Latest Episode
May 13 0800 UTC Brief
In U.S. security
The United States has imposed visa restrictions on 13 people linked to a U.S.-sanctioned online pharmacy based in India that is accused of selling Americans pills laced with fentanyl. It is another reminder that the drug crisis now comes with a supply chain.
In Europe
EU ministers met in Brussels to discuss how Ukraine could use a proposed €90 billion loan to help repel Russian forces, with Estonia’s defence minister insisting the money must not be mishandled. Corruption concerns in Ukraine continue to shadow the talks, even as the need for funding remains urgent.
In a separate development, French and EU officials are dealing with a hantavirus case linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius. A French woman infected in the outbreak is in critical condition in Paris, while 22 passengers and crew are expected to leave isolation in Merseyside after precautionary monitoring.
In trade
The European Union and Australia have signed a free trade agreement in Canberra after nearly a decade of negotiations. The deal is meant to remove more than 99% of tariffs on EU goods and deepen broader cooperation between the two sides.
In business
JPMorgan chief executive Jamie Dimon has warned the bank could rethink its planned £3 billion London headquarters if Britain turns more hostile to banks. He said political instability alone would not derail the project, but higher taxes or a tougher stance on banking could, and markets duly did what markets do best, they got nervous.
Amazon has launched its 30-minute grocery delivery service, Amazon Now, in dozens of U.S. cities. The service promises groceries, household essentials and electronics, while leaning on gig drivers and small warehouse sites to make speed look like a strategy.
In politics
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to meet rival Wes Streeting as ministerial resignations mount and pressure builds on his government. Starmer says he intends to keep governing, at least for now.
In China-U.S. relations
Donald Trump is heading to China for talks with Xi Jinping later this week, joined by more than a dozen U.S. executives including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang. Trump says he will press Xi to open up China, which is the sort of promise leaders always make right before discovering how closed a market can be.
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