Latest news for 26 September 2025

UNITED STATES

More tariffs

President Trump has announced another wave of tariffs, including 100% on branded drugs (unless a firm is investing in the US), and 25% on heavy-duty trucks. He’s framing it as a way to protect US manufacturers from unfair competition. (BBC)

Comment: Pharma shares have mostly shrugged this off — industry was already on notice from Trump’s national security pharma investigation. Furniture companies like Restoration Hardware, on the other hand, have seen their stocks fall as markets process the impact of new 30-50% furniture tariffs on such an import-heavy sector.

UNITED STATES

Comey indicted.

The US justice department has indicted former FBI director James Comey on allegations he lied to — and obstructed the proceedings of — a Congressional committee in the context of Russia’s 2016 electoral meddling. In response, Comey has declared, "I'm innocent, so let's have a trial". (Politico)

Comment: These charges come a few days after President Trump tweeted (then deleted) a message that appeared intended for his attorney-general, urging her to prosecute Comey and others.

UZBEKISTAN

We’ll look after this.

Switzerland’s ambassador to Uzbekistan has revealed that criminal assets repatriated to Tashkent are now helping finance Uzbek projects like school modernisation and poverty reduction initiatives. (Times of Central Asia)

LITHUANIA

Fresh start.

Lithuania’s new ruling coalition has now formally taken office after its predecessor collapsed in July. The new centre-left prime minister (Ruginienė), who only entered national politics a few months ago, is pledging pro-Ukraine continuity. (LRT)

THAILAND

A hole in the road.

A massive sinkhole has shut down parts of Bangkok’s government district. Initial findings suggest it’s related to a nearby metro construction project. (Straits Times)

CANADA

Money honey.

Authorities have charged a Royal Bank of Canada employee after he allegedly accessed Prime Minister Carney’s profile in an organised crime scheme. (CBC)

MADAGASCAR

Back by sundown.

Africa’s island nation of Madagascar has imposed a night-time curfew as protests against water and power cuts keep escalating. (ABC)