Post #295 31 October 2025

 Gentlefolk,

This post describes our main activities during the month of  October 2025.

The contents of this post are in the following sequence:

Photos of our activities during October 2025.

Our Canberra itinerary 22 - 29 Ocrtober.

News items which caught my eye in October 2025. 

A brief summary by MSNBC of some key actions by President Trump during October 2025. 

Graphs related to International business (Bloomberg).

Highlights of  October 2025

The highlight was our one-week visit to Canberra 22 - 29 October. It is 13 months since we left Canberra to move north to Caloundra. We decided to attend the wedding of Michael Tjoeng's son (Peter Tjoeng & Shirley Lam) in Canberra, and catch up with old friends. It was a busy few days, but wonderful to see everyone again.

Herewith photos of some of our activities in October 2025:

I am a member of "The Boyz" team at Trivia on Monday nights. Good fun.

With my bad back I had to stop golf, and have taken up Lawn Bowls - good fun.

We had lunch with Judy Bentley who was visiting Bribie Island from Canberra.

Called in to see John and Maria Boland at Bribie Island - old Cooma connection.

Wild Horse Outlook - great views of the Glasshouse Mountains at sunset.

"Walk for Cancer" around our Village, to raise funds for cancer research.

A good crowd watched the Rugby League Grand Final. The Brisbane Boncos came back in the second half to beat the Melbourne Storm. Exciting - great game.

Dinner at Jen & Tom's home in Brisbane, with Kurt and Sid (Nate is at Arkansas State University). Both Jen and Tom are very good cooks - the meal was delicious!

Spring has sprung - quite a few people in the surf at Kings Beach - but we will wait for summer before joining them! Kings Beach is the closest to us, about 10km, and we try to get there a couple of times a week. Always nice to walk along the beachside promenade.

The Social Committee put on a "Silent Disco". We didn't know what to expect - it was great fun - we danced the night away!
Sandie Ingram and Noel & Bronwynne Bates are wonderful at organising fun events.

We attended a concert at Maleny Community Hall by the Trippple Trouble Jazz Trio - wunderbar!

Presentation in the Clubhouse on the National Guide Dogs program.

One of our villagers, Alan Russell-Cox, is a volunteer trainer of guide dogs.

A "Craft Marketplace" in the Clubhouse revealed the great variety of talent in our village. 

We spent a week in Canberra, 22 - 29 October, to attend a wedding and catch up with old friends. It was a whirlwind seven days. The weather was pretty bleak (drizzling and cold - unusual for the end of October), but it was wonderful to get a warm welcome from so many friends. See our Canberra program below.

We attended the wedding of Peter Tjoeng and Shirley Lam at the Boat House.
Peter is the son of Michael Tjoeng - we were colleagues in the Trade Section of the Australian Embassy in Beijing in 1986 and we have remained friends.
It was a joyous occasion and we wish the newly-weds every happiness.

We had to dress up for the wedding - it was the first time I wore a tie in more than 12 months!

Maria Helena & Paul Nicoll.

Carol & Brian Keil.

Niken & John Robson.

Helen & John Hemphill.

Ketut Nanik & Adrian Clynes, and Betsy & John Philips.

Yvonne & Jim O'Callaghan and Kaye O'Hara.

Kay & Bob Stoddard, and Nee & Eugen Braun.

Christine & David Evans (Noel Cock took the photo).

Judy Bentley and Kevin Vassarotti.

Demsi hosted a group of Indonesian friends (Ibu Pomo, Reno, Nanik and Tieke) for lunch at her home in Mawson.

Simon Pietrafita.

Tieke & Robin Brown, and Iis & Raden Dunbar.

Sue & Frank Tavares.

Family dinner with Aniko & Peter Carey, Adrienne & Michael, and Britt & Nouvie.

 

Alex Shumack & Rae.

Former golfing buddies Brian Edwards, Bill Nelson, John Daley (absent Noel Cock, Peter Rayner, George Green and Phil Brake). 

Geoff Banbury, Neil Moffat, and Donna & John Bakker.

Sharon Loiterton.

Tieke & Robin Brown.

Aniko & Peter Carey - our wonderful hosts for the week. Thank you for your warm hospitality.
They are real estate agents for Lutons, and work incredibly hard. 

Our Budget rental car for the week was a Subaru Forester - great car. 

Vera & Alex trip to Canberra 22 – 29 October 2025
Date & Time	Event	People
Wednesday 22 October
8.25am	Fly from Brisbane to Canberra on QF1903	ETA Canberra 11.15am. Pick up hire car at Budget. Drop bags at Giblin St, Downer.
2.30pm	Coffee at Gang Gang Café.	Carol & Brian Keil
7pm	Dinner in Campbell.	Maria Helena and Paul Nicoll
Thursday 23 October
10am	Coffee at Beess Café, Yarralumla	Judy Bentley & Kevin Vassarotti.
12 noon	Lunch at “A bite to eat café” Chifley	Christine & David Evans, Noel Cock.
6.30pm	Dinner at Eastlake Club.	Sue & Frank Tavares
9pm	COTDC Dance group at St Benedict’s Hall (pop in).	Kendron, Paul Gray, Peter & Trish, Philip & Jade, etc
Friday 24 October
10.30am	Coffee at North Lyneham.	Yvonne & Jim, Kaye O’Hara
12 noon	Lunch at Southern Cross Club, Woden.	Kay & Bob Stoddard; Nee & Eugen Braun.
6.45pm	Dinner at Lotus Indian, Griffith shops	Ketut Nanik & Adrian Clynes, Betsy & John Philips.
Saturday 25 October
9.30am	Coffee at the Sosta Café, Black Mt Peninsula	Helen & John Hemphill
12 noon	Lunch at Majura Park.	Niken & John Robson.
5pm	Wedding and Reception at The Boat House.	Peter Tjoeng & Shirley Lam’s wedding.
Sunday 26 October
12 noon	Lunch at Demsi’s home in Mawson	Demsi & Tieke, Reno, Nanik, Bu Pomo, Vera.
12.30pm	Lunch at NLA	Noel & Alex
6pm	Dinner at the Saffron Room Persian Restaurant, Gungahlin	Tieke & Robin Brown, Iis & Raden Dunbar.
Monday 27 October
11am	Coffee in Queanbeyan.	Simon Pietrafita.
12.30pm	Lunch at their place	Sue and Frank Tavares.
3pm	Coffee at NGA	Maria Helena and Paul Nicoll
6.30pm	Family Dinner at Ainslie Football Club	Aniko & Peter; Britt & Nouvie; Adrienne & Michael.
Tuesday 28 October
9.30am	Inspection of our apartment in Kingston	With Chauntelle Macic (Luton Property).
10.30am	Coffee at Bitter Sweet Café, Kingston	Rae & Alex Shumack.
2.30pm	Drinks at Duntroon Golf Club	Golf group: Brian Edwards, Bill Nelson, John Daley.
7pm	Dinner at German Club	Neil Moffat (Helen at choir), Donna & John Bakker, Geoff Banbury.
9pm	Dance group at German Club (pop in after dinner).	Joyce & Roger Royal. Cathy & Peter Manning, Paul Gray, Linda & Terry
Wednesday 29 October
10am	Coffee at Dunlop	Sharon Loiterton
12 noon	Lunch at Southern Cross Club, Jamison	Tieke & Robin Brown.
5pm	Return hire car to Budget at Airport.
5.45pm	Flight QF1908 from Canberra to Brisbane.	ETA Brisbane 6.45pm. Uber to Jen’s place.

 

Caroline & Andrew and their kids Eddie & Jay moved from Sydney to London in August.
They want to develop a market for their furniture in the UK and Europe. Big challenge, we wish them well.

Eddie (11) has started high school in London - loves it!

Jay is in Primary School in London.

Our friends Alexandra & Sean O'Shaughnessy did a tour of Sri Lanka.
Sean climbed the Sigiria Rock Fortess - well done!

Will Costin on his walking tour of Northern Italy.

......

News items which caught my eye in October 2025.

($ are US dollars unless otherwise shown)

Global	UK: Dame Jane Goodall (work with chimpanzees) died aged 91. Sarah Mullally elected first female Arch Bishop of Canterbury and head of the Church of England. Hull beat Wigan 24-6 to win the English Super League.  Beau Greaves (21) beat Luke Littler (18) after he had won the Darts World GP. Prince Andrew was forced to give up many titles. Two British women Jess Rowe and Marion Pay, rowed from Peru to Australia (13,000 km). After 39 days as Nottingham Forest manager, Ange Postecoglou was fired (6 losses, 2 draws). The Philippines: Major earthquake 6.9 near Cebu, 69+ died. Morocco: widespread anti-Govt demonstrations. Indonesia: a Moslem boarding school dormitory in East Java collapsed, 69+ children dead. Japan: Sanae Takaichi became the first female PM. Gold: spot gold passed $4,000 per ounce. Soccer: Cristian Ronaldo became the first $1B soccer player. France: Hussamettin Dogan (44) lost his appeal against being found guilty of raping Gisele Pelicot (72); he got an increased sentence. 50 others were committed. Her husband Dominique drugged her and arranged the rapes. Thieves robbed jewelry from the Louvre Museum; several apprehended. Nobel Peace Prize: awarded to Maria Corina Machado, opposition leader in Venezuela. China: announced tighter export controls on rare earths – Trump threatened to increase tariffs on imports from by 100%. Govt said that by 2025, 30% of energy will come from renewables. The Govt announced the sacking of 9 senior military officers (incl General He Weidong who was a member of the Politburo) for financial crimes. Pres Xi met Pres Trump in South Korea to discuss trade issues. Five years ago almost 20% of China's exports went to the USA, but the figure has come down to about 11%. WIPO’s Global Innovation Index for 2025 top 10 countries: Switzerland; Sweden; USA; S. Korea; Singapore; UK; Finland; The Netherlands; Denmark; and China (Australia #22). STEM university courses: 6% of students in USA, 34% in China. F1: Lando Norris passed Oscar Piastri to lead the F1 competition with four races to go. Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire after a week of fighting. The Vatican: King Charles and Pope Leo prayed together in the Sistine Chapel. Argentina: President Milei’s party did well in the mid term elections. The Caribbean: Hurricane Melissa wrecked havoc on several countries.
Israel – Hamas & Hezbollah & Iran	Following Israel’s killing of 5 Hamas negotiators in Qatar last month, Pres Trump signed an ExOrder pledging to protect Qatar. Trump’s 20 point peace plan for the Israel / Hamas conflict in Gaza was accepted by the contestants on 11 Oct (Pres Trump addressed the Knesset and signed the peace agreement in Egypt).  20 living hostages were returned, and remains of deceased hostages; Israel freed 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees and allowed increased entry of aid. Both sides accuse the other for violations of the ceasefire; Israel has bombed parts of Gaza, and restricted aid shipments. The Gaza Health Authority says that almost 70,000 Palestinians (mainly children and women) have been killed in the last 2 years. 90% of infrastrcture and housing in Gaza has been destroyed.
Russian invasion of Ukraine	A meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest was called off. The USA imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies and pressured India to stop importing oil from Russia.
USA	Partial shutdown of the Federal Govt began on 1 October when Senate could not raise the 60 votes to pass the Budget; 11th shut down since 1980 (usually short-lived, but this time longer than a month). Trump took the opportunity to downsize many agencies and programs. President Trump went to Asia: he attended the ASEAN leaders meeting in KL, visited Japan to meet new female PM; and attended the APEC leaders meeting in South Korea, where Trump met Xi Jin Ping of China to address trade tensions.   Trump pulled down the East Wing of the White House to make room for a $300M ballroom which he said would be privately funded. To avoid 100% tariffs, Pfizer agreed to sell pharmaceuticals through a US Govt agency at lower prices. Elon Musk’s startup, xAI, raised $20B. 300 National Guard troops arrived in Chicago to protect ICE. Only about 9,000 illegal border crossings in last 9 months. CBS Newspoll 1-3 October listed key concerns of Americans as: Economy 27%, Inflation 21%, Health Care 15%, Immigration 4%, Crime 9%, Govt spending 9%, foreign affairs 4%. Qatar will build an air base in Idaho, for training purposes. Actress Diane Keaton died aged 79 (pneumonia). She won an Oscar for Annie Hall (1977). Also starred in The Godfather movies and The First Wives Club (with Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler). She had several prominent partners (incl Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, Al Pacino) but never married. Adopted 2 sons in her 50s. MIT rejected the Dept of Education’s proposed 'Compact of Academic Excellence'. The USA destroyed 10 alleged narco-boats in international waters near Venezuela. The average new car price passed $50,000 in the USA. Trump pledged to provide $40B to support the Argentine economy (if Millei won re election – which he did). The Dept of Justice indicted John Bolton, former National Security advisor in first Trump Admin, for sharing classified documents. USA imports from China in 2024: goods $439M, services $22B = total $461B. Top categories (over 70% of US market): Clothing, electronics, medical supplies, solar panels, furniture, batteries, toys, laptops, LED lights. Big “No Kings” rallies took place in many US cities. Trump blamed Antifa left wing ratbags. Strong sales of the iPhone 17 saw Apple shares pass $260. Amazon will reduce staff by 14,000; UPS by 34,000.
Australia	PM Albanese met President Trump at the White House; confirmed AUKUS and signed an agreement ($8.5B) to develop rare earths. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban announced split after 19 years of marriage (married on 25 June 2006) they have 2 daughters, Sunday 17 and Faith 14. She was with Tom Cruise 1990 – 2001, 2 daughters Bella 32 and Connie 30. NRL: the Brisbane Broncos came from behind to beat the Melbourne Storm 26-22 (Broncos last won in 2006). Two non-NSW teams. MVP Reese Walsh. Qld also won the Women’s Rugby League title and the AFL. James Tedesco (Roosters) won the Dally M medal for the second time. Sunscreen scandal grew – claims of 21 brands queried. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Transparency Report said that 1,136 of 4,110 (28%) companies with turnover of more than A$100M paid no tax in 2023-24. Govt (Fed & State) A$600M bailout to keep Glencore Copper Smelter operational in Mt Isa. Senator David Pocock was sacked from the Parliamentary Sports Club, but later reinstated (he had criticized sponsorship by betting agencies). Electricity generated by renewables (9.2 terawatt hours) passed coal (8.8 twh). The Bathurst 1000 car race was won by Matt Payne (23) and Garth Tander (48). Virginia Giuffre’s memoir “Nobody’s Girl” was published. (She committed suicide in early 2025 aged 41). Swimming champion Ariane Titmus (25) announced her retirement from competitive swimming. She won 2 golds in Tokyo (400m and 200m) and 2 in Paris. Lady Millie Tallis started the first Opportunity (Op) Shop 100 years ago, to raise funds for St Vincents Hospital, Fitzroy. Jamie Melham is the first female jockey to win the Caufield Cup (2,400m) on “Half Yours”. Caufield Cup prize money A$5M.

  

Some of President Trump’s actions in October 2025.

MSNBC

Said on social media that he would direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to send troops to Portland, Oregon.

Suggested that the Justice Department should investigate former FBI Director Chris Wray over the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Gave a speech to hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals to gather on short notice at a Marine base in Virginia.

Signed an executive order designating antifa, a decentralized set of left-wing groups, as a “domestic terrorist organization.”

Suggested on social media that he might try to sue ABC for putting late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel back on the air.

 

Was blocked twice by a federal judge from sending National Guard troops to Portland, Ore. after the judge said there was no factual basis.

Floated, again, the idea of giving households a “tariff rebate check” of as much as $2,000 even though revenue is not nearly large enough for that.

Fired the head of the Eisenhower Presidential Library after he refused to let Trump give one of its swords to Britain’s King Charles III.

Signed an executive order giving a NATO-like pledge to defend Qatar in the event of a foreign attack.

Reposted a graphic that called Democrats “the party of hate, evil, and Satan” on his Truth Social account.

 

Helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that includes a release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees and prisoners.

Announced, through Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a $20 billion currency swap with Argentina’s central bank.

Boasted that he can “throw around” tariff revenue during the government shutdown, despite questions about its legality.

Said, incorrectly, that “we took the freedom of speech away” on flag-burning because judges found “it agitates and irritates crowds.”

Held an “antifa roundtable” at the White House after signing an executive order targeting the loosely affiliated groups of anti-fascist activists.

 

Faced questions about his nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel, who reportedly said he had “a Nazi streak” in a text chat.

Had a seventh leading university reject its proposed compact to give the Trump administration greater control.

Began work on a second $20 billion economic bailout of Argentina, run by Trump ally Javier Milei.

Began tearing down part of the White House to build a $250 million ballroom despite pledging construction would not affect the existing structure.

Posted an AI-generated video of himself flying a fighter jet to dump what appeared to be feces on “No Kings” protesters.

 

Demolished the East Wing of the White House after promising that construction of a ballroom would not “interfere” with the building.

Deployed the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier to Latin America as part of a military buildup in the Caribbean.

Publicly called for the prosecution of former Attorney General Merrick Garland and former FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Ruled out running for vice president in 2028 but declined to definitively say he would not seek an unconstitutional third term.

Acknowledged getting an MRI during a recent visit to Walter Reed Medical Center but did not say why it was ordered.

 

......

INTERNATIONAL Business

My 30 year career as an Australian Trade Commissioner gave me an interest in matters related to international trade and economics.  I used to subscribe to Bloomberg's excellent daily newsletter "Supply Lines", but in May 2025 this publication became "pay only". Fortunately Bloomberg has other, shorter, daily bulletins, mainly about the USA economy. The following graphs are from those sources. They are self-explanatory.

......

That's it for this post. It's been another busy month, with more coming up (a trip to the Cook Islands in November, and then to Indonesia in December). 

We researched if Andrew could obtain German or Hungarian citizenship (if the family wants to live in the EU in future). German is difficult to obtain, but Hungary has "Citizenship by Descent", which could be a possible pathway to Citizenship as his grandfather (my father, Akos Zoltan Olah) was Hungarian (catch: Andrew would have to learn Hungarian to pass a language test). 

Stay happy and healthy, and keep smiling!

Vera & Alex Olah

Caloundra, Australia

Friday 31 October 2025

Post #294, 30 September 2025

 Gentlefolk,

This post describes our main activities during the month of  September 2025.

The contents of this post are in the following sequence:

Photos of our activities during September 2025.

News items which caught my eye in September 2025. 

A brief summary by MSNBC of some key actions by President Trump during September 2025. 

International business graphs (US and Canada).

Highlights of  September 2025

A number of friends & family events: 

• Jen & girlfriends in Portugal and Spain (Camino).
• Andrew & Caz & kids settling into life in London.
• Kurt's shoulder surgery.
• My back was giving me a lot of grief so I had an ultrasound which showed small tears in 2 glutes in the left buttock. Our GP, Dr Greenwood, suggested I try an anti-inflammatory, Meloxicam. It worked a treat - first time I've been almost pain-free in 4 years!!! But it can have side effects so she advised me to take it sparingly - so close, yet so far ...

 

Saying goodbye to Jen before her epic trip to Portugal and Spain with Jules and Tam.

Jen and Jules at Brisbane Airport. They met up with Tam in Singapore.

The "Three Amigos", Jules, Jen and Tam on their Camino adventure.

They spent time exploring Lisbon and Porto and other towns in Portugal.

Follow the Camino sign.

Part of the Camino trail in Spain. They averaged about 22 km a day.

Sometimes conditions were wet.

Celebrating at Santiago de Campostela.
Then they had a week in Spain (mainly around Malaga) before heading home.
Well done, girls!!!

Spring has sprung. September had many really lovely days, mid-to-high 20sC. Sea temperature is around 20C, still a bit cold for us oldies but many others are already swimming - see photo of Kings Beach.
I've strted using the pool at the Village again - a comfortable 27C!

Stockland put on a "Fiesta" for the residents, a light lunch and entertainment. Margaret, Una and Vera at the "Fiesta".

Andrew and Caroline moved to London in August to open a Reddie Office.  They have found a nice townhouse to rent in Highbury / Islington.
Our grandson Eddie, 11, is enjoying his new school.

Our granddaughter Jay, 8, at her new school in London - the change from Sydney has been unsettling for her.

Our suitcase lost a wheel at the carousel at Jakarta Airport when we were in Indonesia last month. It's a really nice "Ricardo" case. We tried hard in Bandung and in Brisbane, but spare parts for this brand are scarce so it looks as if we will have to ditch it. Pity.

Lunch with my niece Laura in Mooloolaba. She enjoys living and working in Noosa, and is keen to stay in Australia if she can (not easy these days). 

Will Costin enjoying his month in Italy. I met Will in Jakarta in 1972, and we have kept in touch. He is doing very well.

Lunch with Henny and Julius and their daughter Fina. They migrated from Indonesia to Australia in 2000. A lovely family. Fina is a lawyer in Brisbane.

Food, delicious food!

Our grandson Kurt needed surgery on both shoulders (rugby injuries). He had the right shoulder done in early August, and then the left shoulder in September (we went to Brisbane to help out while Jen was away). 
He is an apprentice electrician, and will be off work for many months.

Kurt is young and fit, so rehab of his shoulders should be OK.

ABBA concert in the Clubhouse - even our neighbour Gary got up and danced!

Caught up with fellow residents Therese and Greg to hear about their recent tour of China. 

End of Term 3 lunch for members of U3A Travel Chats group at the Power Boat Club, Golden Beach.

Watching the AFL grand final between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions. It was 36 all at half time, the Lions were 19 points ahead at three-quarter time, but then the Lions ran away with it in the 4th Quarter. The final score was 122 - 75. Most residents in our Village are Queenslanders, so delighted with the result.

The Brisbane Lions, AFL Aussie Rules Champions for the second year running. 

......

News items which caught my eye in September 2025.

($ are US dollars unless otherwise shown)

Global	SCO: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation met in Tianjin, attended by China, Russia, India, etc. China: big military parade in Beijing to commemorate 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender and the end of the Pacific War. Evergrande, once a huge real estate developer, was removed from the HK Stock Exchange; it had debts of $45B. Indonesia: President Prabowo said that MPs allowances would be reviewed following widespread anti-Govt demonstrations. Severe flooding in Bali, 15 dead. 1,500+ primary school children got food poisoning from the free lunch program. Gold: passed US$3,600 per ounce. Afghanistan: a major earthquake killed 1,500+. Portugal: The Gloria Funicular in Lisbon (built in 1885) derailed. Georgio Armani, famous Italian designer, died aged 91. Tennis: US Open in New York. Aryna Sabalenka beat Amanda Anisimova to win the Women’s Singles and Carlos Alcaraz beat Yannik Sinner to win the Men’s Singles. France: PM Francois Bayrou resigned after losing a vote of no confidence; replaced by Sebastien Lacornu. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and sentenced to 5 years in jail. Nepal: large anti-Govt demonstrations’ 30+ killed. UK: State visit by Trump and Melania. Ange Postecoglou took over as manager of Nottingham Forest. About 32,000 illegal immigrants have come to the UK in small boats so far this year. The PM announced that a new ”digital ID” will be introduced to combat illegal immigration. Brazil: Former President Jair Bolsonaro, was sentenced to 27 years for plotting a military coup to overturn the last election. PNG: Papua New Guinea celebrated 50 years of independence. Australia wants an enhanced Defence Treaty with PNG. Spain: Pro-Palestine demonstrations which disrupted the final stage of the Vuelta, were applauded by the Spanish Prime Minister. East Timor: Anti Govt-corruption demonstrations in Dili. Palestine: UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, France and Belgium joined the other 146 countries which already recognized Palestine. United Nations: 80th General Assembly held in New York. President Trump addressed the UNGA. He called it useless, and said climate change is a huge con job. With the US reducing funding, many UN programs and Agencies are in trouble. Typhoon Ragasa: Much damage and many deaths in the Philippines, Taiwan and southern China. Switzerland: Swiss voters narrowly (50.4%) voted for a voluntary electronic ID card.
Israel – Hamas & Hezbollah & Iran	Israel strikes on Yemen targeted the Houthi leaders. Israel attacked Qatar and killed Hamas negotiators. IDF launched full scale attack on Gaza City, many casualties. The UN Human rights Commission released a report stating that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Presidents Trump and Netanyahu unveiled a 20-point peace plan for Gaza. Will Hamas agree?
Russian invasion of Ukraine	26 countries said they would contribute to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, if there is a ceasefire with Russia. Dozens of drones were observed in Poland, most shot down. Russia said it was not responsible, but NATO worried.
USA	Trump renamed the Dept of Defence to the Dept of War. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to help ICE in LA violated the Federal Act that forbids the use of federal troops to enforce domestic laws. Nevertheless Trump deployed the National Guard to combat crime in Washington DC, and Memphis, and lately to Portland; he has threatened to use the National Guard in Chicago. The US Air Force destroyed three Venezuelan “narco-boats” in international waters, claiming they were transporting drugs. A Judge overturned Trump’s blocking of $2B in research grants to Harvard. Lachlan Murdoch was confirmed as Rupert’s successor; his 3 siblings, James, Elizabeth and Prudence, got $1B each. Larry Ellison (Oracle) $393B passed Elon Musk’s $385B to become the World’s richest person (at least temporarily). Right-wing influencer and Trump fan, Charlie Kirk 31, was shot and killed on a Utah campus. FBI arrested alleged killer Tyler Robinson, 22. Kirk was hailed as a martyr at a memorial service. NASA banned the employment of Chinese nationals. Actor Robert Redford died aged 89. He starred in over 50 films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969, with Paul Newman). He won an Oscar for Best Director. Trump filed a $25B lawsuit against the New York Times for defamation – the Judge described it as 'frivolous'. An Appeals Court stopped Trump from firing Lisa Cook, a Governor of the Federal Reserve. The Senate approved (48-47) Stephen Miran as a new Governor of the Federal Reserve. At its September meeting the FR cut interest rates by 0.25% to 4.25%. Disney/ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel for making light of Charlie Kirk’s death. They reversed the decision a week later following a huge backlash. The US will introduce a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas for technical specialists (IT experts from India get 70% of these visas). Without providing evidence, Trump warned pregnant women against using Tylenol (Paracetamol) as it may cause autism. The Dept of Justice charged former FBI Director James Comey with perjury (he is on Trump's enemy list). The Kraft-Heinz conglomerate will be split up. Trump announced new tariffs on imports of pharmaceuticals (100%), kitchen cabinets (50%) and heavy trucks (25%). Also movies not made in the USA.
Australia	South Australia banned fish-shaped soya containers as they cause pollution. Right-wing “March for Australia” rallies were held in several cities; limited support. The Federal Govt agreed to pay $495M to victims of Robodebt. Erin Patterson 50 was sentenced to life imprisonment (parole possible after 33 years) for the killing of 3 persons with poisonous mushrooms. The police offered a A$1M reward for information on Dezi Freeman, accused of killing 2 policemen; search now weeks old. PM Albanese announced $12B new naval base south of Perth. Latest Newspoll showed primary vote: Labor 36%, Coalition 27%. One Nation 10%, Greens 13% Independents 14%. The Govt said that its 2035 target is to reduce carbon emissions by 62% over 2005 levels. Despite ending the NRL regular season as Minor Premiers, my beloved Canberra Raiders lost to the Brisbane Broncos (28-29) and the following week lost to the Cronulla Sharks (12 – 32). The Grand Final will be between the Melbourne Storm and the Broncos on October 5. AFL: The Brisbane Lions 122 beat the Geelong Cats 75 to win the 2025 AFL Championship for the second year. Gold Coast Suns’ Matt Rowell won the Brownlow Medal.

 President Trump continued to dominate the media and news. 

 Trump's key actions in 7 days to 3 September 2025

MSNBC

Planned a military funeral for Ashli Babbitt, who was shot during the attack on the Capitol, according to documents released by a conservative nonprofit.

Revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, which had been extended by former President Joe Biden.

Claimed that Republicans in Congress were working on a “comprehensive crime bill” that does not appear to exist yet.

Claimed that his approval ratings, which are as low as 37% in one recent poll, are “in the 60s and even 70s.”

Ousted the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just weeks after she was confirmed by the Senate.

TRUMP’S key actions in week ending 10 Sept 2025

Continued to claim Trump’s signature was faked on a “birthday book” for sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Signed his 200th executive order after just 228 days in office, a pace that is unprecedented in modern history.

Said, during a speech at the Museum of the Bible, that when “a man has a little fight with the wife,” it’s not really a crime.

Announced that he intends for the next G20 summit to be held at a Trump-owned property in Florida.

Abandoned a Biden-era plan that sought to require airlines to compensate passengers when their flight is canceled.

 TRUMP’S key actions in week ending 17 Sept 2025

 Announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to Memphis, claiming the city is “deeply troubled.”

Said he was “not familiar” with the name of a Minnesota state lawmaker who was killed in an act of political violence.

Saw the Senate confirm Stephen Miran, a critic of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, to the Fed’s board of governors.

Announced he would level sanctions on Russia if all other countries in the 32-member NATO coalition do so.

Persuaded Missouri Republicans to back an unusual mid-decade redistricting that could help the GOP win another House seat next year.

Trump’s key actions in week to 24 September 2025

Demanded on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi move more quickly to prosecute his political opponents.

Said he was “trying” to get back Bagram Airfield, the former U.S. military base in Afghanistan.

Said on social media that he will designate antifa as a domestic terror group, despite the fact that there is no formal organization.

Said that news networks that write too many negative stories about him should “maybe” have their broadcast licenses taken away.

Filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times over its coverage that a judge dismissed as “tedious and burdensome.”

......

INTERNATIONAL Business

My 30 year career as an Australian Trade Commissioner gave me an interest in matters related to international trade and economics.  I used to subscribe to Bloomberg's excellent daily newsletter "Supply Lines", but in May 2025 this publication became "pay only". Fortunately Bloomberg has other, shorter, daily bulletins. The following graphs are from those sources (this month mainly about the USA economy).

......

Well, that's it for this month.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone, and keep smiling.

Vera & Alex Olah

Caloundra, Australia

Tuesday 30 September 2025