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Protests erupt across France as soaring living costs and energy prices fuel unrest, with police and demonstrators clashing in Paris, Marseille and Strasbourg. Russia claims further advances in Ukraine, capturing two strategically important settlements and asserting that Kyiv now controls just 10% of Donetsk. Meanwhile, Donald Trump reportedly abandons the proposed Graham sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, arguing it conflicts with US…

Waikato's controversial Plan Change 1 has reached another legal milestone, but its economic consequences remain fiercely contested. Andy Loader argues that the drive to improve water quality risks imposing unsustainable costs on farmers and vegetable growers, threatening food security, rural communities and New Zealand's export economy. en years after it was first notified, Plan Change 1 has been confirmed by the Environment Court. · In June,…

Ukraine has asked the European Union for another €70 billion in financial and military support, but European leaders left their Brussels summit without an agreement on the additional funding. Behind the diplomatic assurances lies a difficult question for governments already facing competing domestic priorities: how much longer can Europe finance Ukraine's war effort, and under what conditions? INR Report: Based on RT's live coverage of the EU…

Washington's reported threats to restrict intelligence, weapons support and satellite communications have exposed Ukraine's dependence on American technology and political decisions. As Trump pursues energy cooperation with Moscow, the confrontation raises questions about who controls Ukraine's military capabilities, who finances the war and how much independence Kyiv retains. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 16 October 2026, HERE. · The…

Washington has temporarily reopened the door to Russian diesel as high fuel prices threaten American consumers and industry. The decision has exposed tensions with European allies and Ukraine, raising a larger question about whether economic realities are beginning to override geopolitical commitments INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, with additional reporting from Reuters, Associated Press and the International Energy Agency. · President…

New Zealand's aged care system faces growing pressure as its population ages. Dr Oliver Hartwich examines why underfunding residential care may ultimately cost taxpayers more through hospital admissions, delayed treatment and shortages of rest home beds. Opinion by Dr Oliver Hartwich | Executive Director, The New Zealand Initiative · Last week, we co-hosted a dinner with the Selwyn Foundation. Its chair, former Labour health minister David…

New Zealand's decision to abandon domestic oil refining deserves scrutiny beyond the price of petrol. The loss of refining capacity also raises questions about industrial by-products, agricultural inputs and whether successive governments have adequately protected the country's productive economy. The Cost of Losing a Strategic Industry · In March 2022, New Zealand's only oil refinery at Marsden Point ceased operations, ending nearly six…

New Zealand's agricultural economy depends on an industrial raw material that rarely makes headlines: sulphur. With international supply routes under pressure, questions are emerging about whether the country has sufficient reserves, alternative suppliers and domestic production capacity to withstand a prolonged disruption Report by eLocal | 17 October 2026 · A Warning That Deserves Examination · New Zealand has spent years debating energy…

Andrew Korybko examines a reported four-part US peace proposal involving Ukraine's reconstruction, security guarantees, European energy integration and a ceasefire. He argues that Moscow might accept a negotiated settlement, particularly if an energy agreement offers economic incentives, while questioning whether Kyiv would agree. It represents a pragmatic balance of interests between all sides. · The Washington Post reported that Trump’s…

President Donald Trump has reportedly condemned Ukraine’s renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries as a “disgrace”, amid concerns over rising global energy prices. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin warns of repercussions following Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian areas. · As funding from frozen Russian assets comes under pressure, EU leaders face difficult questions about continued financial support for Kyiv. Can Europe sustain its commitments,…