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US probes near-miss between Southwest Airlines jet, helicopter
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board announced on Sunday that it will send a team to Ohio's Cleveland International Airport near Cleveland International Airport, Ohio, to investigate a close call between Southwest Airlines jets and helicopters on October 29, 2009. NTSB stated that the two aircraft lost separation - which means they were closer than the minimum distance required - as Southwest Flight 1333 made its final approach to Baltimore. Southwest's pilot aborted the landing because of this. Southwest reported that the Boeing 737 landed successfully a few minutes later. The mid-air collision on January 29, between an American Airlines regional plane and a U.S. Army chopper outside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the U.S. Capital, killed 67 people and raised alarm over close calls between commercial aircraft and helicopters.
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Ukraine: Thousands of people are without power after Russia strikes the frontline region
Ukraine's authorities reported that two people died in Odesa's southern region, and nearly 60,000 were left without power after the overnight Russian airstrike on Ukraine's frontline Zaporizhzhia region. As winter approaches, Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's electricity grid. This has caused outages, and forced Kyiv emergency crews into a race to fix damage and manage rolling power blackouts. Ivan Federov said that the attack in Zaporizhzhia resulted in two injuries and the destruction of buildings, he told Telegram. Fedorov posted photos of nighttime images of buildings that had their facades and windows ripped off. Zaporizhzhia is subjected to daily Russian artillery, drone and missile strikes, which have caused destruction of homes, crippled utility services and killed a number of people. Moscow also pressures Ukraine’s defences, and disrupts the links between the south and the rest. Fedorov confirmed that the attack overnight injured two people. He said that Russia's 800 attacks on 18 settlements across the region over 24 hours and into Sunday morning killed one person, injured three others. Ukraine's emergency service reported on Telegram that two people were killed in the overnight Russian drone attack on Odesa, on Ukraine's Black Sea Coast. Separately the death toll of a Russian air strike that ignited a shop in Dnipropetrovsk on Saturday is now four, including two boys aged 11-14. Russia has not yet commented on the attack. Both sides deny that they are targeting civilians, but the majority of the victims in this conflict have been Ukrainians. Reporting by Lidia Kelley in Melbourne, Editing by Clarence Fernandez & Jamie Freed
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Ukraine: Thousands of people are without power after Russia strikes the frontline region
The regional governor reported that nearly 60,000 people had no power after the overnight Russian air strike on Ukraine's frontline Zaporizhzhia region, which left two dead and a number of buildings in ruins. As winter approaches, Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks on generation and distribution infrastructure to cause blackouts that have Kyiv emergency crews scrambling to fix damage and manage rolling power outages. Ivan Fedorov said that crews would restore power "as soon as security conditions allow" on Telegram, where he had posted photos of nighttime images of buildings with their facades and windows ripped off. Zaporizhzhia is subjected to daily Russian artillery and missile strikes, which have caused destruction of homes and utilities, and resulted in the deaths of many people. Moscow also pressures Ukraine’s defences, and disrupts the links between the south and the rest. Fedorov confirmed that the attack overnight injured two people. He said that Russia's 800 attacks on 18 settlements across the region over 24 hours and into Sunday morning killed one person, injured three others. (Reporting and editing by Clarence Fernandez in Melbourne, Lidia Kelly from Melbourne)
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What did Trump and Xi agree on regarding tariffs, export control, and fentanyl
On Saturday, the White House released details of an agreement between U.S. president Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping that was reached this week to de-escalate both countries' trade conflict. This included U.S. Tariff reductions and a pause on Beijing's restrictions on rare earth mineral and magnets. The agreement, which includes the resumption by China of its purchases of American soybeans and averts Trump’s threatened 100% tariff against Chinese goods, extends for approximately a year a fragile trade truce between two of the largest economies in the world. Here are some key elements of the Trump - Xi agreement reached in Busan on Thursday. TARIFF REDUTION ON CHINESE GOODS RELATED TO FENTANYL The U.S. is halving the 20% tariff placed on Chinese goods relating to the supplies of fentanyl precursor chemicals that come from China. According to U.S. officials, the reduction in tariffs from February to 10% will reduce the U.S. overall tariff rate for Chinese imports by about 57% to 47%. This total includes tariffs of approximately 25% on Chinese imports imposed during Trump's initial term as President, a 10% "reciprocal tariff" imposed in April along with previous "Most Favoured Nation" rates. CHINA ABANDONS RARE-EARTH CONTROL OF EXPORTS China has agreed to a pause of one year on the export controls that it announced this month. Rare earth minerals and magnets play vital roles in cars and planes as well as weapons. They are Beijing's strongest source of leverage during its trade war against Washington. These controls would have required export licensing for products that contained even trace amounts of an expanded list of elements, and were intended to prevent their use in weapons. White House: China will issue general export licenses for rare earths and other materials such as gallium, germanium and antimony to the U.S. and its suppliers. White House stated that this amounted "to the de facto removal" of controls China had imposed between April 2025, and October 2022. The White House announced that China has also agreed to cease all retaliatory duties it has imposed since March 4. These include duties on U.S. poultry, wheat, corn and cotton, soybeans, pork and beef, as well as aquatic products, fruits, vegetable, and dairy products. Beijing said it would also suspend all non-tariff countermeasures that had been taken by the Chinese government against the U.S., such as the listing of certain American companies in the Chinese government’s lists of end users and unreliable entities. Export controls by the Trump Administration have been paused The U.S. agreed on a one-year suspension of an expanded Commerce Department Blacklist of companies that are prohibited from purchasing U.S. Technology Goods, including semiconductor manufacturing machinery. This was to avoid the use of subsidiaries or other firms in order to circumvent export controls. The expanded blacklist automatically included companies that were more than half owned by the companies already listed. This would have been the most significant impact on Chinese firms, as it would have banned U.S. Exports to thousands of Chinese firms. CHINA COMMITS PURCHASE OF SOYBEAN The White House announced that China had agreed to purchase at least 12,000,000 metric tons (or 25,000,000 metric pounds) of U.S. soya beans in 2025's last two months, and at least 25,000,000 metric pounds of U.S. soya beans in each of three subsequent years. The White House also announced that China had agreed to resume its purchases of U.S. hardwood logs and sorghum. China has stopped purchasing U.S. beans in large quantities this fall, and purchased none in September. It now sources its beans from Brazil or Argentina. Washington demanded more purchases due to the loud complaints of U.S. Farmers, who are a major Trump constituency. Analysts have noted that China's soybean purchases will not exceed their previous levels. The U.S. exported almost 27 million tons to China in 2024. China had promised to increase soybean purchases as part of the "Phase One", a Trump-negotiated trade agreement that stopped a trade conflict in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from meeting their targets. China will also take steps to resume trade with chipmaker Nexperia's facilities The White House stated in its fact sheet that the production of legacy chips is now allowed to be exported to other countries. The White House announced that Beijing would also extend its market-based exclusion process of imports from America, and the exclusions will remain in effect until December 31, 2026. The White House announced that China would end its antitrust, antimonopoly, and antidumping investigations against U.S. semiconductor firms. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PUTS OFF NEW PORT FEE The White House announced that Beijing had agreed to lift the sanctions imposed against various shipping companies and remove the measures taken in retaliation to Washington's Section 301 inquiry into China's dominance in the global maritime, logistic and shipbuilding sectors. The Trump administration has agreed to suspend for one year the new port fees that are imposed on Chinese built, owned and flagged ships. The fees were intended to revive U.S. shipbuilding and could have added thousands of dollars per voyage to U.S. port. On October 14, the port fees and 100% tariffs were implemented, along with ship-to shore cranes built in China. The fees disrupted the cargo flow and caused container prices to rise as shippers tried to avoid China-linked ships. China has set its own fees for U.S. linked ships, which includes those owned by global shippers who have 25% U.S. equity. White House announced that it would continue to talk with South Korea and Japan about revitalizing American shipbuilding while negotiating with China on the issue. COOPERATION AGAINST FENTANYL TRACKERS The White House announced that China had agreed to "significant measures" in order to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. This included a halt to the shipment of certain chemical precursors to North America, and a strict control of exports of chemicals around the world. U.S. Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent said on Fox Business Network that in the next few weeks, working groups of both countries will "set very objective measurements" to reduce flows and measure the success of curbing the deadly drug blamed for tens thousands of U.S. deaths from overdoses every year. The tariffs were put in place by the Trump administration because they were worried about China's promises to help. They said that the tariffs would be in place until Beijing took concrete steps. Reporting by David Lawder; editing by Paul Simao, David Gregorio, and Doina Chiacu.
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The pilots' union gives Lufthansa more time to settle pensions dispute and avoid a possible strike
According to a letter sent to members by the German pilots' union VC on Saturday, Lufthansa has been given more time to settle a pensions dispute. This will prevent a strike for the moment. In the letter of Friday, it was stated that the employer would be asked to make an offer again, and with a deadline. The talks have been going on since May. It said that it would "grant management enough time" to do this so, for the moment, no industrial action should be expected. However, it did not specify how much time management would receive. Lufthansa avoided a strike after VC members voted for it in a ballot held at the end September. The union wants higher employer contributions for the 4,800 employees in the cockpit of Lufthansa's core brand and its cargo subsidiary, LufthansaCargo. (Reporting and writing by Ilona wissenback in Frankfurt, Sarah Marsh in Berlin, Rod Nickel).
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On the anniversary of a deadly roof collapse, Serbia witnesses tens of thousands of protests.
A year after the roof of a railway station collapsed, killing 16 people in Serbia's second largest city, tens of thousands protesters marched through the streets on Saturday. They were angry about alleged corruption as well as a perceived lack of accountability. The anger at the lack of prosecutions for those responsible for the collapsed roof has shook President Aleksandar Vucic’s grip on power. Witnesses said that protesters streamed in Novi Sad (a northern city), where the tragedy occurred, either by car, bus or foot. Some had walked long distances. One of Novi Sad’s main boulevards, which was crowded with people, was awash in protesters. Many of the protesters were young. They observed 16 minutes silence, one for each victim. This began at 11:52 am (1052 GMT) when renovations to the roof led to its collapse on November 1, 2024. The protesters wore white flowers, held large red hearts with the names of those who died in the train collapse and placed wreaths at the station. The black-clad father of one victim, in tears, stared at the name of his daughter, amongst others, affixed to the perimeter fence of the station for hours. No violence was reported, unlike during some summer protests when tear gas and stun grenades were used by riot police to disperse rallies. "WE SAY THIS IS ENOUGH" "This is an enormous tragedy for the Serbians." "We cannot bring them back, but we can feel their pain and say enough," said Sladjana BURMAZ, a 51 year old economist from Valjevo in central Serbia. She said: "These people weren't killed by accident. Their deaths were caused by a bad system, poor politics... Justice would be served, if the responsible parties were held accountable." Vucic published on Instagram a picture of himself holding a candle in a church at a ceremony to commemorate the victims of this disaster in Belgrade. Vucic wrote: "Let their names serve as a reminder to all that the human life is more important than any divisions in society." He added that the government had declared Saturday a national day of mourning. Students, academics, and leaders of the opposition are leading a protest movement that accuses Vucic, and his populist, nationalist party, of being responsible for corruption, poor public services, nepotism, and restrictions on media freedoms. They deny these accusations. RAPPORT INDEPENDENT TO EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Last week, an independent commission made up of professors and judges as well as technical experts who investigated the tragedy reported its findings to the European Parliament. The report revealed that high-level corruption at the state level led to low construction standards and unqualified subcontractors being hired. Such accusations have been denied by government officials. Vucic, as well as Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, recently said that the collapse of the roof could have been a terrorist act. The prosecution has indicted senior officials of the state on charges that they endanger public safety. However, a court still needs to confirm this indictment. This prevents a trial. Reporting by Ivana Skularac, editing by Mark Heinrich
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Berkshire Cash sets record profit, signals caution before Buffett's exit
Berkshire Hathaway said on Saturday it was cautious in the markets. It let cash reach a record of $381.7 billion, even though profits rose. This is its final financial report before Warren Buffett steps down as CEO. Buffett's conglomerate has sold more shares than it purchased for the 12th consecutive quarter. Its $283.2 billion portfolio of equity holdings includes Apple and American Express. Berkshire did not buy back any of its stock either, marking the fifth consecutive quarter that it hasn't done so, despite its stock price being significantly below the market. Net income increased 17% to $30.8 billion. Lower insurance losses helped increase third-quarter operating profits by 34%, exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue grew by just 2% - slower than the growth rate of the U.S. overall economy. Berkshire stated that economic uncertainty and waning confidence in consumers have been drags. This has slowed down sales growth for the Clayton Homes homebuilder, and reduced revenue from Fruit of the Loom clothing, Squishmallows toys, and Jazwares. Berkshire isn't keeping up, said CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert. She has a "hold rating" on Berkshire. Investors will find it difficult to find a catalyst that can move this stock. BUFFETT READY TO BOW OUT; ABEL to take over Buffett, 95 years old, has been building up cash as he prepares for his end-of-year departure as CEO after six decades. The legendary investor will be succeeded by Vice Chairman Greg Abel (63), though Buffett remains chairman. Abel is more of a hands-on manager compared to Buffett. The Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire has a lot of cash. He could pay the conglomerate its first dividend since 1967. Berkshire plans to spend $9.7 billion in cash to purchase Occidental Petroleum’s OxyChem chemical business. The transaction was announced on October 2. James Shanahan of Edward Jones, who in September upgraded his Berkshire rating from "buy" to "buy", said that the company's refusal to spend more cash during the current market rally was disappointing. He said that if you think stocks, even your own, are too expensive, you will eventually be right. But you can be wrong a long time. That's what happened in this case. NET INCOME RISES, HELPED BY GAINS ON STOCKS The operating profit of $13,49 billion, or $9,376 for each Class A share, increased from $10.09billion a year ago. More than two fifths of the growth was due to currency fluctuations. The results were boosted by the absence of major disasters like hurricanes. Geico, the car insurance company, reported lower profits because it spent more on advertising to obtain new policies. As interest rates fall, insurance will face a headwind. This was also the case in the third-quarter. BNSF increased its profit by 6% in the first quarter of this year, citing "lower fuel costs" and "improved productivity". Berkshire Hathaway Energy's 9% decline in profit was due to legal costs from wildfires as well as higher costs for natural gas pipelines in Britain and Northern Powergrid. Berkshire continues to evaluate how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by U.S. president Donald Trump in July, might impact its renewable energy project viability. The net income of $30.8 billion, or $21,413 for each Class A share, increased from $26.25 billion the year before. Net results include gains or losses on stocks Berkshire does not sell. Buffett thinks that such results do not help him understand his company. STOCK PRICES LAGS in the Broader Market Investors are selling Berkshire stock in response to their concerns about the company's future and pending changes in management. Berkshire stock has dropped 12% since Buffett announced he was stepping down on May 3. It is now 32 percentage points behind the Standard & Poor 500. Berkshire will be 11 percentage points below the index by 2025. "Impatient Investors feel that Berkshire needs to deploy its money urgently and are casting their nets in other directions," said Tom Russo. Tom Russo is a partner of Gardner Russo & Quinn, a $10 billion investment firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Russo owns Berkshire shares since 1982, and he said that Berkshire is "extremely well positioned" over the long-term. He said that Berkshire would not deploy capital if it didn't add intrinsic value to each share. Knowing what guides Berkshire allows investors to make an informed decision. Conglomerate has close to 200 companies that include Dairy Queen, See's Candies and chemical and industrial businesses. Since 2016, it hasn't made any major acquisitions since paying $32.1 Billion for Precision Castparts, a maker of aerospace parts. Shanahan stated that "Abel is a great opportunity."
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Shooting on Greek island Crete leaves two dead and 10 injured
In a shooting that took place in a village in Crete, Greece on Saturday, a man and woman were both killed. At least 10 other people were injured. A senior police official called it a family vendetta. The police have not released any immediate information on the suspect shooter who opened fire at the village of Vorizia. Unknown to the first police official, a second said that an explosion occurred on Friday evening at a building site in which a bomb had been placed. Both police officials spoke under condition of anonymity. Crete is a place where violent feuds have been fought between families in the past over disputes fueled by revenge, insults and hurting honour. The second official confirmed that Greece's top officials in the police, including the chief of the force and the leader of the unit combating organised crime, would be heading to Crete this Saturday. Reporting by Yannis Soulieotis, Renee Maltezou and Peter Graff.
US probes near-miss between Southwest Airlines jet, helicopter
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board announced on Sunday that it will send a team to Ohio to investigate a close call between an Southwest Airlines jet and medical helicopter on October 29, near Cleveland International Airport.
The NTSB stated that the two aircraft lost separation - which means they were closer than the minimum distance required - as Southwest Flight 1333 made its final approach to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Southwest's pilot aborted the landing. Southwest reported that the Boeing 737 landed successfully a few minutes later.
NTSB or Southwest have not disclosed the number of passengers on board the aircraft. According to the way the helicopter identified itself, it appears that the helicopter was transporting a passenger at the moment of the accident.
Southwest Airlines said in a Sunday statement that it "appreciates our crew's professionalism in dealing with the situation." We will cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation.
A representative of the medical transport company didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.
The mid-air collision on January 29, between an American Airlines regional plane and a U.S. Army chopper outside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the U.S. Capital, killed 67 people and raised alarm over close calls between commercial aircraft and helicopters.
Flightradar24, an aviation tracking website, said that air traffic control audio and tracking flight showed that in the Cleveland incident the Southwest plane had to divert from its original course in order to avoid the Eurocopter that was passing directly in front of it. The site reported that both aircraft were at a height of 2,075 feet (632 metres) at one time and were only 0.56 miles away (0.9 km) from each other.
According to Flightradar24, an air traffic controller requested that the medical helicopter go behind other flights in the area of the airport. The helicopter pilot replied "it would be better if it could go above and in front if it can" and the controller agreed.
According to two people who were briefed about the issue, the Southwest captain stated in a report sent to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the incident was "extremely near" and needed immediate action to prevent a collision. Last month, the FAA announced that it would modify helicopter routes near BWI International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport in order to create buffer zones following the January crash. This also applies at Reagan.
U.S. lawmakers, as well as NTSB investigators, have criticized the FAA for not acting on reports of near miss incidents prior to the collision that occurred on January 29, 2009. At the time of crash, the Army Black Hawk helicopter had exceeded the maximum permissible altitude. Both the helicopter as well as the airliner crashed in the Potomac River. The FAA banned the Army in May from flying helicopters close to the Pentagon following a near-miss on May 1, which forced two civilian planes into aborted landings.
In March, the NTSB reported that between 2021 and now there have been 15,200 incidents of loss of separation air near Reagan between helicopters and commercial aircraft. This includes 85 close calls.
(source: Reuters)