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U.S. Critical Minerals Proposals to Brazil Unanswered Amid China's Influence

U.S. Critical Minerals Proposals to Brazil Unanswered Amid China's Influence

Brazil has not responded to two proposals from the United States aimed at formalizing cooperation on critical minerals, according to Matthew Lowe, economic counselor at the U.S. embassy in Brasilia. The U.S. invited Brazil to join the Minerals Security Partnership, a U.S.-led initiative coordinating investment in mineral supply chains, years ago, but received no response. A draft framework agreement sent in February also went unanswered. This lack of engagement leaves the U.S. without a bilateral deal with Brazil as it seeks to build rare earth supply chains independent of China. Brazil holds the world's second-largest reserves of rare earths after China, making it a crucial potential partner for the U.S. in securing these vital resources. The U.S. embassy is now pursuing agreements at the state level, though these efforts have faced scrutiny regarding the authority of state governors to strike mineral deals with foreign powers.
Reuters Reuters
Trump administration plans $4 million for right-wing media in Europe, sources say

Trump administration plans $4 million for right-wing media in Europe, sources say

(Refiles to add administration in headline, no change to text) By Humeyra Pamuk and Paul Carsten WASHINGTON/BERLIN, Aug 31 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration is planning to spend $4 million to bolster right-wing media in Europe, part of a package of at least $25 million for civil
Reuters Reuters
Factory activity bounced in August as AI fuelled Asian expansion

Factory activity bounced in August as AI fuelled Asian expansion

By Jonathan Cable and Leika Kihara TOKYO/LONDON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Global factory activity was humming last month as surging demand for AI hardware kept Asian factories busy while new orders in Europe bounced higher, brightening prospects even as the prolonged U.S.-Iran war fuels uncertainty,
Reuters Reuters
France targets Shein and Temu with fast fashion fees

France targets Shein and Temu with fast fashion fees

By Dominique Patton and Helen Reid PARIS, Sept 1 (Reuters) - France started imposing fees on the extreme end of fast fashion on Tuesday to try to curb a surge in sales of cheap clothing sold by e-commerce sites including Shein and Temu.
AP News AP News
Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals

Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international soccer after 21 years representing Argentina
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EU Platform Work Directive to Redefine Employment Status for Remote Workers by December 2, 2026

EU Platform Work Directive to Redefine Employment Status for Remote Workers by December 2, 2026

EU Platform Work Directive to Redefine Employment Status for Remote Workers by December 2, 2026
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EU Mandates Digital Identity Wallets for Citizens and Businesses by 2026

EU Mandates Digital Identity Wallets for Citizens and Businesses by 2026

The European Union is implementing a new digital identity framework, eIDAS 2.0, which mandates that all 27 EU Member States provide a secure digital identity wallet (EUDI Wallet) to their citizens, residents, and businesses by 2026. This initiative aims to create a unified, secure, and convenient digital platform for managing and sharing verified identity credentials across the EU. The EUDI Wallet will allow users to store various documents, such as national IDs, driving licenses, university diplomas, and medical prescriptions, all legally recognized across member states. Unlike basic document storage apps, the EUDI Wallet is designed as an active identity tool, enabling users to prove their identity, selectively share specific data, and digitally sign documents with full legal validity. The wallet will be free for users and accessible on mobile devices. The framework emphasizes user control through 'selective disclosure,' meaning users can choose to share only the necessary information for a given service...
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Heatwaves Challenge Nuclear Power Reliability in Europe, Raising Questions on 'Green' Status

Heatwaves Challenge Nuclear Power Reliability in Europe, Raising Questions on 'Green' Status

Europe's recent heatwaves have exposed vulnerabilities in nuclear power generation, leading to temporary shutdowns or reduced output at several plants in France, Hungary, and Romania. Nuclear power plants require vast amounts of water for cooling, and the extreme heat combined with drought conditions has significantly lowered water levels in major rivers, impacting their operational capacity. This situation highlights a critical challenge for nuclear energy, often touted as a clean and reliable baseload power source, as its performance is increasingly susceptible to climate-related events. While nuclear energy does not emit carbon dioxide during electricity generation, experts point out that its overall carbon footprint includes embodied carbon from construction, uranium mining, transport, and waste disposal. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant meltdown in 2011 initially led many countries to reconsider nuclear expansion, but recent energy crises have reignited calls for its increased use.
Variety Variety
Outsider Pictures Takes U.S. on Rafiki Fariala’s Award-Winning Cannes Hit ‘Congo Boy’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Outsider Pictures Takes U.S. on Rafiki Fariala’s Award-Winning Cannes Hit ‘Congo Boy’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Santa Monica-based Outsider Pictures has picked up Rafiki Fariala’s award-winning Cannes title “Congo Boy” for the U.S. ahead of its North American premiere at Toronto. The film bowed in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, where it won Bradley Fiomona the best actor prize for his role as 17-year-old Robert, whose family was forced to flee the […]
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Isabelle Huppert, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kore-Eda Hirokazu, Fan Bingbing, Michelle Yeoh on Guest List as Busan Unveils Galas, Asian Cinema Competition

Isabelle Huppert, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kore-Eda Hirokazu, Fan Bingbing, Michelle Yeoh on Guest List as Busan Unveils Galas, Asian Cinema Competition

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has unveiled a guest lineup headlined by Isabelle Huppert, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Fan Bingbing and Michelle Yeoh. Huppert brings her latest film, “All About Corinne,” to Busan audiences. Gyllenhaal makes her first visit to Korea with “Flesh Impact,” a project created to mark the centenary of Marilyn […]
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Trevor Noah Explores Global Football Culture in New Documentary Series

Trevor Noah Explores Global Football Culture in New Documentary Series

Trevor Noah Explores Global Football Culture in New Documentary Series
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European Commission Explores 'Nature Credits' to Fund Biodiversity Conservation

European Commission Explores 'Nature Credits' to Fund Biodiversity Conservation

The European Commission is developing a concept called 'nature credits' to assign economic value to ecosystem improvements, aiming to attract private capital for biodiversity conservation. This initiative seeks to address a significant funding gap for nature protection, estimated at around $40 billion annually in the European Union. The concept involves measuring, certifying, and valuing proven ecological enhancements, such as restoring seagrass meadows or managing forests sustainably. An expert group, including organizations like Greece's The GreenTank, has been established to define the rules for a credible market for these credits. The goal is to create new financing tools that complement public funds, allowing nature to generate economic value that can be reinvested in its own protection. This approach is being explored through projects like ARTEMIS, which examines how restoring Posidonia seagrass meadows can be linked to a verifiable monitoring system and new financial mechanisms.