotion of Greenland oil and mineral deals. The recent U.S., Greenland and Denmark agreement excludes mining and drilling rights and reinforces Greenland’s sovereignty.
Ukraine’s Starlink access
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he feels betrayed by Trump following reports of restricted Starlink access for Ukraine’s military. Speaking in London, he accused Trump of siding with Russia.
Oil and the Strait of Hormuz
Brent crude is back above 106 dollars as Iran intensifies attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and global inventories fall. OPEC forecasts stronger oil demand next year, adding to concerns about tighter supplies.
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