Washington presses allies to lift defense spending to deter China. Peace through strength, a shared burden. But Taiwan, Japan and Korea face domestic hurdles that could stall the boosts.

Maxwell speaks through Todd Blanche. The full interview is released. She is serving 20 years for recruiting underage girls for Epstein. The DOJ makes transcripts and audio public, to shed light and renew scrutiny of Trump ties and calls to publish the Epstein files.

Chikungunya news: the US suspends Ixchiq vaccine license after serious adverse events. Four new cases, three aged 70 to 82. Suspension is immediate. Valneva weighs next steps as H1 sales reach €7.5 million. The WHO warns climate may bring more cases.

Labour's Winter Fuel Payment overhaul leaves about 600,000 disabled pensioners short of £300. Those earning over £35,000 repay via PAYE. Critics call the scheme complex and unfair, a bite amid a £50 billion budget challenge.

France faces environmental politics. A petition against reauthorizing a banned pesticide drew 2,125,934 signatures, and acetamiprid's return was blocked. Heat, wildfires and climate talk keep the issue in play, with doubt on lasting momentum.

The Digest, 8/25/2025 @600AM, CDT

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